The Highlands at Gearhart

The Highlands at Gearhart occupies a distinctive coastal setting in the small town of Gearhart, located on Oregon's northern coast near Seaside and approximately 80 miles northwest of Portland. George Marshall designed this course, which sits in a region known for its maritime climate, coastal forests, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The course operates as part of a residential community in an area that has seen limited golf development compared to other coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest. The routing takes advantage of the natural topography characteristic of this part of the Oregon coast, where courses typically navigate through stands of shore pine, spruce, and coastal vegetation. The terrain in this region generally features moderate elevation changes and sandy soils that provide good drainage in an otherwise wet climate. Gearhart itself is a quiet residential community with a long history as a coastal retreat, and the course serves both members and resort guests. The Highlands represents one of the few golf options along this stretch of the northern Oregon coast, an area less densely developed for golf than regions farther south. Players encounter conditions shaped by coastal weather patterns, including wind that can significantly affect play. The course provides a regional amenity in a part of Oregon where golf facilities are relatively sparse, offering a layout that reflects both the natural coastal landscape and the practical considerations of year-round play in a maritime environment.