Nehalem Bay State Park

Kitesurfing
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves, Medium waves
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Nehalem Bay State Park is a sandy, open coastal launch area on the Oregon North Coast where riders use NW winds for kitesurfing. Conditions are typically described as small-wave to medium-wave on clean water, with the beach being large and approachable for setup and self-launching near the boat ramp at the south end of the park. Wind is best from the northwest, with the strongest seasonal window running from March through October. One provider also describes a thermal/gradient-style afternoon pattern, and another notes high reliability during summer when the North Pacific High is established. A typical in-season wind range is given as roughly 15–25 knots. Safety is a major theme here. The mole/jetty at the southern end of the sand spit is repeatedly called out as a hazard, and rip currents are also reported along this stretch of coast. Because the water is cold year-round, riders should plan for hypothermia risk and pay close attention to tide timing so you are not drifted toward the jetty area. On-the-ground access is straightforward via the state park near Manzanita, but parking and day-use requirements apply. The area has camping and day-use facilities (toilets, showers, picnic areas), while specialized gear rental and storage/repair services are not indicated on the beach itself. Local guidance also emphasizes riding with a partner given cold water and remoteness.

  • NW wind best for kitesurfing
  • Large sand spit with easy access near the boat ramp
  • Cold water: 4–5 mm wetsuit commonly used
  • Mole/jetty at the south end is the key hazard
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing big air
What's great
  • Large sandy area with easy beach access near the boat ramp
  • Clean water and small-wave to medium-wave conditions
  • Good kitesurfing season from spring through early fall in NW winds
  • On-site camping and day-use amenities
Heads up
  • Water is cold year-round; hypothermia risk if underdressed
  • Mole/jetty at the southern end is a key hazard
  • Rip currents are reported along the stretch
  • Seasonal closures can affect access to some dune areas
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, NNW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — NW clearing/gradient winds are typical in season; both providers also describe NW as the best direction.
Reliability
High during summer months per one provider; otherwise generally season-dependent.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — One provider describes light gusting.
Best Months
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–11 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves, Medium waves
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Providers describe small-wave to medium-wave conditions; a separate surf profile characterizes wave size as medium.
Launch
Medium — Easy access near the boat ramp at the south end of the park; large sandy area for setup and self-launching.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
9–15 °C
Water Temperature
7–22 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm or 5/4mm
Crowds by Season

Most crowded in July and August.

Storm/Rain Season

late fall through early spring (wettest period); peak rainy/storm season reported as November through March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Flat-to-small-wave conditions are described as suitable for freeride and beginner-to-intermediate riding, with downwind distance possible along the coast toward the park.

FreerideWaveFreestyleBig airStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–11 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Nehalem Bay State Park in the full forecast view.

Nehalem Bay State Park wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
SSW192°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2513 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
1.1–2.9 m9s period
Temperature
4–13 °C

Over the next 7 days, Nehalem Bay State Park is forecast for daytime winds of 1–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.1–2.9 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Mole (jetty) at the southern end of the spit
  • Rip currents
  • Cold water (hypothermia risk)
  • Driftwood logs
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHoodBootsGlovesHarnessHelmetImpact vestLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated on-water wind sports rescue services are indicated.
Emergency Info
Call 911 for emergencies. One provider notes the nearest hospital is in Tillamook; regional emergency response is handled by the Tillamook County Sheriff and the US Coast Guard.

Rules of the spot

Respect designated swimming areas and keep clear of nesting sites when marked; follow day-use rules including parking/permit requirements.

Restrictions
  • Parking pass / Oregon State Parks day-use fee required.
  • Seasonal bird nesting closures for some dune areas.
Local Tips
  • Parking pass required; access is from the state park near the boat ramp (south end of the area).
  • Watch the tide so you are not pushed toward the jetty/mole at the south end.
  • Ride with a partner due to remoteness and cold water.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Manzanita
Nearest Town
Manzanita
Parking
Parking available at day-use area near boat ramp; parking pass required.
Public Transport
limited public transit via Tillamook County Transportation District and the POINT bus service from Portland
Access
From US Highway 101 just south of Manzanita, take the road to Nehalem State Park and drive ~10 minutes to the boat ramp at the park end (south end).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Camping
Picnic area
Accommodation
Near — Campground is within the state park; hotels/motels in nearby Manzanita.
Food & Drink
Nearby town of Manzanita has cafes and restaurants.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available at the beach; closest shops are reported in Seaside or Cannon Beach.
Gear Storage
Not available.
Gear Repair
Not available.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: July and August offer the most consistent weather and wind for outdoor activities.
Neahkahnie Mountain5 miles

Popular hiking trail with panoramic views of the Oregon coastline and Nehalem Bay.

Kelly’s Brighton Marina4 miles

Crabbing, fishing, and boating on the southern edge of the bay.

The Nehalem Bay Winery4 miles

Local winery offering tastings and seasonal events.

Nehalem Bay State Park Beach0 miles

Expansive sandy beaches for beachcombing, kite flying, and wildlife viewing.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Nehalem Bay State Park?

The best overall months at Nehalem Bay State Park are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Nehalem Bay State Park?

Nehalem Bay State Park works with NW, NNW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Nehalem Bay State Park?

Recommended equipment sizes at Nehalem Bay State Park: Kitesurfing: 7–11 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Nehalem Bay State Park suitable for?

Nehalem Bay State Park suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate.