Northern Oregon Coast

Nehalem, Oregon

City

Small town at the head of Nehalem Bay

Nehalem is a small city at the head of Nehalem Bay, where the Nehalem River meets the tide flats, with a historic downtown and nearby state park.

History & Local Character

Nehalem grew as a lumber and dairy town in the late 1800s and was rebuilt after fires in the early twentieth century. Its main street retains a small-town character.

Housing & Real Estate

Housing is mostly single-family homes, with prices high for the coast and limited rental supply.

Restaurants & Shopping

Downtown has a few cafes and restaurants along US 101, with more options in Manzanita and Wheeler.

Schools & Education

Nehalem students attend Neah-Kah-Nie School District schools.

Parks & Recreation

Nehalem Bay State Park offers camping, beach access and a boat launch, and the Nehalem River is popular for kayaking and fishing.

Transportation & Accessibility

US 101 runs through town, with Tillamook County Transportation District bus service.

Local Businesses

CafesKayak rentalsGrocerySmall inns

No businesses are listed in Nehalem yet. Add your business to be the first.

Nearby Attractions

  • Nehalem Bay State Park
  • Nehalem River
  • Manzanita Beach

Advantages & Considerations

Advantages

  • Bay and river access
  • State park camping
  • Quiet small-town feel

Considerations

  • Limited services
  • High housing costs
  • Tsunami evacuation planning is essential

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you kayak the Nehalem River?

Yes. The river and bay are popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, with rentals in Nehalem and Wheeler.

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