Patterson Park is a short  mile-long  hike on the bay beach from the Seals’ Landing at low tide, and is the first public beach access point (#68) south of Waldport.  It is the northmost end of 8 miles of expansive sandy beaches that run continuously from Waldport to Yachats.  Patterson park sits at the mouth of Alsea Bay, where the daily pilgrimage of seals can be witnessed as they head into the bay to bask on the sand bars at low tide. Patterson is also good whale and storm watching and you are allowed to fish from the shore with a State fishing license. 

 

Patterson Park is a favorite of families as it’s easy to access, and there is plenty to explore.  Occasionally an agate can be found in the pebbles of the beach.  Sand dollars are plentiful, though finding a whole sand dollar is rare because of the rocky volcanic shore and the sea gulls who peck them as soon as they wash up on shore. 

 

Purchased from Mary E. Patterson, widow of Governor Isaac L. Patterson, and other owners in 1931. The park commemorates Governor Isaac L. Patterson (1859-1929), an advocate of park development and scenic area preservation. In 1929, Patterson appointed the state's first Park Commission. He died the same year while in office.

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 Public bathrooms with running water;

 Picnic tables and multiple beach access;

 Dogs allowed on leash;

 Hiking trails, sand-dunes and sandy shores;

 Fishing allowed from shore

 Lots of parking, but no overnight camping allowed.

 Directions by Car:  Go south on Hwy 101 just 1.1 mile, the parking lot is on the right just past the Beachside Buzz Coffee stand. 

Walking Directions (at low tide):  Enter the beach on Alsea Bay in front of Seals’ Landing and walk south for about 1 mile.  You will see the mouth of the bay and the ocean beach will widen.  The entrance from Patterson Park (and bathrooms) are marked by a bright yellow sign #68 about 1/2 mile from the beginning of the beach.

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