Nestled along the rugged shores of Oregon’s Tillamook Coast lie some of the most tranquil and secluded towns you’ve likely never heard of. These hidden gems offer peaceful retreats where the sound of crashing waves and the whisper of coastal breezes are your constant companions. From misty forests meeting sandy shores to sleepy hamlets perched beside serene bays, each town provides a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re seeking a quiet getaway surrounded by nature or a charming village with rich local character, the Tillamook Coast has it all. Join us as we count down ten of the most secluded towns in this breathtaking region, showcasing the serene beauty and hidden treasures that await along Oregon’s captivating coastline.
10. Beaver: A Calm Retreat Nestled in Nature
Beaver is a small, unincorporated community that offers a serene escape into nature’s embrace, with a population of just a few hundred residents. This peaceful town provides an ideal environment away from bustling tourist spots, perfect for those seeking tranquility. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Tillamook State Forest, which is perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The town’s proximity to the Nestucca River makes it ideal for kayaking and trout fishing, while local farms offer a glimpse into the area’s agricultural roots. Beaver’s primary industries revolve around agriculture and forestry, contributing to its rustic charm. Its seclusion comes from its location amidst lush forests and rolling hills, offering visitors and residents a tranquil retreat where nature takes center stage.
Where is Beaver?
Beaver is nestled in the heart of Oregon’s Tillamook Coast, situated along Highway 101 between Tillamook and Lincoln City. Its secluded nature is enhanced by the surrounding dense forests and lack of urban development. Accessing Beaver involves a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, with panoramic views of the coastline and verdant landscapes. The town’s off-the-beaten-path location makes it a hidden gem for those seeking solitude amidst Oregon’s natural beauty.
9. Bay City: Quaint Coastal Living with Oyster Flair
Bay City is a quaint coastal town with a population of approximately 1,300 residents, offering a peaceful atmosphere steeped in maritime charm. Known for its famous oyster beds, it’s a haven for seafood lovers looking to indulge in fresh local catches. Visitors can explore the scenic waterfront, visit the Bay City Arts Center, or stroll through quiet streets lined with unique shops and cafes. The main industries in Bay City revolve around fishing, oyster farming, and tourism, contributing to its laid-back coastal vibe. What makes Bay City secluded is its small-town feel and tranquil bayside setting, providing a serene escape from busier coastal destinations. The town’s unhurried pace and connection to nature make it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Where is Bay City?
Located along the eastern shore of Tillamook Bay, Bay City is nestled between Tillamook to the south and Garibaldi to the north on Oregon’s Tillamook Coast. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding bay waters and lush greenery, offering picturesque views and a sense of calm. To reach Bay City, travelers can take Highway 101, enjoying a scenic coastal drive with glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and forested landscapes. The town’s unique position on the bay provides a quiet retreat, making it a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic coastal Oregon experience.
8. Cloverdale: Gateway to Quiet Coastal Life
Cloverdale is a rural community offering a serene gateway to Oregon’s quiet coastal life, with a population of just a few hundred residents. This small town is surrounded by scenic agricultural landscapes, where dairy farms and pastures stretch as far as the eye can see. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful countryside, explore local antique shops, or venture to nearby oceanside spots for beachcombing and tide pooling. Agriculture is the mainstay of Cloverdale’s economy, contributing to its tranquil and pastoral atmosphere. Its seclusion stems from its rural setting and low population density, providing a calm and unspoiled environment away from urban centers. Cloverdale’s simplicity and close-knit community make it a charming stop for those seeking a quiet retreat.
Where is Cloverdale?
Situated along Highway 101 in Tillamook County, Cloverdale lies between Lincoln City and Tillamook on Oregon’s picturesque coast. Its secluded nature is due in part to its location amid rolling farmland and its distance from larger towns. Travelers can access Cloverdale via the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying views of the countryside and coastal ranges. The town’s peaceful setting and easy access to nearby natural attractions make it an ideal base for exploring the less-traveled parts of the Tillamook Coast.
7. Tierra Del Mar: Off-the-Beaten-Path Beach Bliss
Tierra Del Mar is a tranquil coastal hamlet offering uncrowded beaches and a sense of true seclusion. With a population of less than 200 residents, it provides a peaceful atmosphere perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The expansive sandy beaches are ideal for beachcombing, horseback riding, and enjoying stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. There are no commercial industries here, which adds to its quiet charm, and the community is primarily residential with vacation homes and cottages. Tierra Del Mar’s off-the-beaten-path location and lack of commercial development make it a hidden coastal paradise for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Where is Tierra Del Mar?
Located just north of Pacific City on the Tillamook Coast, Tierra Del Mar is nestled between the ocean and Sand Lake Recreation Area. Its secluded setting is enhanced by the surrounding natural areas and limited access roads. To reach Tierra Del Mar, visitors can take a scenic drive along Cape Kiwanda Drive off Highway 101, passing through picturesque landscapes. The town’s remote location and unspoiled beaches make it a perfect destination for those looking to unwind away from more populated beach towns.
6. Wheeler: A Sleepy Hamlet with Stunning Views
Wheeler is a sleepy coastal hamlet perched alongside Nehalem Bay, boasting a population of approximately 400 people. This charming town offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding mountains, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, and bird watching, or explore vintage shops and small eateries that dot the main street. The town’s history is rooted in logging and fishing, but today it thrives on tourism centered around its tranquil environment. Wheeler’s seclusion is characterized by its small size, quiet streets, and breathtaking sunsets over the water, providing an ideal backdrop for unwinding and soaking in the coastal ambiance.
Where is Wheeler?
