Boat Launch Docks: Does Nahalem's Baystate Park Have One?

Nehalem Bay State Park is a popular destination for crabbing, fishing, clamming, and kayaking. The park features a campground and two day-use areas for visitors. The Nehalem Bay State Park Boat Launch provides access to the Nehalem Bay and the Nehalem River with a full boat ramp, dockage, parking, and restrooms. While the boat docks are typically seasonal, available from mid-May to mid-October, it is worth checking with the park ahead of time as they are removed for the winter to prevent damage.

Nehalem Bay State Park has a full boat ramp, dockage, parking and restrooms

Nehalem Bay State Park, set between the ocean and the bay, is situated on a 4-mile sand spit near Tillamook, Oregon. The park features a campground and two day-use areas for the whole family. The day-use areas offer access to the bay or ocean, with restrooms and picnic areas with fire rings. The Bayside day-use area includes a boat ramp and seasonal boat docks, typically available from mid-May to mid-October.

The Nehalem Bay State Park Boat Launch provides a full-service experience for boaters, offering a boat ramp for easy launching and retrieval of vessels, dockage for secure mooring, parking for vehicles and trailers, and restrooms for visitor convenience. The boat docks are typically seasonal, available from mid-May to mid-October, and are removed for the winter to prevent damage from storms.

The boat launch at Nehalem Bay State Park is an excellent option for boaters, providing all the necessary amenities in one convenient location. The full boat ramp can accommodate a variety of watercraft, from small canoes and kayaks to larger motorized boats. The dockage facilities offer a secure place to moor your boat before and after your voyage, and the parking lot ensures that your vehicle and trailer are safely accommodated. Additionally, the availability of restrooms adds to the overall convenience and comfort of visitors.

The Nehalem Bay area is a popular destination for various water-based activities, including crabbing, fishing, clamming, and kayaking. The boat launch at Nehalem Bay State Park serves as a gateway to these experiences, providing the necessary infrastructure to support a safe and enjoyable day on the water. The full-service boat launch enhances the overall visitor experience, making it a preferred choice for boaters in the area.

It is always a good idea to check with the park ahead of your visit to confirm the availability of the boat docks and other facilities. This proactive step ensures that you can fully enjoy your boating experience at Nehalem Bay State Park.

Docks are seasonal and are typically removed in early-to-mid October

Nehalem Bay State Park, set between the ocean and the bay, is situated on a 4-mile sand spit near Tillamook, Oregon. The park features a campground and two day-use areas for the whole family. The boat launch at Nehalem Bay State Park has a full boat ramp, dockage, parking, and restrooms. The docks are seasonal and are typically removed in early-to-mid October and returned to service by mid-May of the following year.

The boat docks are removed for the winter season to prevent damage to the docks and pilings. The storm season in this area can be unpredictable, with the first large storm of the year often happening in October. Therefore, the docks are usually taken out in early to mid-October. This timing ensures that the docks are not damaged by the strong winds and waves that can occur during the storm season.

The Nehalem Bay State Park boat launch is a convenient option for boaters, providing easy access to the Nehalem Bay and River. The boat launch has a full boat ramp, making it suitable for larger boats. Additionally, there is ample parking available, as well as restrooms for visitors. The docks provide a stable platform for loading and unloading boats, and they are typically in service during the late spring, summer, and early fall months.

It is important to note that the removal of the docks in early-to-mid October does not mean that the boat launch is closed. Boaters can still launch their vessels at the ramp, but they may need to take extra precautions due to the absence of docks. It is always a good idea to check the weather conditions and exercise caution when launching a boat at any time of year. Additionally, boaters should be aware of the potential for strong winds and waves in the area during the fall and winter months.

In conclusion, the docks at the Nehalem Bay State Park boat launch are typically removed in early-to-mid October for the winter season. This helps to protect the docks and pilings from potential storm damage. Boaters can still use the boat launch during this time, but it is important to be aware of the changing conditions and take the necessary precautions. The docks provide a convenient and stable platform during the warmer months, making the boat launch a great option for boaters looking to access the Nehalem Bay and River.

The park is closed for construction from December 24, 2024, to November 30, 2025

Nehalem Bay State Park, located between the ocean and the bay, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a range of activities, including kayaking, crabbing, fishing, and clamming. It is also a great spot for those looking to launch their boats.

