Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Bob Straub State Park sprawls across 484 acres where the Nestucca River mouth carves its final channel into the Pacific, creating a landscape that changes with every tide. You'll park in a gravel lot bordered by shore pines, then walk through soft dunes matted with beach grass until the sand firms beneath your feet. To the south, Haystack Rock—Pacific City's 327-foot sea stack—dominates the shoreline, its basalt face streaked white with guano and darkened by constant spray. The beach here runs wide and flat, ideal for letting children roam while you keep watch from a driftwood log the size of a school bus. At low tide, the Nestucca's braided channels create shallow lagoons warm enough for wading, their sandy bottoms free of the rocks that punish bare feet elsewhere on the Oregon coast. Plovers scuttle along the waterline, and harbor seals surface in the river mouth, their whiskered faces watching you with the same curiosity you feel watching them. Unlike the tourism magnets to the north, Bob Straub remains refreshingly uncrowded even in July. The wind here blows steady and cool, carrying the iodine scent of kelp and the distant bark of sea lions from the rock. Bring a kite, a bucket for agates, and layers—the marine air cuts through cotton in minutes, but fleece and a windbreaker keep you comfortable for hours of beachcombing.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Bob Straub State Park Beach.
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Swimming is generally not recommended at Bob Straub State Park Beach due to strong currents, sneaker waves, and cold water temperatures year-round. The beach is better suited for wading, beachcombing, and enjoying the scenery. The Nestucca River meets the ocean here, creating unpredictable conditions. Families often enjoy the calmer river side for supervised play. Always keep children close, never turn your back on the ocean, and be aware of logs in the surf zone that can be dangerous.
Bob Straub State Park Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Summer (June-September) provides the warmest, driest weather with temperatures around 60-70°F, ideal for beach activities and kite flying. Winter brings dramatic storm watching opportunities and fewer crowds. Spring and fall offer mild conditions perfect for beachcombing and wildlife viewing. Morning visits often feature clearer skies and calmer winds. The beach is less crowded on weekdays throughout the year.
Bob Straub State Park has a large, free parking area accessed from Pacific Avenue in Pacific City. From Highway 101, take Brooten Road west toward Pacific City, then follow signs to the park at the south end of town. The parking lot can accommodate RVs and has accessible spaces. It's located right next to the beach with minimal walking required. During summer weekends and holidays, arrive early as the lot fills quickly. The park is approximately 25 miles south of Tillamook.
Pacific City offers several dining options within minutes of the beach, including the famous Pelican Brewing Company with oceanfront views, Delicate Palate Bistro, and Grateful Bread Bakery. Accommodations range from vacation rentals and beach houses to the Inn at Cape Kiwanda and various motels. Basic beach amenities at the park include restrooms and picnic areas, but no food vendors on-site. For groceries and supplies, Pacific City has a small market. More extensive shopping is available in Tillamook, 25 miles north.
Yes, Bob Straub State Park Beach offers excellent views of Haystack Rock rising 327 feet from the ocean at nearby Cape Kiwanda. This is a different Haystack Rock from Cannon Beach's famous formation. The beach provides unique vantage points looking north toward the rock and Cape Kiwanda's sandstone cliffs. The park's location at the Nestucca River mouth creates particularly photogenic scenes with the rock in the background. Low tide reveals tide pools around the rock's base, accessible from adjacent beaches.
