Beach close to Salem where 12 year old can dig, dig, dig? (Corvallis: showing, trip)

[Krystle]

I know there are a lot of beach posts up right now, but...

I'm planning to take a day trip to the beach with my nephew this upcoming weekend. The kid loves to dig his heart out in the sand. Splashing around would be nice, too, if the water's not too cold (but no actual swimming). We're in the Salem area. Any suggestions?

[Silverfall]

Krystle,
We ususally head to Lincoln City to the D River. There is a river channel that cuts through the beach so the water is warmer and kids can wade and swim in it. (2 feet deepish or so). Anyway it's a large beach and the river channel makes it totally worth it.

If you are there when tide comes in, bring a boogie board and the kids "ride" the waves on river on the beach.

[Krystle]

Hey Silverfall,

Thanks so much--that sounds fantastic! I'll look into it.

[eagleriver]

We usually head over there as well, but drive almost to Newport and go to Agate beach, there is a huge, long beach there and lots of kids digging all the time. Not so much warm water, tho, so D River might be better!

[Krystle]

How much of a longer drive is it to get to Agate beach? That sounds like a great place.

Also, I'm looking at the 10 day forecast for Lincoln City, and it's showing everything in the 60s. In August the averages seem to hover in the low 70s. Should I be prepared for a chilly day at the beach?

[Silverfall]

You should always bring sweatshirts and jeans just in case.

[Krystle]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

You should always bring sweatshirts and jeans just in case.

Yeah! Good advice. I went today and boy, was it chilly with the wind! But there were some really spectacular kites--giant, rotating ones; parachute-like ones, pulling people off the ground or across the water; ones that sounded like they had motors...For my nephew, there were lots of rocks about 3-4 feet down that prevented him from digging to the other side of the world, but he had fun digging us a trench to protect us from the wind.

Anyway, I'd like to check out Agate Beach next. It seems it's about 30 minutes further if we head down to Corvallis then head west. It'd be nice to actually find some agates, maybe! And I'd like to check out the aquarium, too. Any other suggestions?

[eagleriver]

ALWAYS bring extra jeans and coat, socks and shoes to the beach. Even if it is nice, it can change very quickly. Watch the news reports, they are *usually* pretty accurate about beach weather forcasts. If it is REALLY hot in the valley, it will be very nice on the beach *usually*. Have fun! Agate beach is just barely north of Newport, you are either just within or just outside the city limits, as I remember. About 20 minutes south of Lincoln City. And you can come back thru Corvallis if you want, too. A very different drive!