Depoe Bay - Oregon - History

Along the sea wall north of Depoe Bay's harbor, natural rock tubes are flooded by the incoming tide and spout geyser-like sprays. At times, these streams arch over Highway 101  dousing vehicles and visitors alike. Five state park or wayside areas are nearby on 101. All offer spectacular coastal views.

The harbor itself is reputed to be the smallest in the world. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a station at Depoe Bay. Depoe Bay is south of Gleneden Beach  and is separated from the community of Otter Rock  by Cape Foulweather .

Depoe Bay began forming about y 16 million ears ago when massive walls of lava came scorching across Oregon from the Idaho border. Later, the sea eroded the cracks in the resulting basalt rock and eventually created its current bowl shape. One of the first attractions put on by Depoe Bay locals back in the 1930's was known as the First Free Fish Fry. Back then, the catch of the day was cooked in large frying pans on wire racks over an open fire. Twenty years later, the local fishermen and merchants still gathered for the community get-together. Local residents took part in gathering alder stakes, lighting the fires, and awaiting the fishermen to return with their catch. This salmon was placed on these stakes and cooked over open fires - Indian style. 'Fish' stories were told, and everyone enjoyed the company of friends and family.
Over time, the gathering of locals evolved into an event for Depoe bay. From 1956 through 1972 the Salmon bake was held at Depoe Bay State Park in front of the city center's sea wall. With its increased popularity came a necessity to move to more spacious quarters, so in 1973 it was moved to Fogerty Creek State Park, where it remained for the next twenty years. However, in 1993, the State Parks dept. began imposing parking fees for those using the park. That year the Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce paid $1,500 so guests would not have to pay the $3-per-car fee. Because of that additional expense, the organization moved back to Depoe Bay and now holds the event at The Depoe Bay Park with its picturesque view of the harbor.