THINGS TO DO
FROM CRABBING ON THE BAY TO PEDALING CUSTOM QUADRICYCLES ALONG SCENIC COASTAL RAILWAYS, THERE’S PLENTY TO ENJOY
ACTIVITIES
OREGON COAST FOOD TRAIL Nehalem Bay Winery is a founding member of the North Coast Food Trail— a wonderful way to eat and drink your way through the Coast. What is it? “The North Coast Food Trail is a collaborative effort to connect people to the bounty available on Oregon’s North Coast. Supporting local food is a way to support our communities and the producers and crafters who work hard to grow and use our local ingredients.”
“Out here, there’s a world of wonders good enough to eat. On the North Coast Food Trail, you’ll find an abundance of producers, shops, vendors, and restaurants, who share a passion for bringing out the region’s flavors. Follow wild seafood from the fisherman’s net to the chef’s block; learn how to forage the woods for rare mushrooms; tour the farms— and meet the cows— supplying dairy for Oregon-made cheese. Get a taste of fresh coast-to-table fare as you explore foodways and check out the “roots” of your meal.”
OFFICIAL BROCHURE, INCLUDING Map
Start planning your road trip today!
WHEELER MARINA, located in the center of Wheeler, is a river sports shop with kayaks and stand up paddle boards for sale or rent. It also offers crab boat rentals and mooring for other boats. “We also sell fishing/crabbing licenses and tackle and have a crab cooker and lots of friendly advice on what to see & how to do it.”
KELLY’S BRIGHTON MARINA offers RV parking, tent camping, boat rentals, fishing, and some of the best crabbing on the Oregon Coast. Boating adventures depart from the dock, with bait, tackle, crab pots and full-service cleaning and cooking available. Owners Kelly and Janice Laviolette share their enthusiasm and knowledge of crabbing with others, allowing you to enjoy the freshest crab (caught by YOU, if you choose) against the impressive backdrop of Nehalem Bay.
A video that captures the spirit of Kelly’s Brighton Marina: https://youtu.be/IeLtXJfCV_A.
RUSS MORROW’S FISHING GUIDE SERVICE The #1 fishing guide on the Nehalem River, Russ Morrow makes your fishing adventure an experience to remember. From trolling the Bay or Ocean in his charter boat or floating the local rivers in his drift boat, he provides top of the line service from beginning to end, from the highest quality equipment and gear to cleaning and processing your fish into fillets to take home in your cooler.
OREGON COAST RAILRIDERS, established in 2016, invites visitors to experience breathtaking views on a six mile stretch of the Historic Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad from Bay City to Tillamook. The catch? Railriders pedal themselves on custom, four-seated quadricycles. The immediacy of this gorgeous scenery— ranging from waterfronts, grassy tidal estuaries, dense forests, dairy farms and fields— appeals to everyone, but especially nature enthusiasts, birders, bicyclists, and railroad historians. Excellent for groups!
NEHALEM BAY HORSE EXCURSIONS & PONY RIDES offers guided trail rides, western riding lessons and birthday parties. Sure to be a favorite for the entire family!
NORTH COAST RECREATION DISTRICT (NCRD)— originally a school built in the 1920s— features a gym offering classes such as Pilates, tai chi and yoga. It also has a swimming pool with open and scheduled lap swims, as well as special programs including a writers roundtable, sketching and games. You’ll find plays and performances in their newly remodeled performance center. Check their schedule for latest offerings.
OREGON COAST SCENIC RAILROAD’S FALL SPLENDOR TRAIN RIDE Board a historic diesel locomotive for a scenic excursion along the Nehalem River from Wheeler to Batterson. The tour, which lasts two hours, allows ample time to enjoy the vibrant colors everyone looks forward to each Autumn.
BEACHES & WOODS
Short Sands Beach, Neahkahnie Mountain, and Hug Point are popular nearby places to explore. Hiking for all levels, surfing, as well as overnight camping are possible at many of these locations, so check ahead for details.
Nehalem Bay State Park (5 miles)
Oswald West State Park/Short Sands (6 miles)
Manhattan Beach State Recreation Site (6 miles)
Rockaway Beach (9 miles)
Hug Point State Recreation Site (14 miles)
Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site (15 miles)
Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site (17 miles)
Ecola State Park (20 miles)
DAY TRIPS
TILLAMOOK
Head south and visit the Tillamook Creamery where Tillamook Cheese is made. Enjoy an interactive self-guided tour that culminates in a meal featuring cheese-based American classics.
Tillamook Air Museum is housed in a former US Navy blimp hangar (“Hangar B”), which is the largest clear-span wooden structure in the world.
Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is a great place to learn about how this area was settled and has an extensive photograph collection.
Kilchis Point Reserve is a dog-friendly, 200-acre nature reserve with bike paths, an interpretive kiosk and a picnic area. It’s an easy, beautiful walk, even on a rainy Oregon Coast day.
