Nestled quietly in the embrace of Oregon’s renowned Rockaway Beach lies Spring Lake – a hidden gem known only to the select few who have stumbled upon its tranquil waters. While the North Coast Region of Oregon attracts many visitors seeking leisure and relaxation, Spring Lake remains a secret. Tucked discreetly next to Highway 101, this 13-acre spring-fed lake welcomes only its residents and fortunate campers at the serene Twin Rocks Camp, a delightful church-sponsored retreat. A handful of intrepid anglers might try their luck casting a line from the road’s edge, but there needs to be room for boating or swimming. Most passersby unknowingly overlook the lake, captivated instead by the awe-inspiring ocean views across the street. From here, one can gaze upon the majestic Twin Rocks rising 100 feet above the coastal waters, a sight often featured in vacation photos – yet Spring Lake remains undiscovered. Formed by Heitmiller Creek, Spring Lake occupies a broad sanctuary along its path. Flowing under the highway, the creek eventually merges with the Pacific Ocean just half a mile away. Situated south of the quiet Twin Rocks community, Spring Lake has traditionally been graced by a few private residences. But change is on the horizon, with a new development underway to offer lakefront homes and vacation retreats to eager new owners. Though too petite for bustling water activities, the lake teems with diverse wildlife. Lined with natural wooded and marshy areas, the shoreline beckons Oregon’s abundant fauna to quench their thirst with its tranquil waters. The marsh provides refuge for a variety of waterfowl, and the sound of laughter from the kids at Twin Rocks Friends Camp on the southern edge brightens the otherwise serene pond. Largemouth bass and rainbow trout inhabit Spring Lake. Each year, the camp and Oregon Fish & Game collaborate to replenish the lake with trout. Access to the water can be via towboat, paddle boat, canoe, or kayak, while water sports and seaside frolic await just a stone’s throw away on the Pacific coast. Directly across the highway, Twin Rocks State Park opens up miles of sandy shoreline along the Pacific. At the same time, the nearby Rockaway Beach stretches invitingly for seven miles of sun-kissed sands. The Port of Garibaldi boasts a full-service dock and marina, providing sailing enthusiasts with all necessities. From there, adventurers can easily arrange charters for deep-sea fishing, whale-watching excursions, or custom-tailored cruises. Visitors residing near Spring Lake find themselves within a ten-mile radius of an array of amenities, including golf courses, shopping districts, wind-surfing spots, and cycling routes.
Rockaway Beach hosts an array of annual festivals, luring visitors from as far as Portland, 90 miles away, to partake in events like the Kite Festival, Arts and Crafts Show, and Pirate Festival. Local shops offer handcrafted goods and artisan creations, while the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad between Rockaway and Garibaldi invites guests to journey along Tillamook Bay on weekends in the summer. Special dinner train rides are also scheduled throughout the season for a unique experience. For history buffs, the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge about the early days of the Northern Coast, tracing the region’s evolution from prehistoric times through the lumber industry era to the present day. Aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Tillamook Air Museum, located south of Tillamook within a WWII blimp hangar that showcases over 30 historic warplanes. Balancing tranquility and adventure, the vast Tillamook State Forest lies between Spring Lake and Portland, offering an expansive playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The Tillamook Forest Center, just 20 minutes east of Tillamook, is accessible via the town’s public transport system and serves as a hub for exploring the forest’s diverse terrain through picnicking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, and off-road adventures. Nature enthusiasts of all ages can partake in guided tours and interactive learning experiences at the Forest Center. Accommodations around Spring Lake are plentiful, with vacation rentals, private cottages by the lake, beach houses, cabins, hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts dotting Highway 101 and neighboring towns along the coast. Real estate opportunities also arise in the charming coastal communities nearby. While the coastal region thrives in warmer seasons, its allure persists even in winter, beckoning visitors to explore its beauty year-round.
