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.

During a tough economy someone may have to move away to take a job opportunity that they need. They could have a child that excels in sports and has been offered a scholarship to one of Oregon’s prestigious schools. It could be that a person just wants to take advantage of the many attractions in the great state or Oregon.

When someone is planning to relocate they usually try to find out some things about the place they are planning to move to so they will not become bored with it very easily. Nobody wants to move to a place where all they can do is work all day, so these attractions will give you a chance to get out of the house and take a break.

If you like hiking you will love the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This great patch of woods covers two million acres of land that is sure to keep you busy with all sorts of things to do. One part of the forest is called Hell’s Canyon and has an elevation of 875 feet. You will not have to worry about any annoying automobiles coming through as you hike, ride horses, or raft through this region. This is a great way to escape after a long work week, and gives you a very great reason to move to Oregon or at least invest in a vacation home.

There are a ton of great reasons a person will enjoy the state of Oregon. If you are looking for a place that offers some great attractions, a decent economy, and a great real estate market this great state is perfect for you. Get all of the information you need and pack your bags today!

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.