The best cycling routes around Netarts

Sitka Sedge State Natural Area is a beautiful 357-acre coastal preserve where tidal marshes, forested dunes, and saltwater estuaries meet. Several trails wind through wetlands and along the Sand Lake Estuary, and it is an excellent spot for birdwatching and quiet beach access away from some of the other busier locations.

Netarts Bay Drive showcases stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and crashing waves. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, seabirds, seals, and even the occasional otter frolicking along the coast.

The Nehalem River is a breathtaking waterway that boasts diverse wildlife, both on land and in the water, from majestic elk and black-tailed deer to playful river otters and busy beavers. Below the surface, the river is teeming with salmon and other fish. As you ride along, you might spot a northern spotted owl, an osprey, or even a golden eagle in the sky. In 2019, the river was designated a “State Scenic Waterway” to protect its corridor, wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Rockaway Beach State Park offers more than just sun-kissed shores and crashing waves. The park's trails wind through forests, meadows, and along the stunning Oregon coast, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. You'll also see plenty of wildlife along the way, such as deer, elk, and seabirds.

Symons State Scenic Viewpoint is the perfect spot to catch a breathtaking view of the Oregon coastline. From here, you can take in the stunning beauty of Oceanside, Maxwell Point, and the sandy shores below. The view to the south is equally impressive, with a sweeping panorama as far as the eye can see. If you look out to the north, you'll also catch a glimpse of Cape Lookout as it reaches far out into the ocean.

The Cape is an incredible natural wonder that is easily accessible by a short hike from the parking lot. The beautiful area surrounding the Cape has now been made into a state park, covering 2000 acres, and it even has a popular campground. The rugged rock formation juts out over a mile and a half into the majestic Pacific Ocean, where you can witness the sheer cliffs that plunge 400 feet into the sea.

Pacific City is a charming coastal town beneath the majestic Cape Kiwanda. Mesmerizing landmarks, sandy beaches, awe-inspiring views, and excellent surfing opportunities surround this picturesque location. Here, you will see the massive “sea stack” rock formation and the towering sand dune leading to Cape Kiwanda's top, offering breathtaking vistas. The town is also an exceptional spot for fishing, surfing, and watching dorymen launch their boats directly from the beach.

Garibaldi, located at the northern end of Tillamook Bay, is a small port town with a deep connection with the sea. The locals here engage in commercial fishing, where they haul freshly caught Dungeness crab, ling cod, rockfish, and even octopus at the marina up to the docks. The restaurants here serve the day's catch, making it an excellent spot to stop for lunch during a long ride.