A Historical Look at the Beach Bill that Made Oregon's Beaches Public
Published: 06/30/2017  Updated: 08/13/2019
Share
A horse-drawn wagon uses the beach for a travel route in the 1890s near Garibaldi.
A horse-drawn wagon uses the beach for a travel route in the 1890s near Garibaldi.  Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Library

What started as a transportation issue along the Oregon Coast set in motion the far-reaching idea about public beach access along Oregon's entire 362-mile coastline.

Before the construction of Highway 101, beaches provided key transportation routes for travelers along the Oregon Coast. In 1913, governor Oswald West was able to make an argument for public beach access based on the need for transportation. He pushed through legislation declaring the entire length of Oregon's shore as a state highway. This action created the State Highway Commission, the Parks and Recreation Department and steered the way for Oregon's Beach Bill. It was Oregon's landmark Beach Bill enacted by Governor Tom McCall that secured public accessibility to the entire 362 mile-long coastline. The Oregon Beach Bill marks its 50th anniversary on July 6, 2017.
A Historical Look at the Beach Bill that Made Oregon's Beaches Public
Published: 06/30/2017  Updated: 08/13/2019
Share
A horse-drawn wagon uses the beach for a travel route in the 1890s near Garibaldi.
A horse-drawn wagon uses the beach for a travel route in the 1890s near Garibaldi.  Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Library

What started as a transportation issue along the Oregon Coast set in motion the far-reaching idea about public beach access along Oregon's entire 362-mile coastline.

Before the construction of Highway 101, beaches provided key transportation routes for travelers along the Oregon Coast. In 1913, governor Oswald West was able to make an argument for public beach access based on the need for transportation. He pushed through legislation declaring the entire length of Oregon's shore as a state highway. This action created the State Highway Commission, the Parks and Recreation Department and steered the way for Oregon's Beach Bill. It was Oregon's landmark Beach Bill enacted by Governor Tom McCall that secured public accessibility to the entire 362 mile-long coastline. The Oregon Beach Bill marks its 50th anniversary on July 6, 2017.
MORE TO EXPLORE
destination image
Astoria Column
Sitting high on a hill above Astoria, Oregon, the Astoria Column offers expansive views of the Columbia River and a look at regional history... [read more]
destination image
Cannon Beach's Top Spots for Scenic Sightseeing
With Haystack Rock, long sandy stretches of beach and beautiful State Parks just minutes away, Cannon Beach can offer the perfect scenic Oregon Coast... [read more]
destination image
Harris Beach State Park
The dramatic terrain of Harris Beach State Park hosts a menagerie of sky, land and water life that is nothing short of captivating. Aside... [read more]