Things To Do in Three Capes Scenic Loop

There isn’t that much to do in Pacific City—except walk on one of the greatest white-sand beaches along the entire Oregon coast. I’m talking about the miles-long stretch of beach at Bob Straub State Park. To reach it, turn west towards the ocean at the one intersection in Pacific City, cross the Nestucca River, and turn left along a residential road that skirts along between the river and the dunes until you come to the parking lot (no charge). This is my favorite place for a barefoot beach walk (from June through September) in all of Oregon because it’s just enough out of the way to keep it relatively undiscovered, and long enough so that even on “busy” summer weekends you may not encounter more than a dozen people and maybe some riders on horseback (I also saw a herd of llamas enjoying the beach on one of my last visits). From the parking lot, you have to climb up and over a dune (any reasonably fit person can do this) to reach the beach with its spectacular views north to Cape Kiwanda and south to Cascade Head. If you walk south along the shoreline for about 2 miles, you’ll come to the mouth of the Nestucca River. It’s not unusual to see seals sunbathing on the sand spit or hunting fish in the estuary. The winds can be ferocious (bring a hoodie) but I have also enjoyed many warm, sunny days here. If you visit this remarkable beach and fall in love with it, as I did many years ago, promise me you’ll tell only your closest friends about it. It’s one of those special Oregon coast places that we want to keep secret.