Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast runs from the north to south along the Pacific Ocean in the Oregon state region of the United States. The coastline stretches out around 363 miles from the northern area of the Columbia River and reaches as far south as the California state border. It is not a specific geological, environmental, or political entity, but includes all the Oregon coastline and the Columbia River Estuary. Free beach access to everyone was implemented in 1967 after passing the Oregon Beach Bill; this also means that private beach landowners retain certain rights while still preserving the beaches from being built on. Oregon residents consider the coast to be sectioned off into three distinct sub-regions, all of which have their own regional history and local features. These three regions include: the North Coast (includes waterways from the Columbia River to Cascade Head), the Central Coast (spans from Cascade Head to Reedsport), and finally the South Coast (stretches from Reedsport to the Oregon-California border). Highway 101 is the primary route taken along the coastline by vehicle and is known for its scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean on a stretch that goes from the city of Astoria all the way to Brookings, and includes over 80 state parks and recreation areas along the way.