Oceanside Beach is a small, scenic stretch of coast at the village of Oceanside in Tillamook County, located on the Three Capes Scenic Loop approximately 100 miles southwest of Portland. The beach is wide and sandy at low tide, sheltered to the north by Maxwell Point—a 200-foot basalt headland through which a hand-cut pedestrian tunnel leads to a hidden sea arch viewpoint on the far side of the headland. This tunnel, accessed from the north end of the beach, is one of the Oregon coast's most distinctive geological curiosities and requires no fee or permit. The beach faces northwest and experiences brisk wind and moderate to heavy surf typical of the north coast. Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge sits offshore—a trio of large sea stacks hosting one of the largest seabird colonies on the U.S. Pacific coast, with common murres, tufted puffins, Brandt's cormorants, and Steller sea lions. Observing with binoculars from the beach is productive and rewarding. The village of Oceanside is tiny, with a handful of vacation rentals, Roseanna's Cafe, and a small market. Parking is very limited, and the approach road through the Three Capes Loop is narrow—large RVs are not recommended. The beach is quiet by design: there are no large hotels, no commercial amusement facilities, and no boardwalk. This makes Oceanside a destination favored by couples, photographers, and birders seeking a genuinely uncrowded Oregon coast experience without the long drive to the remote south coast.
Amenities
- Tunnel through headland to hidden sea arch viewpoint
- Restaurant (Roseanna's Cafe)
- Small grocery store
- Limited parking (arrive early)
- Quiet village atmosphere
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, photographers, wildlife-watchers, beachcombers, solo
Location
1st St at Pacific Ave, Oceanside, OR 97134
45.4524, -123.9702 View on map
Highlights
- A hand-cut pedestrian tunnel through Maxwell Point leads to a hidden sea arch and ocean panorama inaccessible from any other direction.
- Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge offshore hosts common murres, tufted puffins, and Steller sea lions visible with binoculars from the beach.
- Roseanna's Cafe, an Oceanside institution, serves fresh seafood and chowder with ocean views.
- The compact village has no large hotels or commercial development—one of the quieter beach communities on the north Oregon coast.
- Maxwell Point creates a naturally sheltered cove on its south side with calmer conditions on windy days.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 11 AM on summer weekends—the village parking area is small and fills quickly with no overflow nearby.
- Bring binoculars for Three Arch Rocks; common murres and puffins are visible from the beach throughout spring and summer.
- The tunnel through Maxwell Point is free, naturally illuminated, and accessible from the beach at all tide levels on the beach side.
- Roseanna's Cafe does not take reservations; arrive at opening or be prepared to wait on summer weekends.
- The Three Capes Loop road is narrow and winding—it is not suitable for large RVs or trailers.
When to visit
June through September offers the best weather and the peak of seabird activity at Three Arch Rocks. May and June are ideal for puffin and murre breeding season offshore. Weekday visits are strongly preferred due to parking limitations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tunnel at Oceanside Beach?
The tunnel is a hand-cut passage through Maxwell Point, the basalt headland at the north end of the beach. It leads to a viewpoint overlooking a sea arch and ocean panorama that cannot be reached by any other route. It is short, free, and open to all visitors.
What wildlife can be seen from Oceanside Beach?
Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, visible offshore, hosts one of the largest seabird colonies on the Pacific Coast. Common murres, tufted puffins, Brandt's cormorants, and Steller sea lions can be observed with binoculars. Gray whales pass offshore in winter and spring.
Is Oceanside Beach crowded?
Oceanside is one of the quieter beaches on the north Oregon coast due to limited parking and no large commercial facilities. Summer weekends bring day-trippers, but the beach is rarely as congested as Cannon Beach or Seaside.
How do visitors get to Oceanside?
Oceanside is on the Three Capes Scenic Loop, accessed from Tillamook via a 30-minute drive on a narrow coastal road. From Portland, the total drive is approximately 2.5 hours. Large RVs are not recommended on the Three Capes Loop.