Riding the Beach
About riding the beach
Riding a bike on the beach is truly enjoyable. Many miles of Oregon's coastline are suitable for bike riding. You don't need a fat bike, but tires at least 2" wide are recommended. The best place to ride is on sand that is not too wet and not too dry. It is a good idea to time your ride with the tides (e.g., starting the ride on an outgoing tide) and to check the wind forecast. Also, be mindful of the possibility of "sneaker waves" (a wave that can come further inland than the waves preceding it). These are more likely to happen between October and March. Salt and sand are hard on bikes, and so take care to wash and oil your bike after a ride. If you live near the coast and have storage space, I recommend owning an inexpensive dedicated beach bike. I bought a used mid-1990s mountain bike for $125, and it has served me well for several years for this purpose.
Contents of this page
(1) Routes
Suggested bike routes
(2) Oregon Coast Trail
Information and maps for hiking or biking 362 miles of coastline from Washington to California
(3) Tide tables
I recommend obtaining information about the tides in planning your ride.
(4) Wind forecast
It is often windy at the coast, and it is recommended to check the wind forecast.
(5) Tsunami information
I recommend downloading a tsunami evacuation map for the area you plan to ride.
In certain areas, it is possible to bike the beach and return by bus.
(7) Bike rentals
(1) Routes
You can ride all nearly all of the 26 miles from the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport to Yachats on the beach. You only have to detour in two spots: around Seal Rock and at the Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport. It is possible to return by using public transportation.
More routes will be added...
The Oregon Coast Trail travels the 362 miles of coastline from Washington to California. Follow the link above for information and maps.
(5) Tsunami information
An interactive map from NANOOS (Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems) where you can access all of the evacuation zone maps for Oregon and Washington.
Smartphone apps: NANOOS has developed smartphone apps for Apple and Android:
Apple iOS: NVS Tsunami Evacuation app
Android: NVS Tsunami Evacuation app
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) - Tsunami Evacuation Maps
Washington Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) - Washington tsunami evacuation maps
California Department of Conservation - Tsunami information
In certain areas, it is possible to bike the beach and return by bus.
(7) Bike rentals
Bahama Mama’s – Manzanita; https://www.bahamamamasbeachfare.com; They rent beach cruisers and trikes (Trailmate Fun Cycle).
Troxel’s – Rockaway Beach: https://www.facebook.com/troxelsrockgarden
Bandon- South Coast Bicycles
Port Orford- Pineapple Express Adventure Rides,
Safari Town Surf in Lincoln City