Skip to content

Seaside History

The Iron Horse Comes to Town

August 14, 2013 | by Nate Burke

Modernity came to Seaside with the arrival of the old steam iron horse. With the construction of a railroad that ran between Young’s Bay and Seaside in 1888, the somewhat isolated North Coast became even more accessible to settlers, vacationers, and trade interests. To escape Portland’s summer heat, families would make the journey to relax and languish on Seaside’s temperate beach. In 1888, Portlanders essentially took a boat trip west down the Columbia River and then caught the train from Young’s Bay and journeyed 15 miles south to Seaside.

However, in 1898, the railroad system evolved and stretch from Portland to Astoria along the South bank of the Columbia River. The photo displayed here shows the train in 1898 leaving for the return journey to Portland. Essentially at this point in history, the trip to Seaside required the train ride to Astoria from Portland, then the crossing of Young’s Bay, and the final train journey from the south banks of the bay down into Seaside. At the time, the average speed of a passenger train was around 20 mph (which included switching, and stops, etc.). According to this speed, the trip from Portland to Astoria in 1898 would take an estimated 5 hours – with the second leg from Astoria to Seaside taking at least an additional hour. Six hours seems pretty modest for a journey to the beach in 1898. It’s no wonder that the path to Seaside became the popular corridor it is today.

and so much more!

The Seaside Parade of Lights is one of many holiday festivities
Holiday Festivities in Seaside

Seaside is one of the Coast’s most beloved destinations for holiday shopping and seasonal celebrations. Plan a visit around thes...

7 places to maximize indoor fun in Seaside, Oregon

How to vacation in Seaside, Oregon when the weather is cool and wet; hint: food, culture and fun....

Step Into Vintage Charm at the Times Theatre

Moviegoers love a good comeback story, and that’s exactly what they’ll find at the “new” Times Theatre & Public House...

Seaside is Dressing Up for the Holidays

Seaside, Oregon preparations for the holiday season

A Glimpse of the Turnaround: Circa 1940

Seaside's classic turnaround circa 1940.

Episode Five: The Historic Gilbert District

We explore the Gilbert District in this walk down memory lane

Plan Your Seaside Vacation

Whether you’re in search of a luxurious weekend getaway, an outdoor family adventure or a fun getaway with your pup, Seaside has...

Accessible Adventures For Everyone

Seaside is open — and easy — for folks of all abilities. From where to stay to what to do, we’ve got a rundown of tips to ma...

View from the Pacific Pier

The view circa 1906 of Seaside's old Pacific Pier

Seaside Elk

I was driving into Seaside, along Highway 101 South, and had just passed the Circle Creek Campsite on the left, when I noticed several cars parked off the side of the road.

COVID: What to Expect Dining In or Taking Out 

The local beer and Northwest wines are flowing, the traditional ice cream and artisanal gelato is ready to scoop, and your favorit...

Five Great Burgers in Seaside

Sam’s Seaside Cafe A well-executed burger shaped and grilled to perfection, layered with the proper ratios of ingredients, i...

The Tale of the Driftwood Forts

As driftwood forts become more rare along the Oregon Coast, the memories hold strong.

Life in the Fast Lane

Riding bikes in Seaside in 1897.

Summer in Seaside can offer as much variety as our local candy stores.
How to Have an Epic North Coast Summer

A summer spent in Seaside is like a good clam chowder — fresh, flavorful and filling.

Seaside Nightlife

Above photo: A group enjoys some live music in a photo by Don Frank. Some visitors come to Seaside for the beach, some for the att...

Wave Energy

Wave energy refers to energy generated from the power of waves near their surface. There are different types of devices designed to convert wave energy, but the ones that seems to be most in use at the moment as researchers continue to investigate this source of renewable energy are buoys. Columbia Power Technologies, an Oregon-based alternative energy company, recently launched a prototype wave energy buoy in the gentle waters of the Puget Sound as it races to be one of the first suppliers of wave-generated energy.

A group of women prepare to learn surfing in Oswald West State Park. Photo by Justin Bailie.
New Year, New Adventures

Instead of starting the new year by committing to breaking bad habits — and then forgetting that you even made the resolution ...