Razor Clamming at Sunset
Seaside, Oregon

Razor clamming is a popular pastime along the North Coast. The clamming season in Seaside generally opens in early fall and lasts through early to mid summer. During low tide, the shoreline is filled with determined clam hunters stomping and poking at the sand. Once the telltale siphon holes and dimples left by the clams are found, the race is on. Using clam shovels or specially designed tubes, clammers quickly and carefully extract their prize from the sand. The extreme low tides that occur each month are especially good for clamming, so even after nightfall, rows of glowing lanterns can be seen dotting the waters edge.

Mussel Shell
Hug Point, Oregon

Mytilus edulis, also known as the “Blue,” or “Common Mussel,” as well as California Mussels, are common residents along the Oregon coastline. Clinging fiercely to rocky surfaces, mussels can withstand powerful currents and crashing surf. As filter feeders, mussels pump seawater through their body cavities, and extract the nutrients.  Mussels have long been harvested for their meat, however, various toxins and organisms can make shellfish unsafe, so it is important to always check local regulations and safety bulletins.

Aggregating Anemones
Hug Point, Oregon

Pink or lavender-tipped aggregating anemones, along with giant green anemones, are a common sight in local tidepools. Aggregating anemones often form large groups of small, 2-3 inch diameter individuals. Also known as “cloning anemones,” this species can reproduce asexually through fission, creating identical clones. They are also known to be hostile towards genetically different anemone colonies, and will fight for territory using their stinging tentacles.

Western Trillium
Seaside, Oregon

Appearing in the early spring, the Western Trillium can be found in shady, damp areas of the forest floor. The plant itself consists of three large green leaves and a single white three-petal flower. As the flower ages, the petals may turn a violet or pinkish shade. Although beautiful, a Trillium should never be picked. The plant generally does not survive once picked, and if it does, it takes years to recover. Because of the serious impact this can have on Trillium populations, added to the ever increasing problem of habitat loss, the Western Trillium is a protected species.

Cathedral Tree
Astoria, Oregon

Just a short trail hike from the Astoria Column stands a 200 foot tall giant known as the Cathedral Tree. Amazingly, this monstrous Sitka Spruce has withstood hurricane force winds and storms for approximately 300 years. The surrounding beautiful vegetation, wildlife, and fantastic views have combined to make this area a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Pacific Treefrog
Seaside, Oregon

Pacific treefrogs are a common species in the Pacific Northwest. They range in color from brown to bright green, and are even able to change color. Some frogs have relatively solid coloration, while others have heavy spotting and patterning. In the spring months, local ponds are filled with a lively chorus of calling males.

Western Gull
Seaside, Oregon

Western Gulls and Glaucous-winged Gulls are two of the most common seagulls on the Oregon Coast. However, along the North Coast and into Washington, Western Gulls hybridize extensively with Glaucous-winged Gulls. One way to differentiate between the species is by looking at coloration of the wing tips. Western Gulls have black wing tips and a darker grey color on their backs, while Glaucous-winged Gulls have pure white wing tips. Hybrids of the two species generally have coloration that is somewhere in between, with wing tips that are a shade of grey.

Offshore Rocks
Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon

The trails atop Neahkahnie Mountain reward visitors with inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, offshore rocks and local landscapes. Neah-Kah-Nie, meaning "place of the supreme deity" has a long history of mystery and intrigue. Legend has it that in the late 1500s Spanish sailors buried gold somewhere on the mountain. The treasure is said to be guarded by the ghost of a slave who was killed and buried along with the gold. Countless determined treasure hunters have combed the area, only to come up empty handed ... yet the legend continues to persist.

Hug Point Wayside
Hug Point, Oregon

Before the construction of Highway 101 in the 1930s, stagecoach travelers had to transverse the beach and rocky headlands. Evidence of this can still be found at Hug Point, where the worn road carves its way into the rock, "hugging" the mountainside. At low tide, visitors can still walk the original road. Other interesting features and attractions at Hug Point include grotto-like caves, tidepools, unique rock formations and even a waterfall.

View from Silver Point
Cannon Beach, Oregon

The area known as Silver Point is a rocky outcropping located at the very South end of Cannon Beach. During low tides, one can even walk to Silver Point from Cannon Beach. From Highway 101, there are two large viewpoints at Silver Point. Informative signs at these viewpoints will help you to identify offshore rocks, beaches and landmarks. Silver Point is also a good area for wildlife viewing and beachcombing. Gray whales, seals and shorebirds can often be spotted from this area, as well as beachcombing treasures such as jasper, agates and shells.

View from the Column
Astoria, Oregon

In the middle of Astoria, atop Coxcomb Hill, sits the 125 foot tall Astoria Column. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the column for a rewarding 360 degree view of Astoria, the Columbia River, Youngs Bay, the Lewis & Clark River, Pacific Ocean and nearby mountains. To the North is an incredible view of the 4.1 mile long Astoria-Megler Bridge which spans the mouth of the Columbia River, linking Oregon and Washington.

Youngs River Falls
Astoria, Oregon

Located near Fort Clatsop, about 10 miles South of Astoria, Youngs River Falls is a scenic retreat and popular swimming hole during the summer months. Documented by the Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1806, Youngs River Falls drops approximately 65 feet into a pool surrounded by rocky walls and large boulders. Further downstream, the scene is just as beautiful, as dense vegetation surrounds the calm river. As Youngs River continues northwest, it widens into a large estuary known as Youngs Bay, where it eventually empties into the Columbia River.