Rockaway Beach places to stay

Sandwiched between the Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean is the seaside community of Rockaway Beach, most known for its gorgeous beach, which spans the coast for seven miles. Flying kites, whale watching, walks along the windswept shoreline, and beachcombing are just a few ways to soak up the area’s natural beauty. Inland, you’ll find a series of lakes, including Smith Lake, Lake Marie, and Lake Lytle, the largest lake of the bunch, featuring a boat launch facility and fishing dock. Its calm waters make it an excellent spot for paddle-boarding and kayaking.

You can also head out on the handful of excellent hiking trails sprinkled along the coastline, including the Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead and Nehalem Bay Jetty Trail. These trails traverse through dense, moss-covered old-growth forests and offer sweeping views of the rugged coastline and dazzling blue waters of the Pacific. Rockaway Beach also makes a great starting point for exploring its beautiful neighboring towns in Tillamook County, such as Tillamook, Manzanita, Nehalem, and Garibaldi.

The balmy summers in Rockaway Beach offer pleasant conditions for enjoying the abundance of outdoor recreation. Crisp autumn air and stunning fall foliage create a colorful backdrop for peaceful nature walks. In October, Rockaway Beach hosts its annual kite festival, welcoming professional kite flyers from around the world to put on a spectacular show. The festival also features local arts and crafts, live music, and delicious food. At the end of December, gray whales embark on their annual migration to Mexico’s warm waters, passing Rockaway Beach along the way. You may even spot them from the shore or higher vantage points. The colder months are an excellent time to wander along the beach, searching for seashells and agates.

Lake Lytle

On the north side of Rockaway Beach is breathtaking Lake Lytle, where pine trees dot the shore, creating stunning reflections off the serene waters. Spanning 65 acres, Lake Lytle is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and simply taking in the scenery. In the spring, the lake is full of rainbow trout. Lake Lytle’s calm waters are also optimal for kayaking and paddleboarding.

The Cedar Wetlands Preserve

The Cedar Wetlands Preserve features the Old Growth Cedar Preserve Trail, a loop trail that spans just under one mile. The loop twists through dense groves of willow, alder, hemlock, and towering Sitka spruce trees. It’s also home to the magnificent Rockaway Cedar — one of Oregon’s largest trees. This old red cedar soars at around 154 feet and sports a uniquely contorted trunk. A wooden boardwalk splits to the left, leading to an observation deck, and right to a loop around this arboreal giant.

Rockaway Beach Wayside

Just offshore along Rockaway Beach’s scenic coastline, you’ll find two unique geological formations made of sandstone. The imposing twin rock formations, carved by the wind and ocean currents over millions of years, are some of the most striking landmarks in the area. The southern rock features a dramatic natural archway caused by erosion.