However, it is important to note that the park will be closed for construction from December 24, 2024, to November 30, 2025. This closure is part of a larger project to improve nine state parks across the state, funded by General Obligation bonds. During this time, visitors will not be able to access the campground, day-use area, airport, or trails in and out of the community. The goal is to reopen the park by July 1, 2025, but there is a possibility that the campground reservation closure may be extended to August 1 or later if needed to complete the construction work.

The construction project will include the installation of new water and electrical lines, as well as the addition of new restroom and shower buildings. Upgrades will also be made to existing utilities, accessible campsites, and the park entrance road will be repaved. These improvements are expected to cost between $5-8 million and are part of the state's effort to address park improvements and repairs.

The boat docks at Nehalem Bay State Park are typically seasonal, available from mid-May to mid-October. However, due to the construction, the docks may be removed earlier in the season. Visitors are advised to check with the park ahead of time to confirm the status of the boat docks.

While the park is closed for construction, visitors can explore other boat launch options in the area. The Port of Nehalem provides information on several boat launches, including the Nehalem Bay Boat Launch, which has a full boat ramp, dockage, parking, and restrooms. Alternative options include the Tillamook County Boat Launch, City of Wheeler Waterfront Park, and Paradise Cove RV Resort & Marina, all of which offer similar amenities.

The park is situated on a 4-mile sand spit between the ocean and the bay

Nehalem Bay State Park is located on the north Oregon Coast, 86 miles west of Portland. The park is situated on a 4-mile sand spit between the ocean and the bay, offering a unique natural landscape for visitors to explore and enjoy. This setting provides a diverse range of outdoor activities and experiences, from beachside relaxation to exploration of the bay.

The park's campground is nestled among shore pines, just a sand dune away from the beach, providing a tranquil and scenic escape for campers. The campground is open year-round and offers a range of amenities, including electrical sites with water, yurts, flush toilets, and showers. The park also features an airport with an airstrip and fly-in campsites, catering to visitors arriving by air.

One of the park's standout features is its location on the sand spit, providing access to both the ocean and the bay. The bay side of the park offers a boat ramp and seasonal boat docks, typically available from mid-May to mid-October. The boat launch provides full amenities, including a boat ramp, dockage, parking, and restrooms. This makes it a convenient spot for boaters and water enthusiasts to launch their vessels and explore the bay.

In addition to the boat launch, the park offers two day-use areas, one on the bay side and the other on the ocean side. These areas provide access to restrooms, picnic spots, and fire rings, making them ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, and day trips. The ocean-side day-use area also offers horseback riding during the summer months, adding to the range of activities available at the park.

The park's natural setting is a haven for wildlife, and visitors may catch glimpses of deer and elk grazing, as well as a variety of birds. The park offers a 1.8-mile-long bike path through the forest, providing breathtaking views of the bay and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Popular activities in the area include kayaking, crabbing, fishing, and clamming, catering to a range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Crabbing, fishing, clamming and kayaking are popular activities

Nehalem Bay State Park, set between the ocean and the bay, is a popular destination for crabbing, fishing, clamming, and kayaking. The park is situated on a 4-mile sand spit near Tillamook, Oregon, and offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Crabbing

Crabbing is a popular activity at Nehalem Bay, with the best time to catch crabs being from late summer to mid-fall. During this period, heavier rains lower the salinity, driving more crabs into the ocean. Crabbers can try their luck from the docks or rent a boat to access the best crabbing spots in the bay. September and October are considered the prime months for crabbing, as the crabs tend to have firmer meat after their annual molt.

Fishing

Nehalem Bay is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for Chinook and coho salmon. The bay offers one of the best early Chinook salmon runs on the Oregon coast, with the first catches typically made in July. However, August usually brings more consistent salmon fishing. The months of September and October are also ideal for fishing, as the majority of coho salmon are caught during this period. Additionally, anglers can try their luck at catching sturgeon, searun cutthroat trout, and perch.

Clamming

Nehalem Bay offers both beach and boat access to softshell and purple varnish clam beds. Clamming can be done in various areas around the bay, including near Brighton Marina, Fishery Point, and the west side of Nehalem Bay State Park. Clamming equipment such as shovels, clam guns, or heavy-tined garden forks may be required, depending on the area.

Kayaking

Kayaking is another popular activity at Nehalem Bay State Park, with a 1.8-mile long forested bike path providing breathtaking views of the bay. Kayakers can explore the bay, spotting deer, elk, and a variety of birds along the way. Kayak tours are also available through local businesses, offering a guided experience of the area.

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