Oregon Coast, Pacific coast in Oregon, United States.
The Oregon Coast runs 584 kilometers (363 miles) along the Pacific and shows rock walls, strips of forest, narrow coves, and tide pools where starfish and mussels gather. Sand dunes alternate with cliffs of dark rock, creeks cut through to the ocean, and driftwood piles along the beaches.
Trade routes across the Pacific brought Spanish, Russian, and British ships along this coast starting in the 16th century, before American settlers arrived by wagon from the east during the 19th century. Lighthouses appeared after many shipwrecks, especially where the Columbia River meets the ocean and strong currents forced sailing vessels onto the rocks.
Fishing villages and small harbor towns host breweries that brew their own beer and serve it in tasting rooms facing the water. Artisans work in studios along main streets, selling carved wood or hand-thrown pottery to visitors who stop in to watch them shape their crafts.
Every stretch of sand remains open for walking, and parking appears at many viewpoints, though summer brings more visitors. Tide pools open for exploration during low tide, but tides shift quickly and require caution when moving among the rocks.
At Neskowin, tree stumps about 2000 years old appear during low tide, showing where a forest once stood right by the water. Sand covers the trunks again when the tide rises, so they remain visible only a few hours each day and visitors must check tide charts to see them.
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