by Cynthia Wall

Created on: August 08, 2011   Last Updated: August 09, 2011

Vacationers driving south on Oregon Coastal 101 may miss the delightful town of Winchester Bay unless they follow the circling seagulls that lead to some of the best crabbing and salmon fishing in the Northwest. In fact, Winchester Bay has been called the “Crab Capital of the World.” The town is worth seeing for other reasons as well. 

Just four miles south of Reedsport, it’s a great place to stop for a day or two of sand dune buggy riding, boating, fishing, or just enjoying the small town atmosphere with a little over 500 residents. Even though it’s small, Winchester Bay boasts several nice motels – Harbor View Motel (541-271-3352); Salmon Harbor Landing Motel (541-271-2742); and Winchester Bay Inn (541-271-4871) are all close to the harbor and perfect for that early morning salmon fishing expedition. There are also many RV parks available. 

Coho, Chinook, and Steelhead salmon and sturgeon are all caught locally. The Sportsmen’s Cannery and Smokehouse (541-271-3293) can smoke and can your catch. There are fishing guides available for both river and ocean fishing trips. There’s also a whale watching station at the mouth of the Umpqua where migrating gray whales can be seen in the  spring and summer months. 

At the mouth of the Umpqua River, Winchester Bay is lushly forested. With the Siuslaw National Forest as a backdrop, the Pacific Ocean in the forefront, and “a river running through it,” the town is the perfect location for nature lovers, sportsmen, and off road enthusiasts. Light House lovers will enjoy the century old Umpqua River Light House (still operating) and the Umpqua River Light House State Park. Art collectors will find the small galleries in town reflective of local talent including Native Americans who originally named Winchester Bay “Whistling Basin” because of the soft breezes whistling through the trees. The Art by the Bay Festival is held Labor Day weekend. 

At the end of the day, there are several good restaurants in town. Bedrock’s on the Bay (105 Coho Point Loop); Fishpatrick’s Crabby Café (196 Bay Front Loop); and Griff’s on the Bay (142 Bayfront Loop) are all popular with locals and tourists alike. There are several fast food restaurants, a pizza parlor, and a Thai restaurant as well. 

Information about camping and park day passes can be obtained from the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park (1-800-551-6949). 

Once visited, Winchester Bay often becomes a point of destination for tourists who love the Oregon Coast. It has all the natural wonders of Oregon beauty without the crowds of larger towns.

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