Wildlife and Nature

Seaside's rich and varied landscape supports an amazing diversity of wildlife and plenty of things to do.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the fishing and crabbing opportunities just minutes from downtown.

The North Gateway Park, at the northern end of the Neawanna Natural History Park, is a park with open space and hiking trails into a large forest along high-saline salt marsh near the estuary bay.  This land is culturally and spiritually significant to the Clatsop people and the North Coast Land Conservancy protects all of the forest here in perpetuity. 

Necanicum River and Estuary Walking Trail leads out to sea through rugged sand dunes. The Necanicum River is popular for boating, crabbing and fishing. The Estuary Walking Trail is accessible from the 12th Avenue parking lot and weaves through more unspoiled territory for about a mile, eventually ending at a rocky area near the bay’s mouth.

Broadway Park is Seaside’s oldest community park.  It has sports fields, basketball courts, an award wining skate park, swimming pool, youth center and access to the Neawanna River for canoeing and kayaking.  And, it is located right across the street from Seaside’s new Public Library

Mill Ponds Park is one of Seaside’s newest and least developed parks, this area was formerly a round-rock quarry and the site of alder board and cedar shake mills.  One millpond is fed by freshwater springs and the other is influenced by tidal salt water from the ocean via Neawanna Creek.  The variety of habitat attracts a spectacular number of birds and insects and the site is beautiful and quiet.  This is the south end of the Neawanna Natural History Park, which continues three miles down stream to the estuary of the river.

Quatat Park is located in downtown Seaside, along the Necanicum River.  It is host to our summer concert series, ”Where the Stars Play.“ This park has picnic tables and a boat ramp.

The Cove is Seaside’s favorite spot to watch surfers, waves and birds, as well as explore tide pools and fish from the rocks.  The Cove located on Sunset Boulevard in south Seaside is both fascinating and scenic.

Ecola State Park, south of Seaside, offers a great place for whale watching and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The mist and fog against the sun and the changing surf create a myriad of shades and vistas. The beaches are ideal for walking and picnicking. At this official watch point, you can see Gray whales migrating along the coast during the spring, winter and summer.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is home to Fort Clatsop which is 15 miles north of Seaside.  This is the site that commemorates the 1805-06 winter encampment of the 33-member Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. The facility includes the reconstructed fort, a Visitor Center, Museum, historical exhibits and a picnic area joined by trails through the wetlands and rainforest. The fort’s, historic Netul canoe landing and spring are nestled in the forests and wetlands of the Coast Range as it merges with the Columbia River Estuary.

The Oregon Coast Trail begins with a flat, 17-mile stretch from the South Jetty of the Columbia River to Seaside. Then follow in the footsteps of the Lewis & Clark Expedition on the six-mile hike across Tillamook Head between Seaside and Cannon Beach and enjoy the forest and ocean views.

Originally a Civil War fortification over the Columbia River in 1863, Fort Stevens State Park is one of Oregon's loveliest and largest parks. Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, the wreck of the "Peter Iredale," freshwater lakes, picnic facilities, nature trails, boating, camping, biking, horseback riding and swimming.

In Fort Stevens State Park, Coffenbury Lake provides two swimming areas, picnic tables and a boat ramp. Crabapple Lakes has boat ramps for fishing boats and canoes, as well.

Fort Columbia State Park Located in Chinook, Washington, is a 593-acre historical park with 6,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. The park celebrates a military site that constituted the harbor defense of the Columbia River from 1896 to 1947. The park provides beautiful views of the Columbia River estuary, an observation station and five miles of hiking trails through mature forest. An Interpretive center focuses on fort history and Chinook Native American culture.

Cullaby Lake and Carnahan County Park come complete with picnic tables, boat ramps, a swimming area, grills and other amenities. Access to the popular lake and nearby park is a bit north of the Del Rey Beach Road.

Youngs River Falls, discovered by the Lewis and Clark expedition while hunting in the area, became a backdrop for the filming of a scene in Free Willy II. This stunning 65-foot waterfall is located south of Astoria on Youngs River Loop Road. Youngs River Falls County Park is a popular picnic spot and cycling destination.

Oswald West State Park has 12 miles of the beautiful Oregon Coast Trail and Neahkahnie Mountain.

Saddle Mountain is a marvel of natural beauty. The Saddle Mt. Trail is a 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to the top, through rough terrain and steep grades, which make for interesting climbing. It is recommend for only experienced climbers. As you climb, remember to look up and out at the landscape as you will see mature forest and fields of wildflowers on you way to the rocky summit. The view from the apex is a floral show that only exists at that elevation.