Historic U.S. Coast Guard Boathouse · Est. 1936
760 Feet Out. Wide Open to Everyone.
The Historic U.S. Coast Guard Boathouse is one of the last of its kind on the West Coast. Today it's a gathering place for school groups, community events, artists, birders, history and architecture enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to the water. We're restoring it so it stays that way, and we're proud to honor the legacy of the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard who served here.
Our Mission
A Gathering Place at the Edge of the Bay
The Historic Boathouse is one of the most distinctive community spaces on the Oregon Coast, situated at the working waterfront of Garibaldi, Oregon. We run hands-on programs for school groups, host workshops and events for locals, and open our doors to anyone curious enough to walk 760 feet out over Tillamook Bay. Everything we do is rooted in one idea: this place belongs to everyone. The Garibaldi Cultural Heritage Initiative (GCHI) is the nonprofit organization restoring and operating the Boathouse on behalf of this community.
Explore Our Programs
Something for Everyone at the Boathouse
Whether you're a teacher planning a field trip, a local looking for something to do, or a traveler discovering the Tillamook Coast, there's a place for you here.
Field Trips at the Boathouse
Hands-on science and coastal history for K-12 and college groups. Over 70 school groups a year come to the Boathouse.
Workshops, Events, & Gatherings
From clamming clinics and fish printing to kayak building and coastal food demos, the Boathouse is a year-round hub.
Come Out to Visit
Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, 12 - 4pm. Walk out over the bay, explore the gallery, meet our docents, and kayak from the original 1936 boat launch rails.
Our Legacy
Built in 1936 to Save Lives. Here Today Because of You.
The U.S. Coast Guard built this boathouse to house rescue vessels on marine railway rails, capable of launching three fully crewed lifeboats in minutes. Of the handful of life-saving stations ever built on the Pacific Coast, this is believed to be the only one still standing over the water. We're restoring it so the next generation inherits something worth keeping.
Events & Programs
What’s Happening at the Boathouse
Join us at the Boathouse. All are welcome.
Support Us
Help Keep the Boathouse Alive for Everyone
The Boathouse runs on community, volunteer hours, local partnerships, and the generosity of people who believe this place is worth preserving. Every gift goes directly toward restoration, programming, and keeping our doors open to all.
3,000+ students
participate in hands-on field trips each year
80+ school groups
welcomed each year
88 youth programs
in a single summer season
17 countries, 42 states
represented by visitors in a single summer season