An unusual beach in Seaside features rocks painted with pictures and messages

(FEBRUARY 25, 2022) There are many unusual sights to see on the Oregon Coast. Most are special places made by nature, such as the famous Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach. Some are made by people, such as the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence. Painted Rock Beach in Seaside is a little bit of both.

Painted Rock Beach is a path that begins near the intersection of Ocean Vista Drive and Avenue W. It is a public way that leads to the sandy beach. Along the path, visitors can see rocks that people have painted. Some have pictures; others have personal messages or words of inspiration.

The tradition of painting rocks and leaving them in this area began a few decades ago. A family lived next to the path and placed the rocks near the path. Then other people began adding their own. Now there are hundreds.

“When you see a display of many [painted rocks], you kind of want to become a part of that, and I think that’s what a lot of people have done,” says Robin Montero in an article in The Oregonian newspaper. She works for the Seaside Historical Society Museum. "It's a fun little thing," she adds.

Jamie Hale is a journalist for The Oregonian. He writes, "With so many messages of loss, love, and years gone by, Painted Rock Beach is like a cross between a cemetery and a family photo album. It often feels like a sentimental or even a sacred place, locals said. And it’s not unusual to see people sitting out there quietly alone, searching the rocks or staring out at the ocean."

Montero notes that more people have been visiting the painted rocks during the COVID-19 pandemic. She says people come to release stress. Leaving a painted rock -- or just reading rocks by others -- helps people get through difficult times.

“Something about that salt air just cleanses the soul,” Montero says. “That’s what Seaside does for people, it just lets people offload everything, and if they want to leave behind a memorial for their stay or just a little remembrance, Painted Rock Beach is the place to do it.”