Wildlife and Nature

Exploring the Oregon Coast is an endless proposition. The scenery in and around Seaside is beautiful and breath-taking, and the diverse wildlife and marine life make up a fabulous eco system. Seaside's rich and varied landscape supports an amazing diversity of wildlife and plenty of things to do.

Conserving the diversity of wildlife species and their habitats is not only critical to the continued health of lands and waters within and beyond the state's borders; it also enriches the lives of Oregonians who enjoy wildlife in their backyards or in travels around the state. In addition, many tourists come to Oregon to enjoy its fish and wildlife resources and contribute significantly to the state's economy.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the fishing and crabbing opportunities. Several walking and hiking trails are located just minutes from downtown, offering a taste of the city’s diverse wilderness.

North Gateway Park at the northern end of the Neawanna Natural History Park, is a park with open space and hiking trails into a large forest along high-saline salt marsh near the estuary bay.  The land is culturally and spiritually significant to the Clatsop people and the North Coast Land Conservancy protects all of the forest here in perpetuity.  The Coastal Natural History Center next the  Gateway Park provides Native American historical displays, a facsimile of a cedar long-house, archaeological exhibits, tsunami and geological information, bird-watching from the deck, photo collections of our many native animals and plants, microscopes for the kids to explore small things and information on great places to explore in the region. 

Necanicum River and Estuary Walking Trail leads out to sea through rugged sand dunes. The Necanicum River is popular for boating, crabbing and fishing. The Estuary Walking Trail is accessible from the 12th Avenue parking lot and weaves through more unspoiled territory for about a mile, eventually ending at a rocky area near the bay’s mouth.

Broadway Park Is Seaside’s oldest community park.  It has sports fields, basketball courts, an award wining skate park, swimming pool, youth center and access to the Neawanna River for canoeing and kayaking.  And, it is located right across the street for Seaside’s new Public Library

Mill Ponds Park is one of Seaside’s newest and least developed parks, this area was formerly a round-rock quarry and the site of alder board and cedar shake mills.  One millpond is fed by freshwater springs and the other is influenced by tidal salt water from the ocean via Neawanna Creek.  The variety of habitat attracts a spectacular number of birds and insects and the site is beautiful and quiet.  This is the south end of the Neawanna Natural History Park, which continues three miles down stream to the estuary of the river.

Quatat Park is located in downtown Seaside, along the Necanicum River.  It is host to our summer concert series, “Where the Stars Play”. This park has picnic tables and a boat ramp.

The Cove is Seaside’s favorite spot to watch surfers, waves, whales and birds, as well as explore tide pools and fish from the rocks.  The Cove located on Sunset Boulevard in south Seaside is both fascinating and scenic.

Ecola State Park, south of Seaside, offers a great place for whale watching and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The mists and fog against the sun and the changing surf create a myriad of shades and vistas. The beaches are ideal for walking, picnicking and whale watching. At this official watch point, you can see Grey whales migrating along the coast during the spring, winter and summer.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is home to Fort Clatsop which is 15 miles north of Seaside.  This is the site that commemorates the 1805-06 winter encampment of the 33-member Lewis and Clark Expedition. The facility includes the reconstructed fort, a Visitor Center, Museum, historical exhibits and a picnic area joined by trails through the wetlands and rainforest. The fort’s, historic Netul canoe landing, and spring are nestled in the forests and wetlands of the Coast Range as it merges with the Columbia River Estuary.

Oregon Coast Trail begins with a flat, 17-mile stretch from the South Jetty of the Columbia River to Seaside. Follow in the footsteps of the Lewis & Clark Expedition on the six-mile hike across Tillamook Head between Seaside and Cannon Beach and enjoy the forest and ocean views.

Fort Stevens State Park originally a Civil War fortification over the Columbia River in 1863, Fort Stevens State Park is one of Oregon's loveliest and largest parks. Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, the wreck of the "Peter Iredale," freshwater lakes, picnic facilities, nature trails, boating, camping, biking, horseback riding, and swimming. Fort Stevens has over six miles of hiking trails and nine miles of winding bike trails, and is the beginning of the Oregon Coast Trail traversing south to California.

In Fort Stevens State Park, Coffenbury Lake provides two swimming areas, picnicking and a boat ramp. Crabapple Lakes has a boat ramps for fishing boats and canoeing, as well.

Fort Columbia State Park Located in Chinook, Washington, is a 593-acre historical park with 6,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. The park celebrates a military site that constituted the harbor defense of the Columbia River from 1896 to 1947. The park provides beautiful views of the Columbia River estuary, observation station, and five miles of hiking trails through mature forest. An Interpretive center focuses on fort history and Chinook Native American culture.

Cullaby Lake and Carnahan County Park  — Cullaby Lake comes complete with picnic tables, boat ramps, a swimming area, grills stoves and other amenities. Access to the popular lake and nearby park is a bit north of the Del Rey Beach Road.

Youngs River Falls, discovered by the Lewis and Clark expedition while hunting in the area, became a backdrop for the filming of a scene in Free Willy II. This stunning 65-foot waterfall is located south of Astoria on Youngs River Loop Road. Youngs River Falls County Park is a popular picnic spot and cycling route.

Oswald West State Park has 12 miles of the beautiful Oregon Coast Trail, Neahkahnie Mountain and a hike-in primitive campground.

Saddle Mountain (elev. 3,283') is a marvel of natural beauty. The Saddle Mt. Trail is a 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to the top, surrounding rough terrain and steep grades, which make for interesting climbing and is recommend for experienced climbers. As you climb, remember to look up and out at the landscape as you will see mature forest and fields of wildflowers on you way to the rocky summit. The view from the apex is a floral show that only exists at that elevation.