You can experience the closest thing to time travel when the Seaside Museum and Historical Society celebrates Seaside’s contribution to the historical Lewis and Clark expedition by hosting the Salt Makers Return from August 16 - 18.
During the Corps of Discovery’s stay in NW Oregon in the winter of 1805-06, some members were dispatched to what would eventually become the city of Seaside. There they replenished the Corps’ store of salt by boiling seawater around the clock for 48 hours.
The Saltmakers Return (the third weekend of every August), sponsored by the Seaside Museum & Historical Society of Oregon in conjunction with Fort Clatsop National Park and Seaside, celebrates the 1805-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition by making salt on the Seaside beach with your help. Visitors will be representing Clatsop Indians coming to the salt camp to trade wild berries, fruit, meat and other 1806 trade goods for beads and bright pieces of metal.
Professional first person character interpreters will prepare you for your journey back to the 1806 salt camp.
Oregon Shorebird Festival August 23 - 25
It’s been 25 years since Cape Arago Audubon Society started the Oregon Shorebird Festival in the small town of Charleston, OR. During this time, many generations of shorebirds have stopped over to feed and rest in the estuaries of Coos Bay and Bandon as they migrate between their breeding and wintering grounds. Every year without fail there have been bird watchers both new and experienced to witness this event.
Plan on a full weekend of activities planned for birders of all skill levels. The festival is headquartered at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) in Charleston, OR. Activities include expertly guided land based field trips to Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, Millicoma Marsh and the greater Coos Bay area.
Visit Oregon, The People’s Coast for more detailed information on events there.
For more information about top events in Oregon take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Oregon.