Looking for a unique family adventure on the Oregon Coast? Try crabbing on the Nehalem River! Here’s our full guide to crabbing with kids at Kelly’s Brighton Marina — plus what we learned (and what we’d do differently next time).
A Tiny Boat, a Rainy Day, and a Big Adventure
Some adventures are perfectly imperfect — the kind that start with cool coastal drizzle and end with delicious steaming Dungeness crab.
On a gray July morning in Brighton, Oregon, our family of six climbed aboard a tiny boat at Kelly’s Brighton Marina for our very first crabbing experience. It was rainy enough that we had to buy hats and jackets from the marina shop, but honestly, the weather added to the magic. Mist on the water, the sound of gulls overhead, and that faint salt-and-fish smell that tells you you’re really on the Oregon Coast.
We rented a small motorboat, packed with our four kids (ages 8, 6, 3, and 1) — and set off down the Nehalem River to catch our lunch.
Experience the full Nomad-ish adventure on YouTube:
Oregon Coast Crabbing Adventure With Our 4 Kids | Tiny Boat, Big Fun
Join us on the Oregon Coast as we learn how to crab for the first time — setting traps, measuring our catch, and cooking it fresh from the river to the table. It’s family travel at its most real: laughter, learning, and a little courage along the way.
Learning the Ropes (and the Rings)
The crew at Kelly’s Brighton Marina made the whole process simple and fun — even for total beginners. Our rental package included everything:
- 2-hour boat rental
- 3 baited crab rings (with fish guts!)
- Bucket and measuring tool
- Life jackets for all
- On-site crab cooking for anything we caught that met the size requirements
They gave us a quick crabbing lesson onshore, helped the boys learn to toss the traps, and before we knew it, we were motoring out into the calm, misty river.
Family Firsts and Funny Moments
The older boys took their job as “junior crabbers” very seriously — carefully setting the traps and watching the rope coil out behind us. My husband, Dallas, captained the boat, and I got to show the kids how I finally overcame my fear of grabbing a very large Dungeness crab (turns out, bravery looks a little different when small humans are watching).
We drifted with the current and, by pure luck, ended up right back where we dropped our first trap. In two hours, we caught 13 crabs — only two keepers, but every catch felt like a celebration.
Our youngest, Gili (1), was unimpressed by the whole operation — but the other three loved it. Watching their faces light up as the first crab appeared from the deep was worth every soggy jacket and chilly breeze.
From Trap to Table
After our two hours on the water, we returned to the dock where Kelly’s staff helped us steam the crabs. Measuring was a bit tricky — two of our “keepers” turned out to be just shy of legal size (oops). We thought we had four but two ended up being plenty for us!
The good news? Everyone was so helpful, guiding us through the cleaning process and making sure we got to enjoy our hard-earned feast. They even sell sauces, sides, and extra seafood if you want to round out your meal. Nothing beats the satisfaction of eating something you caught yourself, especially when your kids helped make it happen.
Planning Your Own Family Crabbing Adventure
Here’s everything you’ll want to know before you go crabbing at Kelly’s Brighton Marina:
📍 Location
Kelly’s Brighton Marina
29200 Hwy 101 N, Brighton, Oregon
Nestled on the Nehalem River, about halfway between Tillamook and Cannon Beach.
💰 Pricing & Gear
- Boat rental + gear package: $130 for 2 hours
- Includes: 3 baited crab rings, bucket, measure, lifejackets, instruction, and cooking of legal-sized catches
- Boat capacity: 700 lbs (usually 4–5 adults, or 6 if you have kids)
🪪 Licensing
- Out-of-state adults need an Oregon shellfish license — available online.
- Cost: $19 per person for a 3-day pass.
☀️ Best Time to Go
- Crabbing season: Year-round, but warmer months are most comfortable.
- Tip: Check tides and hours on the marina’s website before you go — they vary by season.
🚻 Facilities
Kelly’s has you covered:
- Restrooms + showers
- On-site seafood restaurant
- Campground
- Snack shop (plus hats and rain gear, if you forget yours like we did)
🧒 Family Tips
- Kids 3+ will get the most out of it — younger ones might find the rocking boat or live crabs a little much.
- Bring layers and rain gear, even in summer.
- Life jackets are provided, but double-check fit for toddlers.
- Don’t rush — the fun is in the process, not the count.
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely.
Even with the drizzle, damp socks, and a toddler who glared at every crab like it was plotting against her — it was one of our favorite Oregon adventures yet.
Crabbing gave us that rare mix of learning something new, working together as a team, and laughing through the mess of it all. Plus, there’s something pretty special about turning a simple coastal day into a full circle — from catching your meal to sharing it together.
Nearby Adventures
If you’re planning a longer Oregon stay, check out our other Nomad-ish posts:
👉 “Wahclella Falls: Revisiting Where It All Began — A Family Hike Through Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge” – family-friendly hike, waterfall, beautiful scenery, and axolotls in the wild
👉 “3 Epic Beaches on the Oregon Coast” – family-friendly beaches, hidden coves, and cozy coastal towns you won’t want to miss (coming soon)
About Nomad-ish
We’re the Hannah family — explorers at heart, road-tripping our way through childhood and parenthood one school break at a time. Nomad-ish is our ongoing adventure to see the world, make memories, and remind families that travel doesn’t have to wait until “someday.”
Follow along on YouTube and Instagram for more family adventures, travel guides, and real-life stories from the road.
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