Best attractions and places to see around Bayside Gardens, Oregon, include coastal landscapes and natural waterways. This unincorporated community in Tillamook County borders Nehalem Bay and is situated along Route 101. The area offers access to beaches, scenic trails, and viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore state parks and a designated State Scenic Waterway.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
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The Nehalem River is a breathtaking waterway that boasts diverse wildlife, both on land and in the water, from majestic elk and black-tailed deer to playful river otters and busy beavers. Below the surface, the river is teeming with salmon and other fish. As you ride along, you might spot a northern spotted owl, an osprey, or even a golden eagle in the sky. In 2019, the river was designated a “State Scenic Waterway” to protect its corridor, wildlife, and stunning scenery.
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You can reach this viewpoint via South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail. After a short run, enjoy the beautiful view that this spot has to offer!
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The starting point of Cape Falcon Trail is at the parking lot for Short Sand Beach. The first part of the trail leads through forest until you reach the beach. Once you are on the main trail along the cliffs, you will soon get nice views of the ocean below you.
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Short Sand Beach is part of Oswald West State Park and nowadays a very popular surfing destination in Oregon. It can be accessed from Oregon Coast Highway, where you will find a parking lot, or from one of the trails leading to the beach: 'Elk Flats Trail' or 'Cape Falcon Trail'.
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After a short hike up the South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail, you will be rewarded with this view over the coastline. From here you can not only see Manzanita and its beach but hundreds of miles of pure beauty. There are two ways to reach the viewpoint: one from the south and one from the north, of which the northern route is a little longer and includes more altimeter.
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Oregon state parks have excellent accommodations for hiker/biker camping, and Nehalem Bay is one of the best places to camp. Hiker/biker camping requires no reservations. It's affordable. Showers are included. Lockers at the campsite have USB-A chargers built in. You get to hear the soothing whooshing ocean waves all night. Walk out to the beach via a trail next to campsite B32. Once you hike over the dunes, you are greeted by a magnificent soft sandy beach that stretches for miles.
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The Bayside Gardens area in Oregon is rich in natural beauty, offering coastal landscapes, natural waterways, and state parks. You can explore stunning beaches like Short Sand Beach, scenic trails such as Cape Falcon Trail, and the picturesque Nehalem River. The region also features viewpoints like Neahkahnie Viewpoint, providing extensive views of the coastline.
Yes, several attractions around Bayside Gardens are suitable for families. Short Sand Beach is a great spot for a family outing, and Nehalem Bay State Park offers excellent facilities and beach access. The Nehalem River is also considered family-friendly for enjoying nature and wildlife.
The area offers several popular hiking trails. The Cape Falcon Trail leads through a forest to the beach, offering ocean views. For an easy hike, consider routes like the Nehalem Bay Trail Loop or the South Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Bayside Gardens guide.
Absolutely. The Bayside Gardens area provides opportunities for both running and cycling. For runners, trails like the Cape Falcon Trail and South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail offer moderate challenges. Cyclists can explore road cycling routes such as the Nehalem River loop from Manzanita. Discover more routes in the Running Trails around Bayside Gardens and Road Cycling Routes around Bayside Gardens guides.
For breathtaking views, head to Neahkahnie Viewpoint. After a short hike up the South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail, you'll be rewarded with extensive views over the coastline, including Manzanita and its beach. The Cape Falcon Trail also offers nice ocean views along its main path.
Yes, the region is known for its beautiful beaches. Short Sand Beach, part of Oswald West State Park, is a very popular surfing destination. Nehalem Bay State Park also offers magnificent soft sandy beaches that stretch for miles, perfect for walking and relaxation.
The Nehalem River is a designated “State Scenic Waterway” known for its breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife. You can spot majestic elk, black-tailed deer, playful river otters, and busy beavers. The river is also teeming with salmon and other fish, and you might see northern spotted owls, ospreys, or golden eagles in the sky. Its corridor, wildlife, and stunning scenery are protected.
Yes, Nehalem Bay State Park is an excellent choice for camping, especially for hiker/biker campers. It offers affordable, no-reservation camping with included showers and lockers with USB-A chargers. Campers can enjoy the soothing sound of ocean waves and easy access to a magnificent soft sandy beach via a trail from the campsite.
The Oregon coast, including the Bayside Gardens area, is beautiful year-round. However, for the most pleasant weather for hiking, beach activities, and enjoying the scenic viewpoints, late spring through early fall (May to October) generally offers milder temperatures and less rain. Surfing is popular at Short Sand Beach throughout the year, with wetsuits recommended.
Many outdoor areas along the Oregon coast are dog-friendly, though leash laws and specific park rules apply. While specific dog-friendly trails are not detailed in the provided data, state parks and beaches often welcome leashed dogs. Always check local regulations for the specific highlight you plan to visit, such as Nehalem Bay State Park or Short Sand Beach, before bringing your pet.
While specific wheelchair-accessible paths are not detailed for every attraction, many state parks on the Oregon coast, including Nehalem Bay State Park, often provide accessible facilities and pathways to certain areas. It's recommended to check the official Oregon State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on accessibility for specific locations before your visit.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities. They love the surfing opportunities at Short Sand Beach, the rewarding ocean views from trails like Cape Falcon Trail, and the panoramic vistas from Neahkahnie Viewpoint. The peaceful atmosphere and wildlife viewing along the Nehalem River are also highly valued.
Short Sand Beach is part of Oswald West State Park and can be accessed from the Oregon Coast Highway. You'll find a parking lot there, or you can reach the beach via trails such as the 'Elk Flats Trail' or the Cape Falcon Trail.


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