by Nikki Cleveland
In the small town of Wheeler, located on the northern Oregon Coast just south of Nehalem, the Wheeler Marina is the prime destination if you’re looking to get out on the water.
This long-standing marina, now in their 41st year of business, offers a variety of boat rentals including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, fishing and crab boats, as well as slips and moorage.
The marina is located right off Highway 101 on Marine Drive, where the Nehalem River flows into Nehalem Bay. This provides the perfect launching point for your fishing or kayaking excursion. Begin on the scenic river and make a left turn at the water’s edge to reach Nehalem Bay, an excellent location for crabbing or fishing for Chinook salmon.
Don’t have your own watercraft? No problem. Wheeler Marina offers kayak and canoe rentals, including singles and doubles, as well as stand-up paddleboards. They also have a shop fully stocked with essentials such as lifejackets and paddles. Fishermen can opt to rent a boat for $65 for a full three-hour excursion (and just $17 for each additional hour). Their marina store carries everything needed for your trip including bait, tackle, equipment, and Oregon state fishing and crabbing licenses.
If you do own a vessel, but would prefer to store it on the water instead of launching it every time you go fishing, the marina also has slips and moorage available. Their slips can be rented by the month with reasonable rates and fueling and mechanical services on-site. As a bonus, the location is secure with the owner and operator living on deck. They also offer seasonal and daily moorage, along with a full-service shop next door should any problems arise.
Wheeler Marina can be found at 278 Marine Dr, in Wheeler, just off Highway 101. Visit their website to learn more about their services and upcoming tide predictions.