Review written by: Author's name with held by request

The Oregon Coast is not a common place for naturist activity due the inclement weather conditions that prevail most of the time. But say you are on the Oregon Coast, and the weather does happen to be good enough. Where should you go? One suggestion is Nehalem Bay State Park.

During June and July 1995 I spent 10 days on the Oregon Coast, 4 of which were warm enough (low 80's), sunny, and calm enough for clothing optional activity. (On the coast, wind is a big factor, maybe even more important than sunshine.) On several of those days, I visited Nehalem Bay State Park, (503) 368-5943, and found sections which were beautiful, accessible, and naturist amenable.

DIRECTIONS (by land): The park is located approximately halfway between Seaside and Tillamook. It extends west and south from the town of Nehalem on a peninsula that separates Nehalem Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The park is about 4 miles long, with a campground area on the north end, a beach the whole length of the west side and bay front on the east side. Between the ocean beach and the bay beach is an area of dunes and some wetlands. The peninsula is about 3/4 of a mile at the widest section. Camping is available year round, and during the summer months there is a "day use fee" ($3 in 1995) if you drive into the park.

From the campground there are some roads and trails heading south, but the roads end about halfway down the peninsula. The southern end is not accessible by car, but is accessible by foot (from the north) and boat (from the south.) The following describes how to get there by boat, even if you don't have or didn't bring your boat.

DIRECTIONS (by boat): There is a marina near the mouth of the Nehalem River on the south bank across from the park (Jetty Fishery 503 368 5746). It is just south of Brighton on Highway 101. They usually rent boats to people for crabbing, but they also offer a round trip "ferry" service over to the state park. For $20 they will take a boatload of 6 adults and their gear over and back. Individual rides are $5 a piece. (If you show your TNS membership card, they will give you a 10% discount on ferry rides only.) It is less than a 2 minute boat ride if you go to the beach directly across from the marina. Once you have landed on the bay beach, it is an easy 5-10 minute walk to the ocean side. Walk around the peninsula, not across it. There is a path on the top of the man made breakwater that you can take. It is flat and easy to navigate. The arbitrary unofficial delineation of the clothing optional area is a pair of large boulders that you will have to pass between. Take your clothes off if you want, but keep your shoes on! Once past the boulders, continue towards the ocean by going over the driftwood field to the beach. Be careful on the driftwood field! It is a loose jumble of various sizes of driftwood, some with nails, all with splinters. The good news is that it is short; only about 20 yards wide.

DESCRIPTION: Once you've reached the beach, you can safely take your shoes off! The beach is beautiful and for about two miles to the north, it is virtually deserted, even on nice days. It is in pristine condition because of the winds that usually scour it. On a clear day, the view is excellent. To the north you can see Oswald West State Park and to the east is the Coast Range of mountains. Hardly any signs of human development or habitation are visible, all the way to the horizon in all directions. The water is cold, but I found it refreshing for wading and brief swimming, especially in the late afternoon when low tide had occurred earlier. The shallows feel like they have been warmed by the sun.

There are some risks to be aware of in this area, most of which can be addressed with common sense:

(1) The Ocean - Don't swim alone. Watch the waves! They can vary considerably in height. Note the tide line on the breakwater. Don't leave your belongings on the beach below the tide line if you are going on an extended walk!

(2) The Breakwater - You should consider the section that extends out into the ocean dangerous. The rocks are slippery and sharp. Combined with the above warning, there is a potential for being swept, or slipping, off the breakwater. I don't recommend trying to walk out on it.

(3) The Ecology - There is a herd of seals on the bay side beach. It is illegal (and immoral) to harass and/or disturb them. The same goes for the elk and deer. Avoid walking in the dunes and the wetlands, except on the established trails. And, of course, pack out your trash and try to leave the park just a little cleaner than you found it.

(4) People - I've rarely encountered other people. There is a horse trail through the park (and a horse camp at the north end) and riders are likely to be seen on the bay side, but they don't usually get to the ocean side this far south because they can't legally cross the dunes nor physically cross the driftwood field.

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