Beachcombing on the Oregon Coast

Beachcombing is a favorite activity here on the Oregon coast. With the storms and often rainy weather, lots of different things make its way onto the coastline and beaches of Oregon. Unfortunately, unless you use driftwood to make furniture or other items, you won’t find much just strolling the beaches without the proper equipment.

Here’s how to get the most out of your beachcombing adventure.

Get the right foot wear! Beachcombing involves both exploring the beach and the water, so grab some felt bottomed scuba shoes for protection against the rocks and avoiding slippery situations.

Grab some containers! A plastic bag and a canvas bag work great. Use the canvas bag for holding any goodies you find, and help keep Oregon clean by picking up any trash you find and placing it in your plastic bag. A healthy beach is a happy beach!

Sunscreen is a must, even on the mostly cloudy Oregon coast! Cover up your arms and legs and apply sunscreen, especially if you plan to explore the beaches for long periods of time. Cloudy days often cause sun rays to be magnified, therefore causing a more severe burn.

Bring your camera, and capture some beautiful shots of the Oregon coast, your treasure, or anything else you might like to remember forever!

Metal detectors can often help you find things hidden beneath the sand. Don’t let a little sand cause you an “out of sight, out of mind” missed opportunity.

Remember to leave the wild life alone. Beachcombing involves find hidden treasures that are not living or housing living animals. This includes starfish, crabs, turtles, and even shells housing hermit crabs. If it’s dead, it’s alright to take. Capture everything with your camera that you’re unable to physically bring back home with you! It’s the next best thing!

Always watch out for sneaker waves while exploring the Oregon coast. Never turn your back on the water, especially on stormy days. Too many people have been dragged out to sea due to sneaker waves. Stay safe and keep children and animals close to you at all times.

The best times for beachcombing are during the winter, early AM, at low or receding tide when you have access to more areas of the beach, and right after a storm. Since storms occur frequently on the Oregon coast, you’ll always have a great chance of finding something interesting on your beachcombing trip.

Every year, Lincoln City places glass floats on their beaches, free to anyone who finds one, or several, if you’re lucky! This event runs from mid October to late May. The floats are placed randomly across Lincoln City’s beaches during this time period, weather permitting.

On your next visit to the Oregon coast, or if you’re already a permanent resident, come try your luck at beachcombing! The water is calling!