OREGON COAST – There’s an interesting aspect to Oregon’s coast that’s still a bit of a secret to even most Oregon natives: this is the warmest time of the year on the beach.

It’s called the “second summer,” and some have even nicknamed it the “first summer of the Oregon coast” because of its often-marked difference from July and August, which can be a bit drizzly. They call it “Indian summer” inland, but on these beaches, September and early October bring the nicest conditions of the year – in a variety of unexpected ways. Thanks to fewer crowds, lodging prices that begin tumbling and other aspects, it’s the niftiest of times to hit the shoreline.

The second summer lasts until mid-October, often even longer. It’s typified by sunnier weather, warmer temperatures, less wind and less fog in most years. Fall of 2007 was a little less second summer-like than usual, but this year has been living proof of the state’s loveliest weather secret.