Toledo, Siletz & Newport: A Family’s Favorite Stretch of Coast
Ann Robinson’s family drives out to the coast near Toledo and Siletz whenever they can, and I take them around when they come — the beaches, the stops, the food. I asked her what keeps them coming back. This is what she said, in her own words.
“A favorite destination for our family is the Oregon Coast, near Toledo and Siletz. The drive is beautiful and there are dozens of places to explore within an hour of the area, including Newport. We always see wildlife on the beaches, and those beaches vary widely within just a few miles. Some are sandy, others are made of all smooth stones, and still others are tiny pebbles full of agates.
This past summer we recently discovered Olalla Reservoir, where the swimming is awesome because no boats dock there. We also experienced an adventure at Toledo Boating, which is open to the public for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and anything motorless. The area is enclosed, so we were able to stay close and also switch boating options easily. All equipment is provided and free to use.
Of course the food in Oregon is amazing and fresh. We never leave without eating clam chowder!”
— Ann Robinson
Three things worth writing down
- Olalla Reservoir — swimming without boat traffic, because no boats dock there.
- Toledo Boating — open to the public for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Motorless only, the area is enclosed so kids stay close, and the equipment is free to use.
- Agate hunting — the beaches change character every few miles. Sandy, then smooth stones, then pebbles full of agates. Worth stopping at more than one.
Coming out this way, or planning a cruise from somewhere else entirely? Tell me the rough idea and I’ll help you sort it out.
