Oh so cute but...

Attention beachgoers! Just a friendly reminder that engaging in any federal offensive against our adorable seal and sea lion friends is like challenging the ocean to a water-gun fight—it's just not going to end well for you. So, let's all stick to beach-approved activities like building sandcastles and perfecting our synchronized sand-dancing skills. Leave the seal and sea lion management to the professionals and avoid any misguided attempts at starting a "seal revolution." Remember, they're the masters of flippery, and you don't want to be on the receiving end of their furry wrath.

Seals, Pups and Sea Lions

As you explore the beautiful coastline of Oceanside, you will be enthralled by the playful antics of these amazing animals that are found in abundance here. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a fun-filled day with your family, Oceanside is the perfect destination to experience the beauty and majesty of these fascinating mammals.

The seals, seal pups, and sea lions are the star attraction of Oceanside's mesmerizing beaches. You can watch them frolic in the waves, sunbathe on the sandy shores, or even catch them playing with each other. The playful nature of these animals is truly a delight to watch, and you'll be mesmerized by their unique personalities.

But hold on, Jack Hanna!

You can't just go around petting, feeding, or playing tag with the cute little critters scurrying around the sand.

Yep, it's actually illegal in most cases. Best to keep your hands to yourself and just enjoy the view. Remember no selfies w/these critters

Seals; Pups and Sea Lions

This 15-acre refuge and Wilderness supports breeding seabird colonies and boasts the only pupping site of Steller Sea Lions on the north Oregon coast.

Did you know it's illegal in many cases to handle, feed, or chase the wildlife you'll see on the beach? Don't ruin your vacation with a hefty fine, or worse!

Hands off. Never touch, handle, or ride marine wildlife. Touching wildlife, or attempting to do so, can injure the animal, put you at risk, and may also be illegal for certain species.
Do not feed or attract wildlife. Feeding or attempting to attract wildlife with food, decoys, sound, or light disrupts normal feeding cycles, may cause sickness or death from unnatural or contaminated food items, and habituates animals to people.
Never chase or harass wildlife. Never completely surround the animal, trap an animal between a vessel and shore, block its escape route, or come between mother and young.
Stay away from wildlife that appears abandoned or sick. Some marine animals, such as seals, leave the water or are exposed at low tide as part of their natural life cycle—there may be nothing wrong with them. If you think an animal is in trouble, contact local authorities for advice or report it to the NOAA Fisheries stranding network

More than beats the eye

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is a series of islands just offshore from the town of Oceanside. It is closed year round to the public due to the sensitive nesting habitat it protects for seabirds and marine mammals. View it from the beach in Oceanside or from Cape Meares.

Glimmer of Hope

Our starfish are making a comeback; please do not touch; pickup or take these beautiful creatures.

For more hands on please visit our local aquarium in seaside.

NOTE: The Oregon Coast Aquarium is feeling a glimmer of hope after staff discovered the most sunflower sea stars in one location since the current bout of sea star wasting syndrome began decimating populations in 2013.

According to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, 25 critically endangered sunflower sea stars were found in Yaquina Bay in Newport.

Learn More

Refuge since 1907

In October of 1907, Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge was established as the first National Wildlife Refuge west of the Mississippi River largely due to the efforts of two young conservationists: William L. Finley and Herman Bohlman. Today it sustains the largest and most diverse seabird colony in Oregon and is an important breeding site for Steller sea lions.

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Did you know ...

It would be one of the biggest and finest resorts of the Pacific Northwest. The seal rocks…will vie in fame with the nationally known 'Seal Rocks' of the Cliff House, at the Golden Gate, San Francisco." Those were the dreams of Oceanside's founders, the brothers H.H. and J.H. Rosenberg, when they bought the land from John W. Maxwell in 1921. He had owned and farmed the 160 acres since 1885.

Maxwell Point, overlooking Three Arch Rocks Wildlife Refuge, was an ideal site for a hotel, promising to become a second Cliff House.

The Rosenbergs officially named Oceanside, located nine miles west of Tillamook, on July 5, 1922, platted the area and sold the lots. The first building they erected was a huge dance hall, later converted to a skating rink. Hillcrest Court (later Oceanside Inn) was another early building, as was the grocery store in 1923. But what really opened up Oceanside was a three-mile wooden-plank road between Netarts and Oceanside, financed by the Rosenbergs, opened on July 3, 1925. By evening of that day, 500 tents had been set up, and Oceanside was ready to play.

Another big event was the 1926 opening of the block-long tunnel under Maxwell Point, built by the Rosenbergs. It connects Oceanside beach with other beaches to the north, including Lost Boy Cave, and Short Beach and Radar Road, where an Infantry Signal Corps was stationed during World War II. Landslides closed the tunnel in 1979, but concrete extensions opened it up again, and a March 1999 storm cleaned the tunnel out so thoroughly that it resembled that of the 1930s.