Cape Meares Beach Map

Clams, Crabs, Mussels, Fishing

  • At Tillamook Bay, The Beach is on the West Side of Bayocean Peninsula County Park.
  • Beach Access From Town of Cape Meares or Hike From Bayocean Peninsula Park.
  • Cape Meares Has Beach, National Wildlife Refuge and State Scenic Viewpoints.
  • Small Town (pop. 110), But Close to Garibaldi (pop. 780).
  • Garibaldi Offers Charters, Boat Rentals, Docks, Fish Markets, Canning and Processing Plants.
  • Tillamook Bay has a Reputation For Excellent Clamming, Crabbing and Fishing.
Tillamook Beach at Cape Meares

Cape Meares Beach

Cape Meares is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Tillamook County, Oregon. The population was 110 at the 2000 census. It offers great hikes, a lighthouse and a beautiful sandy beach. However, it is very close to the town of Tillamook (pop. 5,257) and Garibaldi which is a fishing town and historical bay front rare find!

Razor Clamming

Razor clams are dug on the beach during good years. This is on the beach side of Bayocean Peninsula. Depending on winter weather and sand drifts, this can be very unpredictable. However, I’ve never clammed this beach I’ve just heard a few stories from locals and old timers.

Bay Clamming

Clam at 12th Street Pier, Garibaldi

The east side of Bayocean Peninsula is a good place to find cockles. Many times they are just laying on the surface. Be prepared for a little hike since the parking lot is about 1/2 mile south from the best spots. The lower half of the bay offers all species of bay clams.  Using a boat is the best way to access the harder to get at areas. For more information on Tillamook Bay Clams go here.

Great Crabbing

Garibaldi Crabbing
Rent Crab Boats at Garibaldi Marina

Catching crab in Oregon has always been phenomenal and on top of that, the Oregon coast is home to the Dungeons Crab that is particularly good eating – very sweet and meaty. You are allowed 12 male crabs, minimum size of 5’’ ¾ (about the size of dollar bill, measured from the inside notch, not point to point). You might also run into some Red Rock crabs, which you can keep 24 of no matter the sex or size. They are not as good to eat though and a I throw them back (many people like them though).

Tillamook Bay has crabbing all year long; however, the best crabbing is from summer through fall.  Be watchful of your crab pots when using a boat, because we have lost pots a few times from the quickly changing currents. On numerous occasions we have had great luck on the Garibaldi Marina docks just using my crab max.

The Garibaldi Marina is well known for crabbing and fishing. In addition, you can find boat rentals there too. You can also crab from the dock, they’re happy to set you up with everything you need.

Disclaimer

Information provided is a result of personal experience at each bay or beach location. In addition, local residences providing input and advice, and ongoing information from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife websites.Information will change as incoming seas tend to shift and move sand, after that it makes it harder for clams to reproduce.So always check for current beach closures and advisories related to biotoxins, pollution or other human health concerns the same day you plan to harvest. Razorclamming.com is not responsible for the accuracy of this data and the outcome or results of your personal efforts, or safe consumption of shellfish.

Shellfish Safety Hotline
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 800-448-2474
Alt Phone: 503-986-4728