Just because you’re smack-dab in the middle of a family resort town doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of nature’s bounty; anglers can reel in trout, salmon, and steelhead from the Necanicum River right in the center of downtown. The 12th Avenue Bridge is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing.

Cullaby Lake, on the east side of U.S. 101 about four miles north of Gearhart, offers fishing for crappies, bluegills, perch, catfish, and largemouth bass. At 88 acres, Cullaby is the largest of the many lakes on the Clatsop Plains. Two parks on the lake, Carnahan Park and Cullaby Lake County Park, have boat ramps, picnic areas, and other facilities. Cullaby is the only practical place to water-ski in the area.

A half mile west of the highway, Sunset Beach Park on Neacoxie Lake (also known as Sunset Lake) has a boat ramp, picnic tables, and a playground. Anglers come for warm-water fish species, plus rainbow trout stocked in the spring.

At Quatat Park, beside the Necanicum River in downtown Seaside, rent kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats (503/440-1548) for exploring the waterway.