While nice agates may be found on any Oregon beach there are a few select beaches that deliver a bounty virtually every year. The main beach near the city of Bandon is a perennial favorite and can be accessed by taking the road to the Coquile Lighthouse off of Highway 101. There you will find several miles of smooth beach dotted with rocks. The downside to Bandon’s beach is that it is a very well known and fairly busy rockhounding spot so you may have to hunt a while to find some prize specimens. The outgoing tide always leaves a new assortment so you will have your best luck by going then.

Another excellent location for finding agates, especially rarer agates like pink, blue, sagenite and black agates, as well as some really nice jasper (“Oregon jade”) samples, are the beaches around the town of Newport. These beaches are also known for fossilized whale and dolphin bones and even more common samples of fossilized clams and snails. The most well known of these beach locations is the aptly named Agate Beach, but this is also one of the busiest rockounding beaches. On a day with nice weather, you will see many fellow rockhounds scouring Agate Beach. If you want a less crowded field try Beverly Beach or any of the other beaches you can access off of Hwy 101 in Newport.

Winter tends to be the best time for hunting rocks on the Oregon coast. The rougher ocean water during the winter tend to churn up more rocks that find their way to the beach surface. If you plan a trip at this time of year, come prepared for cold and wet weather. Dress in warm and waterproof gear, wear gloves, and, as always, be careful and keep one eye on the water at all times. “Sneaker waves” are not uncommon especially with an incoming tide. Never turn you back on the water when you are near the breaking surf and watch any children closely. And once you have collected your bounty of agates and jasper, you can crash in one of the fine hotels in Bandon or Newport and enjoy a hot meal at one of the great local restaurants. It makes a creative romantic weekend or family getaway.

Oregon beach agates, jasper and petrified wood are some of the best found anywhere in the world. One of the reasons is that most have been rolled smooth in the surf over time and many look very good picked right off the beach and take only a short time in a polisher to look fabulous. By going at the right time of day, when the tide is receding, you are almost certain to find some great samples for your own collection. If you considering purchasing Central Oregon real estate, rockhounding is just one of the many fun activities you can participate in.

Located just a ninety-minute drive from the Portland area, and just four hours from Bend, the Oregon coast is a national treasure visited by thousands of people each year. Unlike other states, the beaches in Oregon cannot be privately owned and are all available to the public. This unique law allows for lower home prices along the coast, and the availability of a large number of parks with beach access. Another restriction which helps to keep the beaches of Oregon clean is the law that specifically does not allow large motorized vehicles such as cars or trucks on the beach. Unlike other states, including Washington and California, where you will find gasoline and oil leaks on the beach, Oregon’s coastal sand is very clean and free of pollution.

One of Oregon’s most popular coastal towns is Seaside, and hosts an annual sand castle competition that draws entries from around the country. Many tourists from the east coast have called the community of Seaside a “smaller version of Atlantic City” because of its carnival atmosphere and two mile long boardwalk. The city of Seaside offers several Oregon Coast hotels that range in price from affordable to highly luxurious, and most with views of the ocean.

Whether you decide to visit the town of Seaside, or one of the other smaller communities along the beaches of Oregon, make sure you spend a bit of time preparing for conditions. The Oregon Coast can be chilly even in the summer months, and packing an extra sweatshirt or wind jacket is recommended. However, in the months of July and August it is not terribly uncommon to have several days with temperatures in excess of eighty-degrees.

The coastal towns and parks of Oregon are some of the most unique beaches in the States, and provide lifelong memories for thousands of families each year. Whether you are considering just a quick trip to the beach, and are looking at buying a home along the coast, you will find relaxation, entertainment and natural beauty along the Oregon Coast.

Enchanted Forest
Located in Salem Oregon
This amusement park is open from March through September.
Storybook Lane, English Villiage, and Old Europe are among the park’s themed areas. Rides include the largest log ride in the Northwest, the Big Timber Log Ride and Speedway Bumper Cars. They also have an area of rides for younger children.

Oregon Coast Aquarium
Located in Newport, Oregon
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is open every day except December 25th and the hours vary with the seasons. Some of their exhibits include Passages of the Deep, Sea Otters, Seals & Sea Lions and Sea Bird Aviary. They also offer outreach programs and special days for homeschoolers.

Oaks Park Amusement Park and Roller Skating Rink
Located in Portland, Oregon
The roller skating rick is 100′ by 200′ and offers lessons, birthday parties and daily open skating.
Besides the amusement park staples, such as a merry go round and a ferris wheel, Oaks Park also has many thrill rides like Looping Thunder Roller Coaster.

Oregon Zoo
Located in Portland, Oregon
The zoo is open seven days a week, every day of the year, except Christmas and visitors may remain on zoo grounds one hour after the gates close. Some of their many exhibits include the Red Ape Reserve where visitors have opportunities to observe orangutans and white-cheeked gibbons and the African Rainforest where bats and a variety of tropical birds live among lush vegetation.

Plan a day, or two, at any of these fun filled destinations on your next Oregon vacation! Don’t forget to send us a postcard.

Des Chutes Historical Museum
129 NW Idaho Ave. Bend 541-389-1813

Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
17620 River Rd
541-593-4394

Working Wonders Children’s Museum
The Shops at the Old Mill, Bend
541-389-4500

Pine Mountain Observatory
541-382-8331

The Museum At Warm Springs
541-553-3331

Bowman Memorial Museum
246 North Main Street,
541-447-3715

High Desert Museum
59800 S. Highway 97
541-382-4754

Pilot Butte State Park
1-800-551-6949