Skip to content

Seaside History

The Pacific Pier

December 5, 2012 | by Nate Burke

Hey, what’s that odd structure sticking out in the water? Why it’s the old Pacific Pier in Seaside!  Maintained from 1904 to 1914 the Pier was a popular walkway that stretched out into the water from the old Moore Hotel just north of the turnaround. The pier took a serious pounding from various storms and was repaired a number of times during its 10 year tenure. Finally, after a particularly brutish ocean swell, the pier was mortally damaged and the city of Seaside decided it was a lost cause, especially considering they may have to rebuild at any given time.
However, the Pacific Pier is immortalized here in a lovely snapshot of a festive outdoor day where it seems that all of old-timey Oregon has converged onto the Seaside beach front. What’s the deal with all those rocks?  In present-day Seaside, in the exact location pictured here, it’s pretty much all luxuriant sand (perfect for bare feet). It turns out that the jetty system built up north at the mouth of the Columbia River was completed in 1917 and caused a major accumulation of new and extended beach sands.
Also, notice the old wooden boardwalk that predates the concrete promenade that was built in 1920. One can imagine the hollow “clunk, clunk, clunk” of strolling boot heels on the wooden planks. Occasionally it feels as if time is at a standstill, but pictures like these remind us just how much has changed.

and so much more!

Great Breakfast Spots in Seaside

Osprey Cafe Breakfast! It’s the most important meal of the day. And when you know where to go, it can also be the most delicious...

Pypo Boarding and Seaside’s Role in the Unique Pastime

You’ve probably heard of skimboarding and kiteboarding, but here’s a fun fact: both sports stem from a unique pastime called p...

Only in Seaside

While you’ll find gorgeous beaches and beautiful views in Seaside, just like many places on the Oregon Coast, it’s also a coas...

Beach Blanket Bingo

Going back to the early 1960s, we look at beach culture.

Dog Days of Summer in Seaside

Give your dog the time of his life on Seaside's beach.

Your Home Base for Saddle Mountain Hikes

Multitudes of wildflowers. Glorious ocean and mountain vistas. Some of the nicest trail time in the Coast Range. Reopened in 2023 ...

Dining Gluten-Free in Seaside

Potato Leek Soup and Kale Salad from Dough Dough Bakery / photo by Jon Rahl Avoiding gluten doesn’t mean giving up flavor or var...

Breaking High

A look at a waves breaking over the turnaround at high tide in Seaside

Seaside Watercraft Adventures

Seaside watercraft adventures await visitors of all skill levels. With two rivers and multiple access points, anyone can enjoy the...

Burgers and a beer at U Street Pub & Eatery
Big Burgers You’ll Want to Brag About

Seaside is, of course, known for its fresh seafood. Dozens of restaurants have clam chowders and local razor clams on the menu. Bu...

Times of Change…

Seasons of change in nature and life.

Ranger’s Guide to the North Coast

Some of Oregon’s most scenic and history-rich places are located in or around Seaside. In fact, within just a one-hour drive, yo...

Paragliding on the North Coast

Adventure and fun with paragliding on Oregon

Dawn Fujiwara-Pavlik Feeds Creative Community

SEASIDE SPOTLIGHT: Our latest profile in a series focused on the behind-the-scenes movers who make Seaside the unique destination ...

A Dog’s Guide to Seaside

Where else in the United States will you find such a welcoming expansive beach, where Fido can run into the tides, kick up some sa...

How to Treasure Seaside

Learn why one family uncovers more reasons to love Seaside each time they visit. After 40 years of coming to Seaside, there are st...

Grant’s Getaways: Paddling the Neawanna in Seaside

If our summer heat wave is getting the best of you – sapping your energy and leaving you feeling generally uncomfortable, perhap...