April 2026 Newsletter – Experience April on the Oregon Coast & Central Oregon

Spring Break Energy, Wildlife Encounters & Peak Outdoor Season

April is when Oregon hits its stride. Along the coast, gray whales and puffins return, beach walks turn into treasure hunts, and festival season begins to build. In Central Oregon, Mt. Bachelor delivers prime spring skiing while trails, rivers, and events come back to life. With longer days, fewer crowds, and a mix of coast, mountains, and high desert experiences, April is one of the most rewarding times to explore the region.

Oregon Coast Events – April 2026

Beachcombing Exploriences

April 1, 2026
Lincoln City, OR

April 2026 Newsletter – Experience April on the Oregon Coast & Central Oregon

Spring Break Energy, Wildlife Encounters & Peak Outdoor Season

Oregon Coast Events – April 2026

Beachcombing Exploriences

April 1, 2026
Lincoln City, OR

Gold Beach Glass Float Treasure Hunt

April 1–30, 2026
Gold Beach, OR

All month long, hand-blown glass floats are hidden along the beaches for visitors to discover and keep. It transforms a simple beach walk into a fun, interactive treasure hunt that appeals to all ages. This is highly shareable and easy to promote across the entire month.

Beach Cleanup at Cape Kiwanda

April 4, 2026
Pacific City, OR

Visitors can help protect one of the Oregon Coast’s most scenic landscapes while enjoying time outdoors. It’s a meaningful, community-driven activity that resonates with sustainability-focused travelers.

Oregon Coast Film Festival

April 10 – 11, 2026
Coos Bay, OR

Independent films, filmmaker Q&As, and community screenings come together in this unique coastal festival. The dramatic setting adds to the experience, making it a strong cultural draw.

Get Lit at the Beach Literary Festival

April 17–19, 2026
Cannon Beach, OR

This intimate literary festival brings renowned authors together for readings, workshops, and conversations. Events like Lit Crawl and keynote sessions make it immersive and engaging. A strong cultural highlight for mid-April.

Circles in the Sand

Starting April 19, 2026
Bandon, OR

Massive sand labyrinths appear during low tide, creating a peaceful and visually striking experience. Visitors can walk the designs before they disappear with the tide. It’s one of the most photogenic events on the coast.

High Tide Tattoo & Art Festival

April 24–26, 2026
Coos Bay, OR

This bold, creative festival features world-class tattoo artists, live art, and a vibrant community atmosphere. It adds a modern, edgy dimension to the coast’s event lineup.

Astoria Warrenton Crab & Wine Festival

April 24–26, 2026
Astoria, OR

The Oregon Coast’s biggest spring event features fresh Dungeness crab, dozens of wineries, live music, and hundreds of vendors. It draws large crowds and serves as the signature event of the season.

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Tours

Daily in April 2026
Depoe Bay, OR

Depoe Bay offers daily charter trips that bring visitors close to migrating whales. April sightings are especially rewarding with frequent calf activity. This is a strong, bookable experience that converts well.

Spring Tufted Puffin Sightings

All April 2026
Central Oregon Coast

Spring marks the return of tufted puffins nesting along coastal cliffs. Combined with other seabirds and marine wildlife, it creates one of the most unique wildlife-viewing opportunities on the coast.

Gray Whale Migration Viewing

All April 2026
All Oregon Coast

April is one of the best times to spot migrating gray whales, especially mothers and calves traveling close to shore. Viewing areas like Depoe Bay and Yaquina Head offer consistent sightings. It’s one of the coast’s most iconic seasonal experiences.

Bend Marathon & Half

April 12, 2026
Bend, OR

This major race weekend offers multiple distances and scenic routes through Central Oregon. It attracts both serious runners and casual participants, with strong community support.

Bend Trail Running Series

April 16-July 16, 2026
Bend, OR

This popular trail race series begins in mid-April, drawing runners to Bend’s scenic trail network. It’s approachable yet competitive, with multiple events throughout the season.

RendezVan Festival

April 16–19, 2026
Mt. Bachelor, Bend, OR

A high-energy festival combining spring skiing, live music, van life, and outdoor culture. With food trucks, yoga, and extended ski hours, it’s one of the region’s most exciting April events.

Spring Skiing at Mt. Bachelor

April 20 – May 25, 2026
Bend, OR

April offers some of the best skiing conditions of the season, with sunny days and soft snow. Longer daylight hours make it ideal for extended time on the mountain. A must-feature seasonal experience.

Deschutes River Rafting Season Opening

Starting April 2026
Bend / Maupin, OR

Spring runoff kicks off rafting season with exciting conditions for both beginners and experienced adventurers. Guided trips offer a mix of scenic floats and thrilling rapids. A strong outdoor highlight.

Smith Rock Hiking & Climbing

All April 2026
Terrebonne, OR

With blooming wildflowers and ideal temperatures, April is peak season at Smith Rock. Visitors can hike, climb, or simply take in the dramatic landscape. It’s one of Oregon’s most iconic outdoor destinations.

April brings together the best of Oregon in one trip, from whale watching and coastal festivals to sunny spring skiing, trail adventures, and river outings in Central Oregon. It’s a month where every landscape feels active and alive, offering the perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and high-energy events across both regions.

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