Mountain, River View, Fire Pit, Drive to Beach

Nehalem River Inn - Meredith Lodging

Echoes in the Timber and Stone: The Architectural Legacy and Local Lore of the Reborn Nehalem River Inn

When you need a unique destination for a special event or family reunion, the Nehalem River Inn is a thoughtful and attractive choice. Situated on a beautifully landscaped property that meanders down to the Nehalem River, the Inn will give your guests wonderful outdoor spaces to gather, private, modern accommodations, and a quiet, nature-filled launchpad to myriad activities on the North Oregon Coast. Your party will have access to the entire grounds and riverfront, with five private units for sleeping, relaxing, and making memories. Every river-view unit has similar modern amenities your guests will love: king beds, luxury linens, Smart TVs, clever kitchenettes, and bathrooms with heated floors and walk-in showers. They’ll share inviting outdoor spaces, including a fire pit next to the river for storytelling and s’mores-making under the stars. Most units sleep two and are single-level; Unit 2 sleeps four, Unit 4 is two stories with an upstairs king suite, and Unit 6 is a free-standing cabin right on the river. Two 5 and 6 are pet-friendly. Many have outdoor patios or decks to enjoy the incredible river and mountain views.

When your guests crave adventure, they are in the right place. The North Oregon Coast is world-famous for its incredible hiking, stunning beaches, and welcoming small towns filled with fantastic dining and enticing shopping. Stroll exquisite art galleries in Cannon Beach, shop for provisions at the astounding local-products grocery at the Tillamook Creamery, or watch international cargo ships ply the Columbia River as you sip a locally brewed beer in Astoria. You’ll be ten minutes away from Manzanita’s stunning crescent beach and Neahkahnie Mountain, with hikes to breathtaking views of the shoreline below.

Imagine spending time with your favorite people relaxing on your own stretch of gorgeous coastal river, with separate spaces for retreat and a wealth of activities to enjoy, all minutes away. Book all five units of the Nehalem River Inn, and you are sure to make your special occasion wonderfully memorable for all.

In the historic heart of Nehalem, Oregon, a structure stands as a tangible link to the region's past: the Nehalem River Inn. Originally erected in the 1930s, this building, now lovingly revived, offers more than just lodging; it provides a glimpse into the architectural vernacular of its time and the evolving narrative of this close-knit coastal community near Nehalem Bay State Park.
The very bones of the inn speak of an era when local materials and practical design shaped the landscape. Initially serving as a vital general store, the architecture likely reflected a functional aesthetic, incorporating locally sourced timber, a hallmark of construction in this heavily forested region of Tillamook County. One can imagine sturdy post-and-beam construction, wide plank flooring worn smooth by the passage of countless feet, and perhaps even hand-hewn elements that whispered of the craftsmanship of the time.
Over the decades, the building adapted to the changing needs of Nehalem, morphing into a tavern, a welcoming pub, a haven for fishing enthusiasts, and ultimately an inn and restaurant. Each transformation likely left its own architectural imprint, layers of history etched into the walls and layout. The recent two-year revitalization, spearheaded by its enthusiastic owners. With architect James Adams, the Inn became an archaeological dig of sorts. The painstaking removal of later additions – layers of drywall and tired insulation – revealed the underlying structure, offering insights into the original construction techniques and subsequent modifications.
The decision to "fix them" rather than "cover them up," as the owner noted, underscores a commitment to preserving the building's authentic character. The replacement and repair of exterior siding, the installation of new windows and doors, were not simply about modernization but about honoring the original form and ensuring its longevity. One can envision the selection of materials carefully considered to complement the historic fabric of the building.
The inn's history is inextricably linked to the story of Nehalem and the adjacent, diminutive Mohler. For nearly a century, the building served as a central hub, the general store acting as the lifeblood of the community. Imagine residents gathering here, not just for provisions but for news, for connection – the very walls absorbing the rhythms of daily life. As it transitioned through its various incarnations, it remained a constant in the community's memory, a place of shared experiences and local identity.
The meticulous work of local tradespeople further emphasizes the community's investment in preserving this piece of their heritage. The use of materials from Stockton's Nehalem Lumber connects the inn to the ongoing economic and material history of the region.
Today, the six rooms of the Nehalem River Inn are more than just places to rest. They are spaces imbued with the echoes of the past, where the careful restoration allows guests to sense the architectural evolution of the building while enjoying modern comforts. Staying here is an opportunity to immerse oneself not only in the tranquility of the Oregon Coast but also in the tangible history held within the inn's very structure – a testament to the enduring spirit of a place and the dedication of those who understand its worth.

The reopening was a celebration of architectural preservation as much as it was of hospitality. It's a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era and to understand how buildings like this serve as vital anchors in the historical landscape of a community.
The Nehalem River Inn stands as a reminder that the stories of a place are often etched in its physical form, waiting to be rediscovered and shared.

PROPERTY DETAILS: FIVE PRIVATE UNITS
Note: Access levels for the units vary.

NEHALEM RIVER INN UNIT #2

UPPER LEVEL: ENTRY LEVEL:

Living Room: One Queen Sofa Sleeper
Dining Area: Smart TV
Kitchenette: Mini Fridge, Sink, Microwave, Keurig
One King Bed
Hallway: One Full Bathroom (Walk-in Shower, Heated Floor)

NEHALEM RIVER INN UNIT #3

UPPER LEVEL: ENTRY LEVEL:

Living Area
Dining Area: Smart TV
Kitchenette: Mini Fridge, Keurig, Microwave
One King Bed
Hallway: One Full Bathroom (Walk-in Shower, Heated Floor)
Outdoor: Private Deck

NEHALEM RIVER INN UNIT #4

MAIN LEVEL: ENTRY LEVEL:
Living Room
Dining Area
Kitchenette: Mini Fridge, Microwave, Keurig
Outdoor: Private Covered Patio

UPPER LEVEL:
One King Bed, Smart TV
Hallway: One Full Bathroom (Walk-in Shower, Heated Floor)
Outdoor: Private Deck

NEHALEM RIVER INN UNIT #5

MAIN LEVEL: ENTRY LEVEL:

Living Area
Dining Area
Kitchenette: Mini Fridge, Microwave, Keurig
One King Bed, Smart TV
Hallway: One Full Bathroom (Walk-in Shower, Heated Floors)
Outdoor: Private Patio

NEHALEM RIVER INN UNIT #6

MAIN LEVEL: ENTRY LEVEL:

Living Room: Smart TV
Dining Area
Kitchenette: Mini-Fridge, Microwave, Keurig
One King Bed
Hallway: One Full Bathroom (Walk-in Shower, Heated Floor)
Outdoor: Private Deck

*Each home is individually owned. Amenities and furnishings are subject to change at any time. For questions on this, please contact our office.