What to Pack for Your Oregon Coast Visit
The Oregon Coast has cool, breezy, usually dry summers and moderate, usually wet winters. (Click here for more information about our climate.) And, being a coastal environment also means that the weather can be quite changeable. Further, Oregon Coasters tend to be casual dressers that are comfortable being outdoors.
Clothing
We recommend dressing comfortably in two layers (a short-sleeved shirt with something a little warmer on top–a long-sleeved shirt or a vest). Bringing along a lightweight waterproof jacket and a hat (with a brim, or bring sunglasses) is strongly recommended, as are sturdy, closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes are fine, flip-flops are not appropriate for most Wavecrest Discoveries activities). Dry sand can be abrasive when it’s windy, so small children usually benefit from long pants when visiting the dunes or the dry part of the sandy beach. Special recommendations are made for tidepooling and clamming. (Visit those pages for more information.)
Having raingear available is always a plus, though a necessity in winter; umbrellas don’t work well in breezy or blustery conditions and are not recommended. (Yes, Wavecrest Discoveries activities continue on even if it “looks like rain,” because the look will likely pass!)
Remember:
“There’s no such thing as bad weather–just inappropriate clothing!“
Gear & equipment
Cameras, binoculars/scopes, and other observation accessories are encouraged.
Contact us for information on current kayak rental outlets and charter services.
Other provisionings
Hilly terrain limits cell phone service is some coastal and rural areas.
The entire Oregon ocean shore is publicly owned and available to public use free. A few places have seasonal use restrictions to protect local wildlife: click here for more information about restrictions around the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge; click here for more information about restrictions for western snowy plovers. And there are a handful of coastal sites that charge for parking (such as Shore Acres at Cape Arago, near Coos Bay), but one pass covers them all; click here for more information about this pass.
Click here for more information about the wide variety of public trails in the Coos region.
Click here for our page with links to local lodging & dining options.