A Nuclear Power Plant at Cape Kiwanda? Uncomfortable Oregon Coast State Park Start

Published 09/07/22 at 6:10 PM
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Pacific City, Oregon) – UPDATED: See the full story on the Cape Kiwanda Nuclear Power Plant and History of the State Park here.

Sometimes, origin stories are way stranger than fiction. Once upon a time, Cape Kiwanda was a bit of unknown attraction on the Oregon coast. Far from the popular, even buzzing landmark it is now, around 1970 or so it was considered a true hidden spot, and completely wild and untamed. (Photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

With Oregon State Parks celebrating its 100th year in 2022, discussions often turn to how certain parks came to be. On the Oregon coast, in what has long been called the Tillamook Coast, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area has the bizarre and even hideous distinction of starting out largely because of a proposed nuclear power plant.

Can you imagine the horrific sight? A cooling tower some 200 feet high jutting up from beyond the cape would've looked something like the above. Beyond the ugliness, there would be the looming, dark, nuclear threat of whatever the coming magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami would dole out to this area. See the full story on the Cape Kiwanda Nuclear Power Plant and History of the State Park here.

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