It's likely THE biggest news story about the Oregon coast, yet it's one of the area's biggest secrets: Fall is just the beginning of some really warm weather, and the start of a load of features that make this the most inviting time of the year on these beaches.

This pristine and often wild area, legendary for being among the cleanest sands in the world, is also completely free to the public: no one owns any section of Oregon's coast, and no one has to pay to play there (except for a few state parks with minor fees).

Fall is known as the "Second Summer" here: meaning this part of the Pacific shoreline is at its warmest in September and early October.

By the time September comes around, the ocean is at its warmest after being heated up all season. Meanwhile, things get cooler in the Willamette Valley - on the other side of the coast range mountains - which evens out the temperature differences between the two. This allows warmer air flows from the east and from California to help warm things up even more, as well as causing the winds to die down in general and decrease fog.

During the summer, those temperature differences drive the sea breezes and fog. But by early fall, those differences are not as significant, allowing these factors to come together and making for sunnier, hotter days than in June through August.

Weather experts say this usually lasts well into October, with the middle of the month generally being a turning point towards more blustery weather. However, in 2004, those summer-like conditions lasted well into the last few days of the month.

On top of it all, this season boasts lesser crowds, lower lodging prices and fewer cars on the highway - making this the best time of the year to venture to the Pacific Ocean.

SURPRISES IN SEASIDE

Each town on the coast has its own identity and each experiences the benefits of the "other summer on the coast," as it's sometimes called. But the resort town of Seaside, on the northern Oregon coast, has some particularly pleasant amenities during "Second Summer." Keith Chandler, manager of Seaside Aquarium noted he sees more whales wandering these waters at this time of year than at any other. "Not because there are more whales," he quickly adds. "But because less winds make for less white caps and calmer waters, so it's easier to spot them."

At Seaside Helicopters, all these nice days keep pilot/owner Gary Turel quite busy. The long run of pleasant weather makes for ideal flying conditions for his aerial tours of Cannon Beach and Seaside.

This consistently wowing flight lets you glimpse "Goonies Rock" - which was used in some of the last moments of the cult classic film. Hwy 101 - just south of Seaside. www.seaside-helicopters.com. (503) 440-4123.

LODGING SPECIALS ABOUND

In most cases, lodging prices begin to dip sometime in September, although some businesses don't drop until October or later. One interesting rule of thumb is that more expensive lodgings drop farther in price, while more inexpensive hotels, vacation rentals or motels drop less.

At St. Bernard's Bed & Breakfast, you can stay at a real castle, overlooking Arch Cape and Castle Rock, for less during the week. After October 1, weekdays are 15 percent off per night (two-night minimum), and you

At the adorable, family-friendly and pet-friendly San Dune Inn in Manzanita, prices are anywhere from $95 for two people to $160 for a family in August. Those drop 15 percent after Labor Day, and another 10 percent in October. The San Dune Inn features fun and funky pleasantries like free bicycles, game equipment for the sand, beach chairs, etc. www.sandune-inn-manzanita.com. 428 Dorcas Lane. 888-368-5163.

If romance is on your mind, Old Wheeler Hotel presents stunning views of Nehalem Bay in charming, ancient building so beautiful it's been nicknamed the "Westin-Benson of the Oregon Coast." Their prices, generally between $80 to $240, go down about $10 in October. They are celebrating Second Summer by allowing anyone who mentions "second summer" to stay at October/November rates. Hwy 101 and Gregory. www.oldwheelerhotel.com. 877-484-3843.

At the stunning vacation rental resort of Bella Beach, near Depoe Bay, prices drop substantially after September 20. These beautiful homes, just steps away from the ocean, go for 20 percent to 35 percent less. Many homes that were $250 per night drop down to $175 per night. 866-994-7026 or www.bellabeach.com.

SECOND SUMMER EVENTS "BREWING" FUN

Sometimes, local events bring out a whole new side to the Oregon coast's "Second Summer." The second weekend of October sees Newport's population swell to several thousand more with the 2005 Newport Microbrew Festival as the central coast town invites you to "Sail On Over for Suds & Surf."

This theme and title means a bevy of food vendors, assorted sellers of microbrewed goodness, wine, lots of live music and arts & crafts - as well as their famed homebrew competition. The event takes place at Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 633 NE 3rd Street, in Newport - a charming but bustling burgh that hosts two lighthouses.

The over-21-only festival happens on Friday, October 7 and Saturday, Saturday, October 8. Parking is free and admission is $8. www.newportchamber.org/microbrew. 800-262-7844.

Other discoveries to be made in Newport include the Nye Beach area, which is an historic section of town that reigned in the early 20th century as the "Honeymoon Capitol of the World." It still retains its ancient vibe and strong sense of romance.

While there, don't miss either Village Market & Deli or Blu Cork Wine Bar, both on SW Third, a street which deadends over the beach. Village Market features gourmet lunches that are becoming legendary in the state, including a Tuscan Turkey that has quite the zing to it thanks to a bit of wasabi. It's innovative and full of subtle layers. (541) 574-9393.

Blu Cork Wine Bar boasts an incredible interior of earth tones, a heady selection of mostly Northwest wines, and a dizzying menu of delicious items like a duck pate that is so light and smooth it threatens to levitate out of your mouth. 613 SW Third Street, Newport. 541-265-2257.

More on the subject of Second Summer can be found at www.beachconnection.net/secondsummer.htm

Andre' Hagestedt is editor of Beach Connection, a tourism publication that covers the upper half of Oregon's coastline - some 180 miles.