Oregon Coast Ocean Shore Agate Beaches
Newport, Oregon
agatecarnelianjasperpetrified woodfossil shell
Public land, rules apply · Free
Oregon Coast Ocean Shore Agate Beaches
Oregon's entire ocean shore is a state recreation area, and the parks rule spells out exactly how much you may take home: one gallon of loose stones a day, three gallons a year, each person using their own container. The same rule sets separate allowances for sand, cobble, and driftwood. Winter storms are what make it work, scouring sand off the gravel lenses around Newport, Yachats, and the Nehalem and Coos beaches. The rule covers material already loose on the ground — prying or chipping rock out of the cliffs is not collecting, it is damage, and it destabilizes the bluff.
The card catalog
| What you can find | agate, carnelian, jasper, petrified wood, fossil shell |
|---|---|
| Access | Public land, rules apply — Free |
| Fees | free; OAR 736-021-0090 allows agates and other loose non-living items such as shells, stones, and fossils up to a one-gallon container per person per day and three gallons per person per calendar year — you may not combine collections in one container with another person |
| Season & hours | late fall through early spring is prime — winter storms strip sand off the gravel beds; work a falling tide and check the tide table first |
| Kids | Family-friendly — beachcombing for agates is about the most forgiving rockhounding there is, but sneaker waves and drift logs are a real hazard on this coast — keep kids uphill of the surf line |
| Official source | Oregon Secretary of State — OAR 736-021-0090 |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Oregon Coast Ocean Shore Agate Beaches cost?
free; OAR 736-021-0090 allows agates and other loose non-living items such as shells, stones, and fossils up to a one-gallon container per person per day and three gallons per person per calendar year — you may not combine collections in one container with another person Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Oregon Coast Ocean Shore Agate Beaches open?
late fall through early spring is prime — winter storms strip sand off the gravel beds; work a falling tide and check the tide table first Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Oregon Coast Ocean Shore Agate Beaches good for kids?
Yes — Oregon Coast Ocean Shore Agate Beaches works for families. beachcombing for agates is about the most forgiving rockhounding there is, but sneaker waves and drift logs are a real hazard on this coast — keep kids uphill of the surf line