Oregon Oyster Farms, Newport

It is a bit of distance off the main road. Really fresh oysters. Prices are higher than I expected. Shelled oysters were not cleaned well and have mud on them that needs to be washed off before shucking, if you plan to have them on 1/2 shell.

Oregon Oyster Farm near Newport serves the local market and ships to Asia as well as other places. The owner is a big supporter of The Wetlands Conservancy. Most of their oysters, Pacific oysters, grow on the bottom of Yaquina Bay and nearby sloughs, but they also raise thousands of oysters suspended on ropes from the floats near the store and processing sheds.(I'd give 5 stars except that they do disturb marine habitat by dredging and the part of their operations on the south side of the bay is a bit messy. However, the extensive oyster beds at low tide are a feast of small crustaceans, worms, trapped minnows, and crabs that feed crows, herons, egrets, ducks, and even eagles.) While you are at the store, take time to watch the birds and possibly seals on the floats and on the water nearby--harbor seals, herons, egrets, cormorants, sometimes pelicans, sandpipers, loons, grebes, buffleheads, and more.