Ghost Towns of The Oregon Coast: Bayocean A Lost Resort Town
On a narrow sandspit between Tillamook Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Bayocean was once dubbed "the Atlantic City of the West." This ambitious resort community, founded in 1906, promised luxury and leisure on the Oregon Coast. However, its story is a cautionary tale of human ambition clashing with nature's forces.
The Vision of Bayocean
The vision for Bayocean was conceived by Thomas Benton Potter and his son, Thomas Irving Potter, real estate promoters from Portland. They envisioned a thriving resort town with all the amenities of a grand seaside destination. By 1907, over 600 lots had been sold to investors and residents. The community boasted paved streets, a private railroad, a general store, post office, public school, bakery, bowling alley, tennis court, golf links, trapshooting range, natural park, Methodist church, three-story luxury hotel, 1,000-seat movie theater, and a 160-foot-long heated saltwater pool.
Access to Bayocean was initially limited to boat travel, with a ferry service from Bay City across Tillamook Bay. In 1928, a four-mile road from Tillamook to Bayocean was completed, providing easier access for residents and visitors.
The Natatorium
Among Bayocean's many attractions, the natatorium stood out as a marvel of its time. Opened on July 5, 1914, the heated saltwater pool was the first of its kind in Oregon. The building occupied five oceanfront lots and rose more than two stories high. A balcony allowed spectators to watch swimmers and children paddling inflatable canoes during the day. At night, movies were projected onto a screen pulled down from the rafters, and live bands provided entertainment.
The natatorium featured a wave generator designed by T. Irving Potter, inspired by a similar device used in Germany. This innovation aimed to simulate ocean waves for swimmers. However, the generator proved difficult to maintain and was often out of service. Despite these challenges, the natatorium quickly became Bayocean's most popular attraction.
The Decline and Erosion
The construction of a north jetty at the entrance of Tillamook Bay between 1914 and 1917 altered the natural wave patterns, leading to severe erosion on the ocean side of Bayocean's peninsula. Despite the community's efforts to fund a protective jetty, the changes to the coastline proved detrimental.
In 1932, a massive storm destroyed the natatorium, and by 1938, 59 homes had been lost to the encroaching sea. The situation worsened when, in 1952, the spit breached during a November gale, turning Bayocean into an island and ruining nearby oyster farms.
The post office closed in 1953, and by 1960, the last remaining house was consumed by the ocean. The final structure, a garage, fell into the sea in 1971, marking the end of Bayocean's existence as a town.
Legacy and Preservation
Today, Bayocean exists as a ghost town, with no physical remnants of its former grandeur. The area is now part of Bayocean Peninsula County Park, managed by Tillamook County. The park offers hiking trails, interpretive signs, and opportunities for birdwatching and beachcombing. The 7.5-mile Bayocean Spit Loop Trail provides a glimpse into the past, guiding visitors through the natural landscape that once supported a bustling resort community.
Visiting Bayocean Today
For those interested in exploring Bayocean's history, the Bayocean Peninsula County Park is accessible via a gravel road leading from the town of Tillamook. Visitors can hike the Bayocean Spit Loop Trail, which offers scenic views of the coastline and remnants of the town's infrastructure. Interpretive signs along the trail provide historical context and information about the area's natural features.
Bayocean's rise and fall serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human development and the natural environment. While the town no longer exists, its story continues to captivate those who visit the Oregon Coast, offering a glimpse into a bygone era and the forces of nature that reshaped it.