EXPLORE NATURE TILLAMOOK COAST
What is it?
“A collaboration of environmental organizations working together to provide meaningful, nature-based events to showcase the uniqueness of Tillamook County and the work being done to conserve the area’s natural resources, restore biodiversity, and preserve natural resource-based industries.”
Plan your nature adventure today! Brochure here.
WHALE WATCHING
Whale Watching- Consult this whale watching brochure for a map detailing the best Coastal whale watching viewpoints, as well as interesting Gray Whale facts such as their year-round migratory patterns.
FISHING TIDES
Tides for Fishing- More than you’ve ever wanted to know about fishing forecasts and ideal tides for fishing.
CLAMMING
http://www.razorclamming.com/- The Definitive Guide To Clamming The Pacific Northwest Coast.
Nehalem Bay Clamming- Includes a map and invaluable information on Razor and Bay clamming.
CRABBING
BIRDS & WILDLIFE
DEEP SEA FISHING
TRAIN RIDES
Regular Coastal Excursions Schedule (Between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach Oregon)
Schedule Varies Depending on Excursion
Weekend Service ~ May 18th – End of September
Daily Service ~ May 25th – End of September
MANZANITA
Visit this quaint coastal town just five minutes north of us for shopping, dining and recreation. There are several art galleries, the Nehalem Valley Historical Society, and the Hoffman Center for the Arts for local workshops and events.
MANZANITA FARMERS’ MARKET Highway 101 & Alder Street, 467 Laneda Avenue. Check website for updated information.
YOGA ROOTS STUDIO- Take a class at this studio in the heart of Manzanita.
ASTORIA
ASTORIA SUNDAY MARKET Celebrating its 20th season, Astoria Sunday Market features fresh produce, over 200 local arts & crafts vendors, a large food court, as well as live music in the heart of historic downtown Astoria. Nehalem Bay Winery has been a fixture there for over a decade. Stop by and say hello!
LODGING
WHEELER ON THE BAY is a stunning overnight boutique hotel located two miles from the Winery. Some of the suites overlook the water and include amenities such as a fireplace and ensuite jacuzzi. All guests enjoy private dockside fishing and free use of the two kayaks on premise. Sunrises and sunsets are stunning on the water with the mountain range on the horizon. Continental breakfast included.
OLD WHEELER HOTEL Built in 1920, this charming boutique hotel is within a few steps of Wheeler’s row of antique stores and shops.
SUNSET SURF MANZANITA is the preferred choice for guests who enjoy premium sunrise and sunset views from a beachfront pool.
DINING
BAYWAY TAVERN A Nehalem neighborhood gathering spot well-known for its broasted chicken and jo-jo’s.
EL TRIO LOCO Authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of Manzanita.
MANZANITA LIGHTHOUSE Great selection of beer and ciders. Pool, ping pong, arcade games and video poker. Spacious, with plenty of booth seating and an outdoor smoking area with fire pit. Live music, karaoke and a dance floor.
A MIGHTY THAI Everything here is done well, from the big bowls of steaming pho to the avocado fried rice and classic Thai dishes. Full bar with inspired, colorful cocktails. Outside seating and cheerful service. The best Thai restaurant on the North Coast!
THE ROOST, located on the ground floor of the historic Old Wheeler Hotel, is a quaint breakfast and lunch option right across from Nehalem Bay. The small cafe menu offers daily breakfast, soup and sandwich specials featuring local purveyors. A full espresso menu is available. Get pastries and coffee to go and enjoy breakfast by the water across the street, where benches are situated perfectly for enjoying the views.
SAND DUNE PUB is located just ten miles south of Short Sands Beach/Oswald West State Park— one of the most popular surfing spots on the Oregon Coast. Full bar with a large selection of domestic and imported beers on tap, as well as a menu that includes BBQ Ribs every Tuesday night. Live music and a dance floor, along with a beautiful outdoor patio area.
groceries and liquor
Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.
Nehalem Food Mart A small neighborhood grocery store just north of us, on your left, as you enter Nehalem. Open daily from 9 am - 9 pm; 35800 7th Street, Nehalem
Mohler Co-op Store A grocery store across the street from the Winery. Open daily from 7 am - 7 pm, except Sunday (9 am - 6 pm); 34890 Highway 53, Nehalem
Manzanita Fresh Foods Fresh organic food options as well as common staples. Open daily from 7 am - 9 pm; 730 Manzanita Avenue, Manzanita
Manzanita Grocery & Deli (The Little Apple) Fresh seafood, full deli. Open daily from 7 am - 9 pm, except Friday (7 am - 10 pm) and Sunday (8 am - 9 pm); 193 Laneda Avenue, Manzanita
Bayview Liquor and More Open daily from 10 am - 6 pm, except Friday and Saturday in the summer (10 am - 7 pm); 327 Nehalem Boulevard, Wheeler