Follow this page from top to bottom to experience the path created for you or pick and choose the places you wish to see.
Lewis and Clark Statue
Lewis and Clark are two, if not the most important, historical figures of Seaside. Because without them there would be no Oregon or Seaside. They crossed the Louisiana Purchase, which is a huge section of the area we bought from France, April 30, 1803. Lewis and Clark were tasked with exploring this newly aquired land going from St. Louis, Missouri to the west coast around Washington and Oregon. Their route crossed 16 states and covered about 4,900 miles (7,885 km). They are specifically important to Seaside since when Lewis and Clark arrived in 1805, they established their base camp in the form of a fort about 15 miles (24 km) north of Seaside, not far from Youngs Bay, where they interacted and traded with the local Native Americans, the Clatsops.
Seaside Prom Time Capsule
The time capsule is just behind the Lewis and Clark statue in the ground.
The city of Seaside hosted a parade and ceremony on Saturday, August 7, 2021 to commemorate the 100th year of the Seaside Promenade. It was officially dedicated on August, 7th 1921 when hundreds of people and officials from across the state joined Oregon Governor Olcott in Seaside to watch Martha Hagmeier, age 8, break a bottle of sea water on the promenade. The time capsule is to be opened on August 7th, 2121 so your grand kids grand, kids may be the ones to see it opened.
Lewis and Clark Salt Works
Lewis & Clark Salt Cairn (transcribed from plaque)
On January 2, 1806, the salt works was established by the three "salt makers" of the Lewis & Clark expedition. Joseph Fields, William Bratten, and George Gibson, who remained here until February 20, 1806. These men, assisted at times by hunters and packers, were able during this period to tediously extract approximately four bushels of salt by boiling seawater day and night in five metal "kittles". The expedition had run out of salt before arrival at their winter camp at Fort Clatsop, 10 miles (16 km) to the northeast and it was very necessary for curing meat and preparing for the return trip to civilization.
Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge
Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge is next to the convention center, First Ave bridge on this map
(transcribed from plaque)
Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge
​Dedicated to
All military personel and civilians
Who were on the island of Oahu, Hawaii
On 7 December, 1941
A day that will live in infamy
Dedicated Dec. 7, 2000
Pearl Harbor was a U.S. naval base in the Pacific island of Oahu, Hawaii where a majority of the U.S. navy's ships were docked. On December 7th, 1941 the Japanese fleet decimated the naval base sinking multiple battle ships and killing many people in the process. Three of the many battle ships you can still see today are the the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS Utah, serving as memorials to those who lost their lives during the attack. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the day after the attack, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan"
Vietnam Memorial
103 Seaside High Shool students served in the Vietnam War. Their names are fetured on this memorial, dedicated September, 2021 with many of the veterans, their families and fellow classmates in attendance. This memorial is a reminder to celebrate the former students who fought in Vietnam.
The Vietnam Memorial is located in Seltzer Park
Sacagawea Plaque
The Sacagawea Plaque is located to the left of the Vietnam Memorial in Seltzer Park.
Clark's Point of View (transcribed from plaque)
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In early January 1806, William Clark and at least 12 others, including Sacagawea, trekked south along this shoreline and climbed over Tillamook Head. They were heading to today's Cannon Beach to purchase the meat of a beached whale for food. "...at one place we were obliged to Support and draw our Selves up by the bushes & roots for near 100 feet, and after about 2 hours labour and fatigue we reached the top of which I looked down with estonishment to behold the hieght which we had assended ... here we met 14 Indian men and women loaded with oil & Blubber of the whale." William Clark, January 7, 1806.
SACAGAWEA (transcribed from plaque)
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Sacagawea was an ordinary woman participating in an extraordinary adventure. William Clark noted her value with other tribes (October 19, 1805): "The sight of This Indian women... confirmed those people of our friendly intetions, as no women ever accompanies a war party..." Sacagawea, the Agaiduka Shoshoni wife of Toussaint Charbonneau, was able to point out familiar landmarks near her home, and with a child on her back, she often foraged to feed the hungry explorers. Meriwether Lewis cited her "fortitude and resolution" in rescuing medicines, journals, and suppiles in a boating accident (May 16, 1805). As an interpreter and tribal member, she helped ensure that the Shoshoni provided horses for the trek over the Continental Divide. No other member of the expedition has inspired more interest and mythology than Sacagawea--there are more statues of her than any other women in American history. Women's suffrage advocates of the early 1900s saw Sacagawea as the perfect symbol--a women leading men across the continent. Her contributions to the expedition's success are truly worthy of legend. When word reached Fort Clatsop that a whale had beached, Sacagawea was determined to see it and the ocean. "She observed that She had traveled a long way with us to see the great waters" wrote William Clark, "and that now that monstrous fish was also to be Seen, she thought it very hard that She Could not be permitted to See either..." Clark thought it a modest request and let her join the expedition to the whale.
