“Rest and Relax Close to River, Bay and Ocean.”

Enjoy Quiet Views of Nature and Vintage Small Town Feel.

Nehalem (along with Manzanita and Wheeler) is one of three small towns located near the Pacific Ocean, Nehalem River and Nehalem Bay. Nehalem Bay Area is about 40 miles south of the Columbia River and 60 miles north of Lincoln City on HWY 101. Nahalem is a photogenic little riverside town with a vintage downtown reflecting a century of history. The main attraction to Nehalem visitors is the enjoyment of its great views of the Nehalem River, nearby mountains, forests and wildlife.

Get outdoors and Enjoy Mother Nature…

With so much water around (salt and fresh) and because of its unique location, Nehalem is a great launching point for a great fishing trip. On your own, if you are experienced, or with help of a guide, fish for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon all at Nehalem Bay (in their season). Chances are, you have a fun day on the water. And, as fishing enthusiasts all know, the worst day fishing is better than the best day working. It’s time to quit reading about it and get out and do it! Crabbing and fishing on Nehalem Bay are both popular.

More Outdoor Attractions…

If camping is an activity you enjoy, there is Nehalem Bay State Park. Where you can wake up to the sound of birds, spend your afternoon kayaking around Nehalem Bay, hike over the dunes to the beach, sit and watch the sun set over the ocean in the shadow of the mountains, and finally tuck in for the night with the ocean waves lulling you to sleep. Many visitors find the serenity of Nehalem Bay State Park to be the most attractive feature. Take the 1.75 mile bike trail that circles the park airplane landing strip. Along this route and in the campground itself, you’re likely to see deer grazing, a herd of elk, or a coyote crossing the road. The park is also graced with a variety of birds. Or for a different sort of riding adventure, there are horse rentals and guided horseback rides available at the park.

Dining and Accommodations

Nehalem is small, and the big restaurant and lodging chains have pretty much passed it by. That is certainly not to say that good affordable accommodations and great food cannot be had there. No Indeed. As with anywhere on the coast, look for great local seafood and establishments with an appealing, if quirky, independent flair.