Oregon

It’s been called “America’s Edge,” the vast spread of the Pacific Northwest sector which includes the Oregon state coastline.

What to Expect: Many of Oregon’s coves and beaches are hidden by volcanic headlands that knife out into the Pacific. Cool, green forests rise up high and lush along the shore. Huge sea-weathered logs piled along the beaches are a common sight.  Many local surfers are involved with forestry, fishing, carpentry or other occupations befitting Oregon’s small seaside settlements. “A lot of people come here inspired by the geography but are completely unprepared for the limitations of a rural, raw material based economy,” One surfer-fisherman told me.

Did I mention the rain? Some of the old jokes about the weather include, “Come to the Oregon Rain Festival - January 1 through Dec 31.” So yeah, bring your parkas and umbrellas, even in summer. The ocean water is extremely cold year-round so bring all the best wetsuit gear you own.  The weather is always the major factor here, as this coast can take the brunt of Aleutian-born storms, so plan accordingly. Fall season offers the best options in terms of reasonable conditions and calmer seas.  Many of the beaches have warnings about strong rip tides and sharks, but don’t let that deter you. Be mindful and don’t surf alone.

The Scene: If you happen to snap your board, no worries. Oregon’s surf industry has grown considerably over the past two decades. Local shapers include Bryan Bates of Seven Surfboards in Pacific City, Robert Rube of Robert’s NW Surfboards in Philomath (near Corvallis) and Lanny Shuler of Shuler Surfboards in Seaside to name just a select few.

America’s Edge: The natural beauty of Oregon’s coast is evident along the sea stack-dotted Cannon Beach, named after a cannon washed up there in 1846. A pleasant walk through a lush forest takes you to Oswald West State Beach, AKA Short Sands, a nice, wind-protected beach break. Rumor has it that buried treasure from an old, wrecked ship is hidden in the area.  The resort town of Seaside can offer quality surf but is fiercely protected by a local crew, so play it very low key and be respectful if you visit there. Otter Rock, south of Cape Foulweather and Agate Beach near Newport, are popular beach breaks. Also, interesting spots are around Coos Bay and Port Orford with nearby Battle Rock, where in 1851, white settlers fought off an Indian attack by taking refuge on the rock.
Near Lincoln City, the Second Annual Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic was held last December 8, 2006. Nelscott Reef is a big wave reef breaking nearly a mile offshore and was first surfed by local surfer John Forse in 1995. With a perfect peak displaying 20-to-30 foot rights and lefts, Hawaiian hellman Garrett McNamara and tow driver Kealii Mamala won the event in smooth, epic conditions. The publicity opened a lot of eyes to the possibilities of other big wave destinations to be discovered in the Pacific Northwest.  
Whether you surf or not just the journey along “America’s Edge” is rewarding in itself.