Spring and summer arrive on the Oregon coast in a welcome flurry of long days, endless sunshine, and non-stop outdoor activity aimed at soaking up all the good fortune of a PNW summer. Beach-going pedestrians, flocks of migratory birds, and hauls of self-caught crab mark the arrival of a new season, and with it a deep menu of affordable outdoor activities.

Hike the Old Growth Cedar Trail

A one-mile lollipop loop deposits hikers at the largest Western red cedar tree in Oregon. Known colloquially as the Rockaway Big Tree, the hike’s behemoth centerpiece measures 49 feet in circumference, out-measuring its equally impressive neighbors in this section of preserved old growth forest. Raised boardwalks form the hike’s path, avoiding muddy boots and offering a magical romp among the coastal bog of the Cedar Wetlands Nature Preserve that remains accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Go Rockhounding

Like an all-ages search and find game, rockhounding turns beachgoers into treasure hunters seeking agates, jasper, and even fossils. Time the search with an outgoing tide, and train eyes on the surf line where keepers glisten in exposed rock beds. Even searches that end empty-handed aren’t a bust: Like an urban version of rockhounding, Troxel’s Rock Garden boasts a stock of pick-your-own-price stones in town.

Crab by Boat or Dock

Rockaway Beach might be known for its shoreline, but there’s another waterway ripe with summer activities—and fresh seafood. Just before the Nehalem River dumps into the Pacific Ocean, prime crabbing real estate comes in the form of beginner-friendly docks and boat rentals. Experts at neighboring businesses Kelly’s Brighton Marina and Jetty Fishery will bait crab rings or traps, instruct on boat operation, and teach first-timers how to measure legal catches.

Jetty’s kitchen will cook visitors’ bounty, and Kelly’s offers fresh Dungeness crabs, manilla steamer clams, and Netarts Pacific oysters in an onsite seafood market.

Stroll the Beach

With seven miles of open beach, the sprawling oceanfront easily takes the cake as Rockaway Beach’s crown jewel. Whether it’s a power-walking workout or a leisurely stroll through the sand, summer’s long days and the hamlet’s vast beach afford hours of active entertainment. Looking to cover more ground? Troxel’s Rock Garden rents fat tire bikes optimized for sand travel. No matter the mode of transport, catching the sunset show over the arched Twin Rocks is a must-do.

Go Birdwatching

Rockaway Beach’s unique position between rivers, ocean, and forests makes it a friendly rest stop for droves of birds—and an exciting treasure hunt for those behind binoculars. Shorebirds like spotted sandpipers and osprey frequent beachside vistas; bald eagles, white-tailed kites, and peregrine falcons can be spotted along the area’s rivers.

Summer migration brings more than 200 different species of birds to the beach alone. Track feathered visitors on foot, or opt for a guided kayak tour with the experts at Kayak Tillamook for an intimate foray into their habitat.

Capture Nature Photography

With miles of shoreline, stunning sunsets, and a plethora of wildlife, the shots practically take themselves. Nature photographers can find inspiration in Rockaway Beach’s coastal forests, the beach bluffs opposite quintessential Twin Rocks jutting up from the ocean floor, and the occasional visiting whale on the horizon.