Nehalem Bay State Park
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Most crowded in July and August.
late fall through early spring (wettest period); peak rainy/storm season reported as November through March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- Parking pass / Oregon State Parks day-use fee required.
- Seasonal bird nesting closures for some dune areas.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Popular hiking trail with panoramic views of the Oregon coastline and Nehalem Bay.
Crabbing, fishing, and boating on the southern edge of the bay.
Local winery offering tastings and seasonal events.
Expansive sandy beaches for beachcombing, kite flying, and wildlife viewing.
From riders who've been here
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.