Best attractions and places to see around Gearhart include coastal trails, beaches, and historical sites. This region offers a variety of outdoor experiences, from exploring forest trails to relaxing on sandy shores. Many of the things to do in Gearhart Oregon are family friendly activities Gearhart Oregon, with options for dog friendly trails Gearhart and scenic viewpoints. The area provides opportunities to engage with both natural landscapes and historical narratives.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
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In 1805, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with their crew, navigated the Netul River, which is now known as the Lewis and Clark River. Netul Landing, which is a part of the Lewis and Clark Columbia River Water Trail, is an ideal location to begin a kayaking or canoeing adventure. The water trail spans 146 miles (234.96 km) and follows the explorers' path along the Lower Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to Ilwaco, Wash., where it meets the Pacific Ocean.
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The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is a long-distance hiking trail along the Pacific coast of the US state of Oregon. Follows the Oregon coast from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border south of Brookings. The trail was founded in 1959 by Samuel N. Dicken, a University of Oregon geography professor, approved by the Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council in 1971, and developed and managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as part of Oregon's state parks system. The official coast guide gives a length of 382 miles (615 km). About 39 percent of the route is on the beach, 41 percent is on paved roads and 20 percent is on hiking and dirt trails. However, private ferries can be arranged at some river mouths to shorten stretches of road. Walked in its entirety, connecting each hiking/beach section, the distance is approximately 425 miles.
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From the northern Tillamook Head Trail, hikers are treated to a dense - and wet - coastal rainforest. The town of Seaside, north of the trailhead, has an average of 194 days of precipitation per year and an average annual precipitation accumulation of more than 6 feet. So if you're heading here for a hike, be sure to pack your waterproof boots and perhaps bring a change of clothes if you expect to get wet and muddy. Although the hike is possible most of the year, you will encounter the least amount of mud and fog if you hike in summer. This route begins on the north side of Ecola, in the Elmer Feldenheimer State Natural Area. At the end of Sunset Boulevard look for the very clearly marked trailhead.
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Rain or shine, Seaside Cove is a must-see, whether you're a tourist or a local. It is a mix of sandy and rocky beach. There is plenty of parking and Seltzer Park is right across the street. There are public toilets and a shower to rinse off sandy feet. There are also plenty of benches for watching waves and people watching.
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The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park offers over 14.5 miles of trails, lush rainforests, and stunning coastal vistas that are breathtaking. Dedicated to commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the historical sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast provide a fantastic opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the explorers. Although the park's trails are not paved, they are very well maintained for an easy ride, with many options for an ideal short or extended adventure in a beautiful setting.
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The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park features more than 14.5 miles of trails, lush rainforests, and breathtaking coastal vistas. Honoring the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the historic sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast offer an excellent opportunity to retrace the steps of the explorers. The park's trails are perfect for enjoying a beautiful setting while embarking on a short or extended hike, providing various options for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Seaside Cove is a popular destination for surfers and is also located along the Oregon Coast Trail. Take some time to watch the waves hitting the round-shaped rocks - you might find colorful starfish between them. Seltzer Park is just on the other side of the road and has (picnic) benches, a drinking fountain and restrooms.
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The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park offers over 14.5 miles of trails, lush rainforests, and stunning coastal vistas that are breathtaking. Dedicated to commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the historical sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast provide a fantastic opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the explorers. The park's trails are ideal for creating different options for a short or extended run in a beautiful setting.
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Yes, many attractions around Gearhart are suitable for families. For example, Tillamook Head Trailhead offers an immersive experience into a coastal forest, and Seaside Cove and Seltzer Park is a beach popular for observing waves and marine life, with amenities like picnic benches and restrooms. Columbia Beach – Oregon Coast Trail is also great for walks and finding sand dollars.
You can explore the rich history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Rewilding the Woods Trail, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. This park features over 14.5 miles of trails, lush rainforests, and coastal vistas, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of the explorers. Additionally, Netul Landing is a historical site where Lewis and Clark navigated the Netul River in 1805, now an ideal spot for kayaking or canoeing.
Yes, several attractions welcome dogs. Both Tillamook Head Trailhead and Seaside Cove and Seltzer Park are dog-friendly. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park also offers dog-friendly trails, as does Netul Landing.
The area offers a variety of hiking experiences. You can explore the coastal forest at Tillamook Head Trailhead, which provides historical information. For more options, check out the easy hikes around Gearhart, which include trails like the Fort to Sea Trail to Neacoxie Creek and the Seaside Promenade run.
For stunning coastal views and wildlife spotting, visit Seaside Cove and Seltzer Park, where you can watch waves and look for colorful starfish. Columbia Beach – Oregon Coast Trail is also excellent for walking along the Pacific Ocean and finding sand dollars. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park also offers breathtaking coastal vistas.
Yes, Netul Landing is wheelchair-accessible. It's an ideal location to begin a kayaking or canoeing adventure along the Lewis and Clark Columbia River Water Trail, offering a chance to experience the historical river.
Gearhart's coastal climate means outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round, though conditions vary. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for hiking and exploring. Summer is popular for beach activities and surfing. Winter can bring rain, but trails like Tillamook Head Trailhead are still accessible, though often muddy.
Beyond exploring the attractions themselves, you can find various outdoor activities. There are numerous running trails around Gearhart, including the Oregon Coast Trail: Seaside Promenade. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the Gearhart & Seaside Beach Promenade loop. Kayaking and canoeing are popular at Netul Landing.
For a scenic coastal walk, Columbia Beach – Oregon Coast Trail is an excellent choice. It's a beautiful section of the Oregon Coast Trail where you can walk along the Pacific Ocean, off the beaten path of the Promenade, and enjoy the sounds of the seagulls.
While not a hidden gem in the traditional sense, the arched entrance at Tillamook Head Trailhead offers a unique feeling of entering a personal, magical coastal forest. For a unique experience, consider exploring the Lewis and Clark Columbia River Water Trail from Netul Landing by kayak or canoe.
Seaside Cove and Seltzer Park is a popular destination for surfers. It's known for its waves and is also part of the Oregon Coast Trail, making it a great spot to watch the action or catch some waves yourself.


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