Situated along Highway 101 on Nehalem Bay, Wheeler lies between the towns of Nehalem and Rockaway Beach on Oregon’s Tillamook Coast. Its secluded feel comes from its position tucked between the bay and the coastal mountains, with fewer tourists than neighboring towns. Accessing Wheeler is easy via Highway 101, yet it retains a sense of remoteness due to its serene setting and small community. The town’s proximity to both the bay and the ocean makes it a hidden gem for visitors seeking a quiet and picturesque coastal experience.
5. Nehalem: Riverside Relaxation in a Tiny Town
Nehalem is a tiny town nestled along the Nehalem River, with a population of approximately 270 residents. This charming community offers a peaceful setting where visitors can unwind along the riverbanks or explore the quaint downtown area with its antique shops and artisan boutiques. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and boating in the calm river waters. The town’s economy is supported by small businesses and tourism, maintaining its cozy and inviting atmosphere. Nehalem’s seclusion is highlighted by its riverside location, quieter pace of life, and the lush natural surroundings that create a serene escape from the everyday hustle.
Where is Nehalem?
Located on Oregon’s Tillamook Coast, Nehalem sits just off Highway 101, south of Manzanita and north of Wheeler. Its secluded charm is enhanced by the nearby Nehalem Bay State Park and the surrounding forests. Travelers can reach Nehalem via the scenic Highway 101, enjoying views of the river and coastal landscapes. The town’s riverside setting and small size make it an idyllic spot for those seeking relaxation and a connection with nature.
4. Manzanita: A Peaceful Coastal Escape
Manzanita is a peaceful coastal town with a population of about 600 people, known for its laid-back vibe and natural beauty. The town boasts a seven-mile stretch of sandy beach, perfect for long walks, beachcombing, and enjoying the tranquil sound of the waves. Looming above is Neahkahnie Mountain, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the coastline. Manzanita’s economy is driven by tourism, with local shops, galleries, and eateries adding to its quaint charm. Its seclusion comes from its small size, absence of large-scale development, and the harmonious blend of ocean and forest that envelops the town.
Where is Manzanita?
Situated along Oregon’s northern coast, Manzanita lies south of Cannon Beach and north of Nehalem, accessible via Highway 101. The town’s secluded atmosphere is enhanced by the surrounding Oswald West State Park and the majestic Neahkahnie Mountain. Visitors can reach Manzanita by taking a scenic drive along the coast, enjoying the breathtaking ocean vistas along the way. Its tucked-away location and natural surroundings make Manzanita an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil seaside retreat.
3. Neskowin: Where the Forest Meets the Ocean
Neskowin is a charming village where the forest meets the ocean, home to approximately 170 residents. It is renowned for its mysterious Ghost Forest—a collection of ancient tree stumps visible during low tide on the beach. The pristine beaches offer a peaceful setting for walking, bird watching, and exploring tide pools. The town is primarily residential with a scattering of vacation homes, and there are minimal commercial establishments, preserving its quiet atmosphere. Neskowin’s seclusion is amplified by its lush forests, absence of heavy tourism, and the natural beauty that creates a harmonious coastal escape.
Where is Neskowin?
Located on the northern Oregon coast, Neskowin is nestled between Lincoln City to the south and Pacific City to the north, just off Highway 101. Its secluded nature is due to the encompassing Siuslaw National Forest and its limited accessibility. To get to Neskowin, travelers can take Highway 101 and turn onto Neskowin’s entrance, winding through forested areas before reaching the coastline. The town’s hidden position and serene environment make it a perfect haven for those looking to immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility.
2. Netarts: Serenity by the Bay
Netarts is a serene coastal community situated by the bay, with a population of approximately 750 residents. The town offers a quiet charm, emphasizing its unspoiled natural surroundings that are perfect for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in crabbing, clamming, and fishing in Netarts Bay, renowned for its rich marine life. The lack of commercial development preserves its peaceful atmosphere, and the local economy is centered around small businesses and outdoor recreation. Netarts’ seclusion is characterized by its pristine bay, surrounding forests, and the tranquil ambiance that invites relaxation and connection with nature.
Where is Netarts?
Netarts is located on the Oregon Coast, just west of Tillamook and accessible via Netarts Highway from Highway 131. Its secluded feel comes from its position along the bay and minimal through-traffic, as it’s not directly on Highway 101. Visitors can reach Netarts by taking a picturesque drive through Tillamook, passing dairy farms and coastal forests. The town’s tucked-away location by the bay provides a calm and undisturbed environment, making it an idyllic spot for a serene coastal getaway.
1. Oceanside: A Hidden Gem Tucked Between Cliffs and Sea
Oceanside is a hidden gem perched between dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of the sea, home to approximately 350 residents. The village offers secluded beaches with stunning ocean views, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Visitors can explore Tunnel Beach by passing through a man-made tunnel carved through Maxwell Point, revealing a secluded shoreline teeming with tidal pools and marine life. There are few commercial establishments, maintaining its quaint and tranquil atmosphere. Oceanside’s seclusion is a result of its remote location, rugged landscape, and the towering cliffs that shelter it from the outside world.
Where is Oceanside?
Located on the Tillamook Coast, Oceanside lies west of Tillamook city, accessible via a scenic drive on Netarts Oceanside Highway. The town’s secluded nature is enhanced by the surrounding Cape Meares and the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge just offshore. To reach Oceanside, travelers can enjoy a beautiful coastal drive with panoramic views of the ocean and lush green landscapes. Its hidden position between the cliffs and the sea makes Oceanside a perfect destination for those looking to discover one of Oregon’s best-kept coastal secrets.
