Winchester Bay


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Welcome to Winchester Bay, Oregon!

 

The Crab Capital of the World!

 

Winchester Bay is located in the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (NRA)- 47 miles stretching from Florence to North Bend.

Winchester Bay is a vacationer's paradise; home to miles of undisturbed beaches, abundant wildlife, lake and ocean fishing, Lake Marie, nearby hiking trails, plenty of campgrounds, 3 beach parking areas, and vast stretches of off-road riding fun for ATVers. Our dunes offer some of the best riding on the coast.  Our inviting village is full of shops and restaurants; offering tasty treats from the sea and unique gifts.

Fishermen will enjoy going after salmon, bottom fish, sturgeon, bass, trout and many other varieties of fish. There are many lakes for those who prefer freshwater fishing: bluegill, steelhead, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, catfish, crappie and hybrid bass are all available. There's also clamming and crabbing - and in August & September we have the Annual Crab Bounty Hunt.  From January to December, something's always in season!

While you're here, check out our beautiful Umpqua River Lighthouse, which is one of only a few that feature both red and white beams.  

The calendar is full of things to do and see in our area: Whale watching and the annual Oregon Dune Mushers Mail Run in March, fireworks on the Fourth of July - and later in July is Ocean Fest - fun for the entire family. August brings the Crab Bounty Hunt, Oregon Dune Fest, and Kool Coastal Nights Classic Car Show. In September we open the envelope to learn if we have a  winner in our Crab Bounty Hunt. Labor Day Weekend the local STEP group hosts a Salmon Derby for fishing enthusiasts. Don't miss Art By the Bay, which also takes place Labor Day Weekend. November we celebrate the season with Holiday by the Sea, complete with a visit from Santa, who arrives by Coast Guard cutter straight from the North Pole! And in December the Whale Watching Season begins again as the nomadic mammals return to their breeding grounds in Baja California.

Don't miss the 1,040-acre Dean Creek Elk Preserve located on Highway 38, just 4 miles east of Reedsport. Visitors are treated to an up-close look at the herds of elk, and other inhabitants of the area; including: Canada geese, osprey, blue heron, bald eagles and dozens of other avian species; black-tail deer, nutrias, beaver, musk-rats and the occasional black bear represent the mammalian community. Interpretive signs are located at the viewing lot. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera.

The Discovery Center, in old town Reedsport, is open with interactive displays showing the history of our area. From the native Kuuich Indian tribes to pioneers settling the land - they all have a voice in the many fine exhibits. Also, the Discovery Center has a new display wing.

Please go HERE for even more things to see and do while in our area.

And, check out our visitor's center!! We're located on the corner of Broadway and 7th, and are open during the summer months.

 

Winchester Bay Merchants Association

PO Box 1143

Winchester Bay, Oregon  97467