Photo: Finetooth, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at W. B. Nelson 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, 7 mi away, elevation 50 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🎣 W. B. Nelson State Recreation Site — A small freshwater lake with a fishing dock beside the Alsea River in Lincoln County, near Newport.
W. B. Nelson State Recreation Site is a small area in Lincoln County, near Newport, built around a small freshwater lake and a fishing dock. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) says bass and stocked pan-sized trout are the most common fish, and that the area is known for abundant waterfowl. The park covers about 2 acres.
The site is adjacent to the Alsea River, and OPRD points to a scenic wetland area. Its facility list names fishing, hiking trails, picnicking, vault toilets and wildlife.
This is a day-use site. There is no campground here, OPRD lists no overnight use, and no day-use parking permit is required.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Adjacent to the Alsea River, Lincoln County, near Newport, OR |
| Size | about 2 acres (OPRD) |
| Facilities | Fishing dock, hiking trails, picnicking, vault toilets, wildlife viewing (OPRD) |
| Camping | None (day use only) |
| Day-use permit | Free (no day-use parking permit required) |
Things to Do
- Fish from the dock on the small freshwater lake. Bass and stocked pan-sized trout are the most common fish.
- Watch for waterfowl, which OPRD describes as abundant.
- Look over the scenic wetland area next to the Alsea River.
- Picnic at the site, and use the hiking trails that OPRD lists.
History
OPRD says this small area was given to the state by W. B. Nelson in 1959.
Visitor Tips
- Bring what you need for fishing and a picnic. OPRD lists vault toilets as the restroom option.
- Waterfowl are the draw for wildlife viewing, so scan the lake and wetland edge.
- OPRD lists hiking trails but gives no length, so treat the visit as a short stop at about 2 acres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at W. B. Nelson State Recreation Site?
No. OPRD lists this as a day-use site with no overnight use, and there is no campground.
What fish can I catch at W. B. Nelson?
OPRD says bass and stocked pan-sized trout are the most common fish.
Is there a fee to park?
No. OPRD lists no day-use fee, so no day-use parking permit is required.
Nearby Attractions
The closest state parks in our guide are Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site (2.4 miles), Beachside State Recreation Site (3.5 miles), Driftwood Beach State Recreation Site (4.0 miles) and Seal Rock State Recreation Site (6.2 miles). All distances are in a straight line.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site (a short drive away) and Beachside State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
🎣 Visit W. B. Nelson 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 W. B. Nelson 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 W. B. Nelson 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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