The Tiny Beach Town Near Portland You’ve Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

Nestled on the southern shore of Nehalem Bay, this small community of Wheeler has just 400 residents, but still offers plenty of shopping, lodging, fishing, dining and boating opportunities for visitors. Picturesque and quiet, this town is a perfect stop on your weekend getaway for a relaxing time at the beach.

The scenery can't be beat. Nestled in the hills overlooking Nehalem Bay, Neahkanie Mountain, and the Pacific Ocean, Wheeler is an amazing spot to catch both sunsets and rainbows.

The serene community is also a birder's paradise.

Train service connected Wheeler to Portland in 1911 and the community thrived as it began to deliver its lumber and seafood to the east.

Called "Pukalani" by natives, meaning hole in the sky, Wheeler boasts its own microclimate that allows for sun and clear skies when the surrounding areas are drenched in fog.

Also known as the town with a million-dollar view, its is easy to see how it gets that name after one visit to this breathtaking community.

While much of the community's timber and fish packing past is just that, a thing of the past, new industries have emerged. This once-service station is now a antique mall.

The Old Wheeler Hotel, built in 1920, still stands in its original location in the heart of historic downtown.

Wherever you end up in Wheeler, it will be a lovely experience of small town living and coastal relaxation.

Whether you enjoy fishing, beach combing, or boating, there is something amazing for you here in Wheeler.

Even though Wheeler may be sunnier than other coastal locations, be sure to bring layers, as its still has the breezy and cool climate that the Oregon coast is known for.

Have you been to Wheeler? Let us know what you think of this small town in the comments below.

Want to visit another coastal town? Port Orford is another great small coastal town to check out this summer.