Beaver Creek in Oregon

Trip Overview

Beaver Creek is a gentle 2-mile meandering creek that can be enjoyed by both the novice and experienced paddler. Beaver Creek is a short 10-minute drive south of Newport, Oregon, at the Brian Booth State Park (formally Ona Beach State Park) exit.

Paddlers can either launch at the boat ramp on the opposite side of Highway 101 across from Brian Booth State Park or from the gently sloping, grassy banks that line the creek within the state park. From there, head west a short distance, paddling past the state park picnic area and under a footbridge to where the creek meets the beach.

The creek meanders through a variety of wooded and marshy habitats.

Heading east, the creek snakes its way through marshes and woodlands. Beaver Creek got its namesake from that rotund, furry rodent that inhabits the side channels radiating outward from the creek. Beavers aren't the only critters inhabiting the natural area. Visitors to the creek are likely to spot river otters, bald eagles, great blue and green-backed herons, belted kingfishers, and not for the squeamish, a solitary garter snake swimming across the creek. Lucky paddlers may be fortunate to glimpse a deer, coyote, or even a black bear or cougar.

Because there is effectively no current other than a slight tidal current, paddlers can paddle the creek in both directions. No need to station a shuttle vehicle. Paddlers can complete the entire trip in just two hours, or stay a little while longer by landing near the footbridge in the Beaver Creek State Natural Area and walking the many trails. Hike up to the Beaver Creek Visitors Center for a glimpse of the marsh area and creek.

Accommodations:

South Beach State Park 5 miles north of the creek offers yurt, tent, and RV camping. The campground is also next to the beach. The campground also offers kayak tours of the Beaver Creek starting on July 4 and running through Labor Day weekend.

Ona Beach State Park offers picnic areas and restrooms. There is also a porta-potty at the boat launch.

Fees:

Aquatic Invasive Species Permit is required for any paddlecraft used in Oregon.

Directions:

Drive 5 miles south out of Newport, Oregon, on Hwy 101 and turn right into the Brian Booth State Park parking lot, or turn left onto N. Beaver Creek Road to access the boat launch.

Launches:

Paddlers can either put in from the state park side or use the boat launch on the east side of Hwy 101. Brian Booth State Park offers a nice grassy bank from which to launch, but the bank can be steep depending on the tide.

Contact:

South Beach State Park phone: 541-867-7451

Resources:

Map and brochure of the creek can be found at:

www.oregonstateparks.org/