Gilbert Inn
(transcribed from plaque)
Gilbert Inn
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Historic Home of Alexandre Gilbert
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Alexandre Gilbert, one of the founding fathers of Seaside, was born in the coastal town of LaRochelle, France, on April 16, 1845, the son of Frank and Mary Gilbert. At the age of twenty-four and just prior to the Franco-Prussian war (1870-71), Alexandre married Emma Loncol in Paris, France, on January 22, 1869. In 1871, after the war, the Gilberts immigrated to San Francisco, California. In San Francisco, Alexandre developed his skills as a carpenter and cabinet maker. He also built and established the Glibert House, a hotel and boarding house. Learning in 1881 that land was "cheap" in Oregon, the Gilberts moved north to Astoria. Struck by the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast and the resemblance to his native France, he saw great potential and spent the next 54 years helping to develop businesses, property, and communites in the area. One of his greatest achievements was the 1 1/2 mile (2.4 km) Promenade. Alexandre wanted the beach to remain open to the public, so he aquired the property and then donated it to the city. He also developed the downtown business district called the Gilbert Block. He was Mayor of Seaside during the 1912 fire that burned most of the city, and is credited with the leadership needed to turn this horrific event into an oportunity to rebuild Seaside with an emphasis on permenrnt concrete buildings. In his life, Alexandre worked as a soldier, carpenter, hotel and boarding house operator, saloon operator, insurance and real estate salesman, Port of Astoria commissioner, French consul, and Mayor of Seaside. It has been said of Alexandre that he was "a fine representative of the solid and sustainable business men forethought," ...a citizen of affluence and influence." His family simply says, "He was loved."
Painted Rock Beach
Painted Rock Beach is a hidden corner of Seaside as locals and tourists leave small painted rocks behind with quotes or pictures. Anyone can do it, there is no rule other than to not disturb the rocks already placed as we don't want to disturb the beauty of Painted Rock Beach.
One of the hundreds of rocks you can see is from the Seaside High School class of 1969. Since Painted Rock Beach is relatively new, most likely this rock was done by a returning graduate from that year.
The Sailor's Grave
Sailor's Grave​ (transcribed from plaque)
Sailor's Grave reminds us that the Cove at Tillamook Head is part of the Graveyard of the Pacific and has seen its fair share of tragedy.
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It's said that Captain Lewis of the Bark "Industry" is the grave's resident after the ship struck a sandbar crossing the mighty Columbia in March 1865 breaking a rudder and 17 people parished. Due to strong southerly winds Capt. Lewis was later found at the Cove and buried on the beach. Another explanation of the Grave's residency is that of a deceased lone sailor that came into the Cove strapped onto a badly damaged sloop. A futher account, as remembered by Sara Gearhart Byrd, is that resident John Hobson met three sailors that had come ashore falling, the winds came up and feared the sailors would be in trouble so he built a large bonfire on the beach for the sailors to get their bearings. However, his efforts were of no avail as their three bodies washed ahsore at high tide the following day.
The Grave's rock and concrete surround was built by local Al Hansen in the 1930's. Although there are many stories regarding the actual inhabitants, Sailor's Grave at the Cove is the final resting place of many souls lost and should be regarded with respect.
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The Cove is a popular local surfing paradise and inhabits a wide variety of precious marine life. Although the water may look calm, don't turn your back on the ocean and be aware of sneaker waves and riptides. The ocean temperature ranges from the low 40's in Winter to the mid 50's in Summer. As with any water activity be sure to know your tide table, wear proper attire and take necassary safety precautions while enjoying the beach and surf the Cove​.
Tillamook Head
(transcribed from plaque)
The Elmer Feldenheimer Forest Preserve
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For the return of Tillamook Head to its pristine state. As it was when so richly endowed by Lewis and Clark with our nation's history. 1978
(transcribed from plaque)​
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Since 1967, Oregon's landmark "Beach Bill" has guaranteed public recreational use of our coastal shore between the water's edge and the vegetation line. This unparalleled recreation resource is managed by Oregon State Parks.
Which Way To Go? (transcribed from plaque)
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Mountains, rivers, boulders, dense forests, and wetlands make our travel difficult, especially if we're walking and carrying supplies or gear.
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Following someone else's route is often the best choice. Although we can now build roads just about anywhere, many of the routes we use today were established Native American trails that Euro-American explorers and pioneers used. (Many such routes started out as wildlife trails!)
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Here, the Oregon Coast Trail winds up and over mighty Tillamook Head, following the Native American route taken by Lewis and Clark more than 200 years ago when they went to see a beached whale at Ecola.
As you hike, please respect private property by staying on the trail.
Seaside City Hall
(transcribed from plaque)
On this site was the Seaside Terminal, depot, freight station, water tower and warehouses. In 1890 the A & SC Railway was built 15.54 miles between Youngs Bay and Seaside. In 1896 a trestle was built across Youngs Bay connecting Seaside to Astoria via the A & SC Railway. In 1898 the rail line was completed to Portland and the first train had sixteen cars and one engine. In 1906 a new covered passenger loading platform was built as well as baggage and freight station. Telegraph and express facilities were installed. The line from Seaside station was extended to the Holladay station (Avenue "U"), a spur to the Seaside House (Seaside Golf) and "Y" was built (for engine turnaround) end of line.
In 1907 the Hill Railroad interests purchased the A & SC RY for $42,000 a mile. 1908 special passanger rates were advertised; to Chicago $38, to Pittsburgh $46, and to New York $55.
In 1911 the line to Portland was sold to the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad. In the summer of 1911 there were three trains daily to Portland two local trains to Astoria, and on Mondays a special "Daddy" Train to Portland.
1952 was the last passenger train. 1979 the tracks were removed.
Seaside Highschool Rock
The new Seaside High School has, the best view of Seaside since it is at the highest point in town. But this amazing view came with a cost as near the beginning of 2021, before it was open to students, everything was moved from the old school to the new. However, in the process , some traditions were lost. The school's 2021 student body president came up with and organized a new tradition. A rock was found on the hill and it was painted red with a Seaside S, graduating year, and names of everyone in the graduating class. This tradition of painting the rock has made students more connected to their new school and added a bit of color to the wild overgrowth on the hill. This information was made possible by the current Vice Principal, Jason Boyd.
This is currently the end for "Echoes of the Past: Seaside's Historic Landmarks" by Brodie P. Wozniak in partnership with the Seaside Museum and Historical Society