A tribute to the People's Coast for the Beach Bill anniversary

July 2, 2026

Whether your spot of choice is Brookings, Newport, Seaside, or somewhere in between, there’s truly nowhere like the Oregon Coast.

But how and why is it so special?

That's thanks in large part to the Beach Bill, signed on July 6, 1967 by Governor Tom McCall. This still preserves public access to the entire coastline of Oregon up to 16 feet of elevation (around the vegetation line)—making it possible to enjoy surfing, fishing, tide pooling, hiking, sightseeing, and many other coastal adventures. The Beach Bill built upon the work of Governor Oswald West, who first protected public access to the Oregon Coast in 1913 by declaring it a highway.

A man in a wetsuit holding a surfboard. Quote: “The Legislative Assembly hereby declares it is the public policy of the State of Oregon to forever preserve and maintain the sovereignty of the state heretofore existing over the seashore and ocean beaches of the state from the Columbia River on the North to the Oregon-California line on the South so that the public may have the free and uninterrupted use thereof.” –Beach Bill (HB 1601)

Of course, we cannot talk about the Oregon Coast without mentioning Janet McLennan, previous board president for 1000 Friends of Oregon (among several other influential roles she held in Oregon). Early in her career, Janet was a key leader in efforts to protect the Nestucca Spit from development and later played a key behind-the-scenes role in the passage of the Beach Bill. Check out this profile for more of Janet's story.

Then, the creation of Oregon’s statewide land use system in 1973 added an enduring and adaptable framework for how we steward all ocean-related and shoreline resources in Oregon. (Check out this musical overview of SB 100, "our foundational land use law.")

That brings us to today: We are continuing this legacy with our work, and we are enjoying the gift of all-public coastal access.

Here are some favorite Oregon Coast spots and stories from our staff

Two photos, one on top of the other, showing two boys playing in a hole in the sand next to a log, with distant surf and an overcast sky.

I grew up going to the beach with my family. Every time we went, my younger brother and I would bounce between throwing the Frisbee, digging two holes and connecting them with a tunnel, and having a picnic with our mom. I like knowing that I could go to any beach along the Oregon Coast and be sure to have access.

—Jackson Schroeder, Gerhardt Intern

The back of a whale sticks out of gray ocean waters, with a green hillside with scattered homes along it

Depoe Bay is one of the first places on the coast I got to know when I moved to Oregon since I have a good friend from there. I was lucky enough to get an assignment to photograph whale watching in Depoe Bay for a travel magazine and saw six whales on the tour, which barely left the shore because the whales can get so close there. It's a very special place with dramatic scenery that is so quintessentially Oregon.

—Sarah Yeoman, Digital Communications and Engagement Manager

A grassy, clifftop area that overlooks a sunlit ocean and blue sky. There is a paved path and a picnic table too.

(My favorite place on the Oregon Coast is) Ocean Beach Picnic Area off 101 in Florence. Accessible natural areas aren't the easiest to find, so I loved that this little area has an accessible path to a picnic area that overlooks the beach. Much easier than trying to walk on sand, and so beautiful and peaceful and not busy.

—Cassie Wilson, Legislative Manager

Two kids stand on wet sand near a giant sea stack, with a small, white-capped wave breaking near the rock's base. The rock takes up most of the frame.

(My favorite place on the Oregon Coast is) Cannon Beach, because it is the fastest way to get to the ocean from Portland. For me, stepping into the ocean means connecting to important places in my life. The Philippines, where I was born. Southern California, where I grew up. Honolulu, where I lived for a while. Even though it's the largest ocean, it connects so many places.

—Lou Ocampo, Operations Manager

A wide, sandy beach framed by blue water on the left, beach grass and a low cement wall on the right. In the distance are buildings and a large headland with a lighthouse.

(My favorite place on the Oregon Coast is) Nye Beach, because it's a big beach with a lot of sand!

—Jacky Lee, Oregon for Everyone Manager

A black, brown, and white dog with a harness walks on sand and rocks alongside blue waters

I love Yachats' quirky vibe and beautiful natural spaces like Thor's Well and Cape Perpetua.

—Anna Kemper, Great Communities Program Director

Aerial photo of Astoria, showing forested hillsides (with a smattering of homes) and a more densely developed waterfront area. There is also the Astoria-Megler Bridge spanning the wide Columbia River.

(My favorite place on the Oregon Coast is) Astoria, especially any view of the mouth of the Columbia River.

—Mary Kyle McCurdy, Associate Director and Managing Attorney

A three-part photo collage. On the right is a woman in a bright green raincoat, carrying a large pack, climbing a grassy hill overlooking a rocky beach with gray, frothy waves. Middle photo: A woman in a green coat walking on a beach with a triangular sea stack just offshore on a sunny day. Right image: Clifftop view of frothy waves breaking in an inlet framed by big rocks.

The Oregon Coast has always been special to me since early childhood; some of my earliest memories include digging in the sand in Seaside with my family.
My relationship to this landscape deepened when I hiked the 382-mile Oregon Coast Trail in spring 2017. One of many highlights was trekking through the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor with one of my best friends. The rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and natural bridges were absolutely breathtaking—and so were the hills. Thankfully, she forgave me!

—Jenni Denekas, Communications Manager