Gearhart Ocean State Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Gearhart Ocean State Recreation Area is a beautiful destination in Oregon, which offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors.
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Summary
The park is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, and peaceful picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and windsurfing in the ocean, as well as exploring the nearby forests and wildlife areas.
One of the main attractions of Gearhart Ocean State Recreation Area is the beach, which features wide expanses of sand dunes and tide pools. Visitors can relax on the beach, stroll along the shoreline, or explore the various rock formations that dot the coastline. There are also several hiking trails in the park, including the popular Clatsop Loop Trail, which winds through dense forests and offers spectacular views of the ocean.
In addition to its natural beauty, Gearhart Ocean State Recreation Area is also rich in history. The park is home to several historic sites, including the Lewis and Clark Salt Works, which was used by the famous explorers during their expedition to the area. Visitors can also learn about the area's Native American history at the nearby Neawanna Creek.
The best time to visit Gearhart Ocean State Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique attractions and activities. Visitors should be aware of the park's regulations, including its strict rules against littering and fires on the beach.
Overall, Gearhart Ocean State Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Oregon's coast. With its stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, and rich history, it offers something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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