Have you considered a coastal Fall road trip? I know what you’re thinking—why visit the coast in the Fall? The water is too cold for swimming—actually it’s too cold and rough most of the year for swimming. And it will be rainy, right?

Wrong! Fall is the peninsula’s best kept secret! With less crowded campsites and more opportunities to get outdoors, Fall is calling your name. 

Hiking 

Fall foliage is best seen in our coastal woodland wonderland. Hike your way through hidden coves and natural forest paths at any of our four state parks. Avid birder? Our forests attract all types of species during this autumn season. 

• Cape Disappointment State Park
• Fort Columbia State Park
• Leadbetter Point State Park
• Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

Biking

The peninsula is great for beach bike rides or even right down main street. Take an afternoon and rent some bikes from one of our two favorite shops in town – Beachin’ Bicycles or Long Beach Bicycles. From there, we encourage you to take a leisurely ride on the 8-mile long paved Discovery Trail. The Discovery trail stretches all the way from Port of IIwaco down to North Long Beach. 

Razor Clamming

This year the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife announced a record number of dig dates for this Fall season. Not sure what razor clamming is? No worries! Our visitor center has a variety of educational pieces for you or you can visit us during the The Razor Clam Festivaland get a free clam digging lesson from our local experts. Just be sure to get your clam digging license ahead of time!

Lighthouse + Whale Watching 

You can’t go to the coast without visiting a lighthouse! Thankfully for us, we have two for you to check out during your trip. First, you must go see the North Head Lighthouse, which was recently restored! This lighthouse was completed in 1898 and was used then & now to guide mariners approaching from the North. The second and most famous of the two would be the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. This architectural beauty was constructed in 1848 due to a vast number of shipwrecks due to dense fog that accumulates in the low tide areas. After its completion this 53-foot masterpiece still stands tall today and is a perfect place to spot a whale or two in the early mornings.  

Museums & Historical Sites 

Are you a history buff? Guests all around travel to the Long Beach Peninsula for their rich history. Many of these museums end up being packed during the Summer season, but you are in luck! During Fall you will be able to experience these sought after spots in a more intimate setting. We recommend the The Lewis and Clark Museum, Cranberry Museum, and Middle Village-Station Camp. Also, don’t forget Marsh’s Free Museum, where you can see sideshow style attractions such as an eight-legged lamb, full-sized Wildebeest, and Jake the Alligator Man. This is a perfect rainy-day activity! 

There’s so much to see and do on the Oregon Coast. Check back as we add more tips for your Oregon Coast fall adventure.

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