The best walks and hikes in Gearhart Ocean State Park

At the western terminus of the Lewis & Clark Bicycle Trail, the Seaside Turnaround marks the symbolic end of the Corps of Discovery’s journey. Here, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, stands the End of the Trail statue, depicting Lewis, Clark, and their Newfoundland dog, Seaman. The Turnaround plaza sits at the end of Broadway Street, right on the town’s oceanfront promenade, making it a natural place for cyclists to celebrate the completion of their ride. Whether you’re finishing a short section or the full cross-country journey, dipping your front wheel in the Pacific and taking a photo at the statue has become a rite of passage for riders.

The Seaside Promenade is a 1.5-mile multi-use cement path along the oceanfront, which separates the beach from the first row of residential homes. It is an excellent route to breathe in the salty fresh air and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. Numerous restaurants along the path make it a great place to stop if you need to grab lunch before or after a long ride.

Seaside, Oregon, is a small town in Clatsop County. The city is located on the Pacific coast and has 7,200 residents. The name comes from the holiday home Seaside House, which was built in 1870 on behalf of Ben Holladay. The place received city rights in 1899.

The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is a long-distance hiking trail along the Pacific coast of the US state of Oregon. Follows the Oregon coast from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border south of Brookings. The trail was founded in 1959 by Samuel N. Dicken, a University of Oregon geography professor, approved by the Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council in 1971, and developed and managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as part of Oregon's state parks system. The official coast guide gives a length of 382 miles (615 km). About 39 percent of the route is on the beach, 41 percent is on paved roads and 20 percent is on hiking and dirt trails. However, private ferries can be arranged at some river mouths to shorten stretches of road. Walked in its entirety, connecting each hiking/beach section, the distance is approximately 425 miles.

PAINTED ROCK BEACH IS FULL of beautifully painted rocks commemorating family vacations, loved ones and beautiful ocean scenes. While you're there, you can look through all the different stones or add your own. The origins of the beach are uncertain, but the tradition is believed to have started with a local family in the 1970s.

Rain or shine, Seaside Cove is a must-see, whether you're a tourist or a local. It is a mix of sandy and rocky beach. There is plenty of parking and Seltzer Park is right across the street. There are public toilets and a shower to rinse off sandy feet. There are also plenty of benches for watching waves and people watching.

This 1.5-mile cement path along the oceanfront offers a fantastic opportunity for a leisurely run. The Seaside Promenade, which separates the beach from the first row of homes, is a great route to breathe in the salty fresh air and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. For a more adventurous run, you can also explore the lightly packed sand trails that run through the dunes surrounded by the tall coastal grass.

Seaside Cove is a popular destination for surfers and is also located along the Oregon Coast Trail. Take some time to watch the waves hitting the round-shaped rocks - you might find colorful starfish between them. Seltzer Park is just on the other side of the road and has (picnic) benches, a drinking fountain and restrooms.