Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42–59 °F | 50–65 °F | 44–64 °F | 41–54 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Yachats, 6 mi away, elevation 50 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏖️ Governor Patterson — Flat sandy beach a short hike from the mouth of Alsea Bay on the central Oregon coast; day use only.
Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site is a day-use beach park in Lincoln County on the central Oregon coast. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) describes miles of flat, sandy beach and a short hike to the mouth of Alsea Bay, where you can windsurf, crab or watch the seals. OPRD lists Newport as the nearest urban area, and the U.S. Census geocoder places the park’s coordinates in Waldport.
Beyond the beach you can picnic, fish and walk the hiking trails, and the site has flush restrooms. OPRD calls the whale watching and storm watching excellent and says the sunsets are beautiful, which makes it a good place to take photos.
This is a day-use site with no campground, and you need a day-use parking permit to park here.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lincoln County, central Oregon coast; nearest urban area Newport (OPRD) |
| Size | about 10.2 acres (OPRD) |
| Facilities | Beach access, hiking trails, picnicking, fishing, flush restrooms |
| Camping | None (day use only) |
| Day-use permit | $10/vehicle day-use parking permit ($12 non-resident) |
Things to Do
- Beachcomb and walk the sand. OPRD calls the park a beachcomber’s delight, with miles of flat, sandy beach.
- Head for Alsea Bay. The mouth of the bay is a short hike away. OPRD says you can windsurf, crab or just watch the seals there.
- Watch whales and storms. OPRD rates the whale watching and storm watching as excellent.
- Take photos at sunset. OPRD says the sunsets are beautiful and the park is a great place for photography.
- Picnic, fish or hike. Picnicking, fishing and hiking trails are all on OPRD’s list of features.
History
The park commemorates Governor Isaac L. Patterson (1859–1929), an advocate of park development and scenic area preservation. In 1929, Patterson appointed the state’s first Park Commission. He died the same year while in office. The land was purchased in 1931 from Mary E. Patterson, widow of Governor Patterson, and other owners.
Visitor Tips
- Plan for the day-use parking permit. OPRD lists a day-use parking fee for this site.
- Bring a camera. OPRD says the sunsets are beautiful and the park is a great place to take photos.
- Flush restrooms are available, but there is no campground, so plan a day visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site?
No. The site is day use only and has no campground.
Do I need a permit to park here?
Yes. OPRD lists a day-use parking fee for the site. The permit is $10 per vehicle ($12 for non-residents).
Who is the park named for?
It commemorates Governor Isaac L. Patterson (1859–1929), who advocated for park development and scenic area preservation and appointed the state’s first Park Commission in 1929.
Nearby Attractions
Four other state recreation sites in the same area are within about six miles in a straight line: Beachside State Recreation Site (2.3 miles), W. B. Nelson State Recreation Site (2.4 miles), Driftwood Beach State Recreation Site (3.4 miles) and Seal Rock State Recreation Site (5.7 miles).
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Beachside State Recreation Site (a short drive away) and W. B. Nelson State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
🏖️ Visit Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site
Current status, alerts and directions from Oregon State Parks.
Sources: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) park page; U.S. Census Bureau geocoder (county). As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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