Clamming and Kayak Excursions on N. Oregon Coast Spotlight Netarts Bay

Published 05/18/22 at 1:35 AM PST
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Netarts, Oregon) – On the north Oregon coast's Netarts Bay, there's a great variety of marine life and ecosystem nooks and crannies, and not much of it evident to the average eye. To those who would like to see more about the area than most people get to, the Friends of Netarts Bay - Watershed, Estuary, Beach & Sea (WEBS) group is providing some fun and informative outdoor trips to answer that curiosity. (Photo Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

It begins on Saturday, May 21 with the Sustainable Clamming on the Bay outdoor trip, and then Kayak Netarts Bay Excursions on Sunday, May 22.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) joins forces the Friends of Netarts Bay group to help participants learn about the role of shellfish in bay health, the types of clams in the bay, the best and most sustainable methods for harvesting wild shellfish, and current research on trends in clam size and biomass.

There is no cost for this program, although tax-exempt donations to the group will be accepted, which helps them keep up more sessions like these. You'll need to register at this link first.

The Kayak Netarts Bay Excursions happen in two categories: novice and intermediate. Here, you'll get to float along this intriguing north Oregon coast landmark and explore Netarts while checking out its abundance life - creatures that live deeper than most people get to see.

These kayak trips are the rescheduled sessions after those set for earlier this month were canceled.

They are offering a tour for beginners and a novice tour of the inner bay. Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS interpreters and Kayak Tillamook County guides will lead you through an exploration of this diverse marine habitat. Check out the Kayaking On The Bay video series to help ready yourself for this eye-opening paddle.

For the Novice Tour: Bay Entrance

This tour is designed for beginning kayakers, where you'll drift out on the last outgoing tides. Participants will meander through the bay while making stops to appreciate the variety of animals and algae within the bay.

All equipment will be provided. Registration link is here.

Restrictions: Tweens and older are free to join this trip. People with serious medical conditions should exercise caution in joining. Anyone under 90 lbs or over 230 lbs should notify the during registration to ensure they have the proper gear.

The program is free, but donations to WEBS will be accepted.

Intermediate Kayak Tour: The Inner Bay of Netarts

It's a particularly spectacular journey where you'll glide over lots of marine life, aquatic plants and the various types of algae that inhabit Netarts Bay. While this adventure is full of wonder, it is no easy float and isn't for the timid. On the return trip, you will be paddling against both an incoming tidal current and a Northwest headwind. If you are up for a challenge, this is the trip for you.

The first half of this trip takes advantage of an incoming tide, flushing participants far up into the inner bay toward our favorite destinations.

“Because the NOAA tides predictions are only predictions, participants should be prepared for anything,” say organizers. “For instance, the journey may involve short portages and using teamwork to carry the kayaks with us.”

All equipment will be provided. Registration link is here.

Restrictions: Children under 16 years old and people with serious medical conditions are not allowed on this trip. Anyone under 90 lbs. or over 230 lbs. should notify the organizers during registration to ensure they have the proper gear. There is no charge for this tour, either.

The entire set of events are co-hosted by Explore Nature. Explore Nature Partnership offers a series of meaningful nature-based experiences highlighting the unique beauty of Tillamook County and the work being done to preserve the area’s natural resources and natural resource-based economy.

More information about this part of the Oregon coast is available at www.netartsbaywebs.org. This event was made possible with support from the Oregon Community Foundation - Salty Dog Fund. Explore Nature series is partially supported by Tillamook Coast Visitors Association and the Travel Oregon Forever Fund. More photos below

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