Waldport's outdoor attractions appeal to many interests
Partly surrounded by the waters of the Alsea River, Waldport overflows with places for outdoor play. This community on the Central Oregon coast features a varied habitat of forests, beaches and saltwater, and is an environment rich with opportunities for hiking, crabbing and more. Some houses here offer water views, but options vary quite a bit. It comes in a package that’s quieter than some tourist destinations elsewhere on the coast. “I moved here from Phoenix, so I’m used to the desert,” says local Realtor Richard Hoffman with Emerald Coast Realty, who has lived in Waldport for about eight years. “To me, [Waldport] is one of the most incredible places. It’s just beautiful.”
Outdoor activities abound on land and water
Residents aren’t far from outdoor recreation space, no matter where they live in Waldport. The community has miles of beaches for those who prefer sunbathing or a stroll by the water. “We’ve got 7 miles either way,” Hoffman says. “Depending on which side of the river you’re on, you can walk the beach all the way from Waldport to Yachats or from Waldport to Seal Rock — at low tide you can walk all the way, just on the beach.” Hiking areas include the Woodland Trail, which winds through trees for a mile farther inland. The trail is accessible just about a mile from the Red River Disc Golf Course, a tough 18-hole circuit built across rugged terrain.
In the water, crabbing is a big deal. Alsea Bay, near where the Alsea River meets the Pacific Ocean, is teeming with Dungeness crabs, known for their sweet flavor. People also like to go kayaking in the area, Hoffman says. “Here you can enjoy a lot of days outside,” Hoffman says. “Especially in the summer. The winters are kind of wet, but the summers are beautiful.”
Waldport has homes small and large, classic and modern
The houses around this small community vary quite a bit, from midcentury bungalows to recently built new traditional options. Waterfront homes command higher prices, but buyers can find values among some inland properties. “There are homes for everybody — for the majority,” Hoffman says. Houses sell for $245,000 to $1 million based on age and location — those with ocean views tend to go for prices in the $800,000s and $900,000s. “It’s mostly a retirement and second-home community,” Hoffman says. Waldport also has manufactured homes for $75,000 to $400,000.
Beachcomber Days brings an annual party and parade to the area
Waldport kicks off the summer with its annual Beachcomber Days celebration, a nearly 70-year tradition that takes place every Flag Day in mid-June. The popular event features a parade, a car show, a food court and multiple bands across two stages. “That’s a pretty big event. We get people from all over for that,” Hoffman says. The Beachcomber Days organization hosts other festivities throughout the year as well, including a trunk or treat at the Waldport Community Center and a lighted holiday parade in mid-December.
Waldport residents have convenient access to commercial amenities
The commercial core of Waldport is located between Highway 101 and Highway 34. It’s an area where locals can find various restaurants, banks, car repair shops, barber shops and a Ray’s Food Place supermarket. Dining options include Fresh Mexican and Azul Mexican Restaurant. “They’re great places,” Hoffman says. The garlic knots at Grand Central Pizza are a favorite, and the Salty Dawg Bar & Grill is a spot for seafood with views of Alsea Bay. “I think the thing I like the most about Waldport myself is that it’s not the tourist destination like Yachats and Newport are,” Hoffman says. “Highway 101 goes through just the western part of it, but we still have our town — we’ve got the grocery store, the gas station. All this stuff that we can access without fighting tourists.”
Lincoln County public schools come close by
Kids in Waldport can go to schools in the Lincoln County School District, which has a C-plus grade on Niche. The district runs up and down the coast, but students here are zoned for schools that fall within Waldport. The C-plus-rated Crestview Heights School covers kindergarten through sixth grade. It has an active Booster Club supporting student programming like a Battle of the Books team that competes against other schools by answering “Jeopardy!”-style questions about the books they read. Crestview is next to Waldport Middle and Waldport High School, which rate B-minus and B, respectively. Both schools' Career and Technical Education programs include subjects in Natural Resource/Forestry and Visual Design and Communication.
Highway 101 helps connect people to the rest of the region
Scenic Highway 101 runs 363 miles along the Oregon Coast and connects people in Waldport to other coastal communities, like Yachats and Newport. Waldport’s signature, arched Alsea Bay Bridge, is part of Highway 101. Highways 101 and 84 are also lined with Lincoln County Transit bus system stops.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
