Is Bayshore Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Along the rugged Oregon coast, where the Yaquina River meets the Pacific, lies the charming twin towns of Bayshore and Waldport.

Bayshore, with its population barely exceeding 500, exudes a laid-back, family-friendly vibe.

Quaint cottages and colorful fishing boats line the bay, promising peaceful mornings with steaming cups of coffee and the rhythmic lap of waves.

Venture a mile down the scenic Yaquina Bay Bridge, and you’ll find Waldport a tad larger and livelier.

Its historic waterfront bustles with seafood shacks serving up the freshest catches, while art galleries and antique shops entice with local treasures.

Stroll along the boardwalk, inhaling the salty air and feeling the spray of the ocean on your face.

Keep an eye out for playful harbor seals lounging on the docks or majestic bald eagles soaring overhead.

This coastal duo transcends the typical beach town experience.

Here, time slows down, replaced by the gentle rhythm of the tide and the whisper of the wind through the dunes.

Bayshore and Waldport offer a glimpse into the soul of the Oregon coast, where natural beauty and small-town charm intertwine to create a place that lingers in the heart long after you leave.

Warnings & Dangers in Bayshore

OVERALL RISK: LOW

In four words - low risk, high reward. While the smaller towns on the coastline don't have their own law enforcement (they share the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office services), we can't give exact crime data for a location. However, the low crime rates countywide are reassuring.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

A rental car offers the most room for adventure - plus, the cost of taking a shuttle from the airport to the coast and back would likely be the same as a rental car. Lincoln County has some public transportation options (don't expect a robust list). Taxis and rideshare are also available, but won't be waiting on demand.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

I don't want the low risk here to give you a false sense of safety, but even in a state overwhelmed with theft rates, the rate here is still 81% lower than the national average. One in four thefts is related to a car break-in. If you don't haphazardly leave your stuff lying around, you'll have a very low risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This might be the only medium risk I can muster in this article. Earthquakes, tsunamis, intense waves, storms, wildfires, and landslides are the biggest risks. You can review Lincoln County Emergency Management for before, during, and after emergency steps to be prepared.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The whole county hasn't had more than five robberies in a year going back a full decade. The risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk with a coastline dotted with small towns. There's no reason to worry about international tourism here, but always be aware of suspicious activity and report it immediately.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Most scams here focus on rental homes and retirees, but even those aren't abundant. If you review the FTC guidance on rental scam warning signs, you'll be prepared to enjoy the low risk.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is a great area for women of all ages and even solo travelers. Use the same personal safety steps you always would, but crime rates are incredibly low here.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

All tap water in Oregon is regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality with oversight from the federal government. You can read the latest water quality report on the city's utilities website. The risk is low.

Safest Places to Visit in Bayshore

Visittheoregoncoast.com is the tourism site for the region.

Since Bayshore is an unincorporated community, there isn’t a specific section for it.

You can look at Waldport and use the search function for “Bayshore” to see places there.

For a closer look at the cities, “Find Yourself in Walport” is the name of the local Chamber of Commerce website.

Rent a kayak and paddle beneath the bridge, the water mirroring the sky, or wander the docks to greet resident harbor seals sunning themselves.

The Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center tells tales of this historic marvel, while quaint cottages and fresh seafood shacks paint a picture of laid-back living.

A short jaunt across the bridge brings you to Waldport, where the pace picks up a touch.

Browse for local treasures in art galleries and antique shops, each corner revealing a hidden gem.

Indulge in the freshest seafood at the bustling waterfront, the scent of saltwater and grilling fish hanging in the air.

Hike the Cape Perpetua Scenic Trail, where the wind blows through ancient Sitka spruces and waves crash against dramatic rock formations.

Look for migrating whales in winter, or simply watch the sun paint the sky on fire as it dips into the Pacific.

Ocean Shore State Recreation Area is the beach area along this entire coastline – 382 miles.

Look for Oregon Coast Trail hiking paths or the Oregon Tidepool map to find places to explore.

You can also drive as far as you’d like on Route 101, known as the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

It goes all the way to Seattle or Los Angeles.

Just south of Waldport, look for the Big Stump – an old-growth redwood tree that is now just down to a jagged stump coming out of the sand.

You’ll pass Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site on the way, which is another beach access with hiking trails.

Head north from Bayshore, and you’ll find Driftwood Beach, a relatively flat beach decorated with pieces of driftwood.

While taking a few pieces is usually allowed, you should check with a park ranger before doing so.

Fat Biking is a popular activity on the sand.

The bikes, as the name suggests, have fatter tires to grip the sand.

If you’re heading to the mountains while you’re in Oregon, fat bikes are great in packed snow, too.

Places to Avoid in Bayshore

You don’t need to worry about dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town here.

The only places to really avoid in the cities would be anywhere that is private property.

Don’t try to sneak into a resort to use the facilities if you aren’t a guest.

I highly recommend you understand the unique risks of the beach and sea here.

Waves can sneak up on you; rocks can be slippery as ice, and misreading the tide schedules could leave you stranded.

Also, if a big storm is approaching, don’t get too close to the water.

While an angry ocean is a site to behold, the already risky aspects become that much more dangerous.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Bayshore

So... How Safe Is Bayshore Really?

Bayshore, Waldport, and many of the small coastal cities that dot this landscape enjoy a low crime rate – up to three times lower than the state average.

You should also know these are tight-knit communities that welcome tourists but don’t tolerate sinister intentions.

Suspicious activity is reported immediately.

The aftermath of a storm will bring locals out to help clean up.

The real safety concerns here involve the ocean and river.

With nearly 80 inches of rain each year, ponding on roads, flooding, and flash flooding are legitimate concerns.

Ocean waves can be misleading, and there’s also a wave known as a “sneaker wave” that sneaks up on you and can carry you or your stuff out to sea.

You should know how to swim out of a riptide.

Also, the water is very cold here.

The warmest it will get is the low 60s F in the water.

You’ll want to consider getting a wetsuit, but don’t plan on long swimming activities.

This is truly a beautiful Oregon coastal getaway area, but you really control how safe it is by your education about the risks and your behavior while you’re there.

How Does Bayshore Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

International travelers must secure a visa or visa waiver to gain entry into the country. The U.S. State Department website provides detailed information on your eligibility for a visa waiver. You can also use the Visa Wizard module on their site to determine the required visa. The tourist visa takes the longest, so don't delay.

Currency

You can only use the U.S. dollar here—exchange currency at a major airport or at your home bank. In a town this small, you'll be left to use an ATM with high fees. Credit cards are widely accepted, but check if your bank charges a foreign transaction fee.

Weather

Bayshore basks in warm, dry summers with occasional rain showers, average highs around 70°F. Winters are cool and wetter, with highs near 53°F, but snow is rare on the coast. Pack light layers for adjusting to temperature shifts, a rain jacket for those surprise showers, and comfy shoes for exploring the coast. Remember sunscreen for summer sun and a cozy sweater for cozy evenings by the fireplace. Don't forget your binoculars for whale watching.

Airports

Unless you have a private plane to land at a coastal airport, you'll be driving through a winding forest road to get to either Eugene or Portland. Those are the two closest commercial airports. While Eugene is closer (100 miles), Portland is much larger (158 miles). Just be sure you look for PDX flights for Portland, as you don't want to confuse it with Portland International Jetport in Maine.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance that covers your flights, car rental, and health emergencies is the best option when visiting a place that requires many forms of travel. You should also ask what coverage you have during natural disasters like an earthquake or flood event.

Bayshore Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Oregon - Safety by City