Set directly on the banks of the North Fork of the Nehalem River, 78488 Highway 53 offered a rare riverfront lifestyle in one of the Oregon Coast’s most scenic natural settings. With private river access, wooded views, and a secluded 0.78-acre lot, the property created a peaceful retreat for fishing, kayaking, relaxing, and enjoying the quieter side of coastal living.
Built in 1989, the home featured 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1,768 square feet of living space on a 0.78-acre lot. The two-story cabin layout included soaring ceilings, large windows, natural light, and sliders leading to a deck facing the river and surrounding trees.
The main level included a primary bedroom with a full bathroom across the hall, creating convenient main-floor living. Upstairs, a second large bedroom opened to a balcony with wooded views, while a bonus loft area offered flexible space for extra beds, an office, or additional guest use.
The home’s interior features included a ceiling fan, furnished presentation, laundry, luxury vinyl plank flooring, skylight, vaulted ceiling, washer/dryer, and a wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen included a dishwasher, disposal, free-standing range, free-standing refrigerator, and range hood.
Outside, the property was designed for riverfront living. Decks, a gated entry, gentle sloping and level land, trees, seclusion, RV and boat storage, a second garage, workshop, yard, and dedicated storage for kayaks and fishing gear all added to the property’s utility and appeal.
With well water, septic, heat pump cooling, baseboard heat, heat pump heating, wood stove heat, a composition roof, covered and off-street parking, two garage spaces, and direct river frontage, 78488 Highway 53 offered a practical and memorable base for enjoying the North Fork Nehalem River.
The location also provided easy access to the historic charm of downtown Nehalem and the beaches of Manzanita, making it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a tucked-away riverfront property near the coast.
78488 Highway 53 sold on June 27, 2026, for $630,000.
Property Highlights
Address: 78488 Highway 53, Nehalem, Oregon
Status: Sold
Sold Date: June 27, 2026
Sold Price: $630,000
MLS: 555566498
Property Type: Residential
Architecture: Two-story cabin
Year Built: 1989
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2 full baths
Living Area: 1,768 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 0.78 acres
Stories: 2
Views: River, territorial, trees, woods
Waterfront: North Fork Nehalem River frontage
Garage: 2 garage spaces
Parking: Covered parking, off-street parking
Interior Features: Ceiling fan, furnished, laundry, luxury vinyl plank, skylight, vaulted ceiling, washer/dryer
Kitchen Features: Dishwasher, disposal, free-standing range, free-standing refrigerator, range hood
Fireplace: Wood burning
Outdoor Features: Deck, public road access, RV/boat storage, satellite dish, second garage, storm door, workshop, yard
Lot Features: Gated, gentle sloping, level, secluded, trees
Accessibility Features: Main-floor bedroom and bath, natural lighting, utility room on main
Water Source: Well
Sewer: Septic tank
Heat Type: Baseboard, heat pump, wood stove
Air Conditioning: Heat pump
Roof: Composition
Windows: Aluminum frames
Annual Taxes: $3,742
Schools: Pacific Ridge Elementary, Seaside Middle School, Seaside High School
Listing Courtesy Of: Real Broker, Dennis Coxen
Buyer Represented By: Erin Laskey, Home + Sea Realty
Listing Link:
View the 78488 Highway 53 property page
https://homeandsea.com/properties/78488-highway-53-nehalem-or-us-97131-555566498
A Riverfront Nehalem Retreat for Fishing, Kayaking, and Quiet Coastal Living
What made this property especially appealing was its direct connection to the North Fork of the Nehalem River. Private river access, wooded views, and a secluded setting created a rare opportunity for buyers who wanted more than a standard coastal home.
For fishing enthusiasts, the property offered access to a river known for Steelhead and Chinook Salmon runs, as noted in the listing. For outdoor-minded buyers, the shop, second garage, RV/boat storage, kayak storage, decks, and wooded acreage made it easy to imagine weekends built around the river, the forest, and the nearby coast.
At the same time, 78488 Highway 53 remained within reach of downtown Nehalem and the beaches of Manzanita, giving buyers a quiet riverfront base with access to the restaurants, shops, beach walks, and recreation that define this part of the North Oregon Coast.
Thinking About Buying or Selling a Riverfront Home Near Nehalem?
Riverfront and acreage properties near Nehalem benefit from guidance that clearly explains water frontage, privacy, access, outdoor storage, shop space, fishing and kayaking potential, heating systems, parking, acreage, and proximity to town and the beach.
View the closing price, photos, and property details while they are still available, or contact Home + Sea Realty for experienced guidance on buying or selling a riverfront home, cabin, acreage property, or North Oregon Coast retreat.
