Location
Nehalem
The quaint town of Nehalem is located on the Nehalem River, which runs into the Nehalem Bay, and overlooks the Nehalem River/Bay Estuary. The post office opened in 1870 and was incorporated in 1899. Swiss dairy farmers emigrated to the lush Nehalem Valley, and that was the beginning of the diary industry that continues today. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is located in nearby Tillamook. Nehalem, Manzanita and Wheeler make up the Nehalem Bay area along the North Oregon Coast. Only minutes apart, each town is connected by Highway 101.
Nehalem River/Bay Estuary
What is an Estuary?...An Estuary is defined as a partially enclosed coastal body of water in which river water is mixed with sea water. The Nehalem River/Bay estuary is approximately 2,749 acres. This area is full of interesting life forms and is among the most productive ecosystems on earth. Plants and animals thrive in this unique environment, driven by sunlight and the daily tides. Kayaking and bird watching are popular on the sheltered, forest-rimmed Nehalem River/Bay estuary.
Nehalem Bay State Park
This State Park is at the beginning of the 4 mile sand spit separating the Nehalem Bay and the Pacific Ocean and is approximately 2.36 miles from Nehalem (south of Manzanita). This State Park offers a boat ramp, a campground, separate horseback riding camp with corrals and horse trails, a mile paved bike loop and lots of room for exploration over the sand dunes to the beach. There is also an air strip, Nehalem Bay State Airport,
at Manzanita serving Tillamook County.
Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant – you might come across a variety of birds, elk, deer, squirrels and coyote. You might even find seals lounging on the jetty rocks or fishing in the waters.
Recreation
- Kayaking/canoeing (explore the estuary)
- Crabbing and fishing on Nehalem Bay and River (boats and equipment rentals are available)
- Kite flying (the winds on Manzanita Beach make it one of the best kite flying beaches on the west coast)
- Wind surfing is incredible
- Hiking trails are abundant
- Shopping offers unique shops and antique stores
- Rent a beach bike
- Walks on the beach include 7 miles of beach between Neahkahnie Mountain and the Nehalem Jetty and can offer an abundance of ever changing beach and amazing sunsets
- Play Frisbee
- Partake of dining in the nearby communities of Nehalem, Manzanita and Wheeler
- For golf lovers, there are year round public golf courses in Manzanita, Seaside and Tillamook.
- Nehalem also has its own beautiful historic winery a mile outside of town
Recreation Center
Nehalem also has the North County Recreation District. It offers something for everyone. It has an aquatic center – the pool is open 7 days a week, a fitness center, a youth center, and a senior program center. All services are available for residents and visitors.