Waldport borders the Pacific Ocean and Alsea Bay. Beaches, water activities and local history offer different ways to shape a stay. The Woodland Trail connects the southern end of Crestline Park with Kendall Ballfield on Starr Street. Birdwatching can also be a seasonal highlight: More than 400 bird species can be spotted in the area around Waldport.

Explore the beach and coast

Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site offers miles of flat, sandy beaches for beach walks and beachcombing. From there, a short hike leads to the mouth of Alsea Bay, where visitors can windsurf or go crabbing. Patterson State Park is Waldport’s largest beach park. Keady Wayside has facilities including an observation platform, picnic tables and beach access. Check conditions at Keady Wayside before visiting.

Seasonal water activities

The Alsea River has a fall run of Chinook salmon. Trolling, bobber fishing, bait fishing and fly fishing are possible methods. In winter, anglers use drift boats to seek winter steelhead on the upper Alsea River. Fall and winter therefore differ in their target fish, the fishing methods described and the section of the river. Since regulations can change, check the current rules before fishing.

Kayaking is also possible on the Alsea River or one of its tributaries. The Port of Alsea’s public facilities in Waldport include a boat ramp, boat moorage and a picnic area. These different ways to enjoy the water can be matched to your interests: fishing, kayaking or facilities for boating each offer different activities.

Bridge history and culture

The Historic Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center opened in 1991, at the same time as the new Alsea Bay Bridge. The Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center houses photographs, archives, parts of the original bridge and a scale model of the new bridge. It brings together evidence of the former bridge and a model of its successor.

The Waldport Heritage Museum displays artifacts, stories, photographs and tools connected with life on the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Those interested in the history of life by the water will find a different focus here than in the bridge exhibits.

Events and finding a place to stay

Waldport’s recurring Beach, Bike & Blues Festival features live blues music, craft-inspired food and drinks, and vendor booths. Event details vary by season; check the dates for the relevant edition before traveling.

Tailor your search to what you’d like to experience in Waldport.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Forfar, Yachats, Newport, Neotsu, Seal Rock, Otter Rock

Return to the main travel overview: Lincoln.