Even before it was officially conceived in 1887, the town of Seal Rock was already significant as the final stop of the Corvallis and Yaquina Bay Wagon Road, the first road to reach the coast from the Willamette Valley. Over the decades, schemes for development hatched by waves of lumber interests from as far away as Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin failed to take root. What has endured over the years, however, is Seal Rock's reputation as a resort, a place that somehow has restorative powers even beyond its natural beauty.

Managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the wildlife at Seal Rock State Recreation Site is "no-fee," and is not just limited to the ever-popular seals. Birds like Murres, Peregrine Falcons, Black Oystercatchers, and the rare Tufted Puffin can be seen here as well. An even greater variety of marine creatures can be seen in the tide pools. Depending on the tide level, you can observe roughly 21 different sea creatures ranching from Giant Green Anemones to Red Sea Cucumbers. Developed for day-use, the park's picnic area is in a pleasant stand of shore pine, spruce and salal. During Christmas and spring breaks, the volunteers of Whale Watching Spoken Here are on hand to help visitors spot passing grays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Head 2 minutes north of Seal Rock to Ona Beach State Park where you'll find a great place to launch your boat, take a kayak tour through the Beaver Creek Wetland, take a hike, or fish.

Given its abundant environment and kaleidoscope of seascapes and vistas that vary in mood and color depending on the time of day, it's no surprise that Seal Rock has also nurtured a community of artists. Within just a couple miles north and south of the village are galleries where artists offer everything from hand-blown glass, wood carvings, paintings and sculptures.

Whether you're in Seal Rock for the wildlife, the scenery, or the serenity of the unspoiled beaches, you just might feel the same restorative power that so many have felt in this beautiful, pristine area!