Looking for some of the best beaches to treasure hunt? You are in luck as the Oregon Coast is home to some of the very best shores to find shells, sea glass, driftwood, glass floats, agates, jasper, fossils, feathers and more.
Let the hunt begin!
Beachcombing Spots on the Oregon Coast
Seaside
Located on the northern end of the coast, Seaside is famous for its abundance of sand dollars. The section of Seaside beach near the mouth of the Necanicum River is where you’ll find more whole, unbroken sand dollars than anywhere else on the coastline! We recommend getting there an hour or two before low tide. Check the tide tables before you go!
Oceanside
Oceanside, on the Tillamook County coast, is known for its abundance of agates. At low tide you can pass through a tunnel at Maxwell Point where you find numerous gravel beds – perfect for agate hunting. Short Beach, just north of Oceanside, is often referred to as “agate beach” and is a great spot to hunt for these sandy treasures.
Bob Creek
South of Yachats, Bob Creek is a popular spot for agate hunting. The rocky shoreline provides opportunities to explore vibrant tide pools, search for agates, and if the weather is cooperating, enjoy a picnic on the grassy stretch of lawn overlooking the shore.
Lincoln City
Considered a world-class beach for beachcombers, Lincoln City boasts a wide variety of driftwood, fossils, jasper and agate. Located along the rugged central part of the coast with an 8-mile stretch of beach, beachgoers can also find and keep colorful, hand-blown glass floats hidden by designated “float fairies.” Remember if you find one, you get to keep it! Finders Keepers.
Best Time to Beachcomb
The best times for beachcombing are during the winter, early morning, at low or receding tide when you have access to more areas of the beach, and right after a storm. However, any time of the year can yield unexpected finds on our sandy beaches, like an authentic Japanese glass fishing float.
Watch Your Step
If you are exploring any tide pools, be mindful of where you step. These tide pools, while fascinating to explore, are home to many fragile creatures. It’s ok to look and even get close, but just watch your step to avoid crushing any sea animals. And remember, a good rule of thumb is look, but don’t touch to avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
Be Safe
We’ve all heard that you should never turn your back on the ocean. The reason is that it’s true. As quickly as the tide goes out it also comes back in, so check the tide times and give yourself plenty of time to get back to shore safely. Also, be cautious of sneaker waves – large coastal waves that can appear without warning.
What to Wear
It’s no secret that the Oregon Coast can be a bit on the cooler (and wet!) side, even in the summer. So, depending on what time of year it is, it is always a good idea to wear sunscreen, bring a jacket and waterproof shoes with good tread.
Respect the Rules & Help Out
The State of Oregon allows each person to collect up to 1-gallon of small stones, shells and other non-living items for personal use per day, up to no more than 3 gallons per year. You must also keep your own 1-gallon container, as the rule does not permit people to combine their finds. Check out the full set of rules and regulations here.
It’s important to be respectful of ocean life, and this means picking up after yourself and others as well. While beachcombing, you will inevitably find some trash. Bring an extra bag or bucket to collect any litter you see. This helps keep our magnificent beaches clean and prevents trash from washing back into the ocean where it can harm sea life and our precious marine ecosystems.
Where to Stay
Oregon Beach Vacations has an impressive collection of vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets near many of the best beaches to beachcomb! Book with us and your seaside rental will be the perfect home base for discovering and exploring our stunning Oregon beaches. Happy Hunting!
