Pacific City lies in the shelter of the dramatic Cape Kiwanda. You can reach Pacific City on the south end of the Three Capes scenic loop off of Highway 101. When you see the picturesque beaches surrounded by rocky cliffs, you will understand why it is one of the most photographed areas on the Oregon coast (and be grabbing for your camera). Offshore landmarks like Haystack Rock rise nobly from the sea, providing a sanctuary for a variety of birds, including the puffin.

The sheltered cove provides a launch site for the fishing dories that have been fishing from Pacific City for more than a hundred years. You’ll be fascinated by the sight of the flat-bottom boats charging into the bubbling surf right from the beach, just as they have for generations. The best time to catch the dory fleet is in early morning as they leave for a day of fishing. You don’t have to just be a bystander to this fascinating activity because in Pacific City you can experience it firsthand with the only professional, licensed and experienced beach-launched dory fishing charters in the world. They boast some of the best fishing for a variety of fish, including lingcod, salmon and halibut.

You can also enjoy fishing in a nearby river with local guides. Serious fisherman might want to schedule a trip around the legendary fall Chinook salmon run or the winter run of steelhead and cutthroat trout.

More fish talk – Town Lake, located north of town, is stocked with trout from March to August by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The small lake is protected by a large dune and surrounded by lush foliage.

The Big Nestucca River runs through the center of Pacific City and merges with the Little Nestucca, creating an estuary and habitat for a variety of wildlife. Several boat launch accesses get you onto the 53-mile Big Nestucca.

Fishing might be big here, but it isn’t the only show in town. Kayaking, surfing, birding, bicycling, hiking, kite flying, crabbing and golfing are just a few of the fun activities found in Pacific City. Climb up on Camp Kiwanda for great views and a chance to see a gray whale during its migration. The best times are March, May and late fall.

Learn about some of the marine life by visiting Cape Kiwanda Marine Garden’s tide pools. During low tide you might discover sea anemone, sand dollars, starfish, crabs, small fish, sand crabs, mussels and beach agates.

Pacific City has some of Oregon’s most spectacular estuaries, rivers, bays and ocean shores that are home to many bird species, including Bald Eagles, Puffins, sea gulls, pelicans, herons and migrating Canada Geese.

Three beach accesses will get you to the ocean playground.  To the south, the Bob Straub State Park features a unique sand spit formed by the estuary of Big Nestucca River. This access has parking, horseback riding and restroom facilities. A walking access is found on Pacific Avenue in the center of town. The largest and most popular is at Cape Kiwanda, with a large parking area and a stretch of beach where motor vehicles are permitted – with the reminder to be aware of incoming tide!

Pacific City has a friendly and laid-back atmosphere. The River Place village merchants feature a variety of specialty stores and local goods, and galleries feature the work of many local artisans.  You can dine at one of several eateries or pack it out to one of the parks or beaches for a picnic.

Besides all the usual fun there are special events slated throughout the year.

Pacific Beach is popular for surfers and hang gliders. Surfers turn out for the challenging waves at the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, held each August.

Dory Days celebrates the heritage of the fishing village and the dories the second weekend in July each year with a variety of family fun, including a dory parade, demos, bazaar and fish fry.

The annual Birding and Blues Festival is slated for April in 2010 and includes birding, workshops, boat tours, Friday night Blues Dance, a Saturday night concert, and a raffle.

For more information, visit the new visitor center at the Inn at Pacific City, 35215 Brooten Road, across from the post office. You can also visit the following websites: www.pcnvchamber.org or www.pacificcity.org.