A Historical Look at the Beach Bill that Made Oregon's Beaches Public
Published: 06/30/2017 Updated: 08/13/2019

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.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Located in the jail from The Goonies, explore the production of more than 300 movies made in Oregon.
Published: 06/30/2017 Updated: 08/13/2019

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.
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint offers spectacular exploring opportunities. Located about ten miles west of Tillamook at the north end of the Three Capes... [read more]
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]
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]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Lincoln City Activities & Attractions
Blow your own glass art or explore the one-of-a-kind on-site gallery featuring local artists.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Guided horseback rides on the beach for the entire family.