Boating, Fishing, and Travel Information for Depoe Bay, OR

The bay proper has foul ground on both the north and south sides, but the channel leading to the narrow dredged channel to the inner basin is deep and well marked. The foul areas break in moderate seas and are marked by kelp. Prominent from seaward is the concrete arch bridge over the entrance to the basin. A lighted whistle buoy is 1.1 miles west of the entrance to the bay. A lighted bell buoy and 086.2° lighted range mark the entrance to the bay and the approach to the dredged channel to the basin. A mariner radio activated sound signal, located on the south side of the entrance is about 50 yards southwest of the bridge, and is initiated by keying the microphone five times on VHF-FM channel 83A.

The basin has a concrete bulkhead, mooring floats, and a tidal grid for minor hull repair work. Also available are berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching ramp, and marine supplies. Hull and engine repairs can be made. The town of Depoe Bay is on the N side of the basin.

In 1986, the reported controlling depth in the dredged channel to the fixed arched bridge was 8 feet; thence in 2009, depths of 6 to 8 feet were available in the basin with lesser depths to 3 feet in the SE corner. In 1994, shoaling to 4 feet was reported near the W edge of the channel under the bridge.

The fixed concrete arched bridge over the entrance is unusual in that its width of 30 feet is less than the clearance of 42 feet. The navigator is cautioned against the dangerous surge in the narrow entrance to the basin. Boats over 50 feet long cannot enter the basin without a special waiver from the harbormaster, and then only at highwater. The entrance should not be attempted at night or in rough weather without local knowledge.

Depoe Bay Coast Guard Station, at the inner basin, monitors VHF-FM channel 16 or may be contacted at 541-765-2123.