Dear Betty,

Thanks for contacting us about lawn species. There is no single 'best' variety since each type does best in particular situations, depending on your climate, irrigation, sun exposure, and type of soils. 

The best lawns for coastal Oregon are cool-season grasses that tolerate shade, moisture, and mild temperatures, with Fine Fescues (Chewings, Red) being top choices for low-maintenance, shade-tolerant turf. For high-traffic areas, mix in Perennial Ryegrass or Tall Fescue. Colonial Bentgrass is another good option for a lush, fine-textured lawn.

Key Recommendations for Coastal Oregon:

• Best Overall (Low Maintenance/Shade): Fine Fescues (Creeping Red, Chewings) require less fertilizer and mowing.
• Best for Traffic & Sun: Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass offer high traffic tolerance and rapid establishment.
• Best for Coastal Conditions: Coastal areas benefit from grasses that handle humidity and shade.
• Alternative: Ecolawns (a mix of grasses and broadleaf plants) are recommended for lower water and fertilizer use.
• Note: A mix of lawn varieties and clover may give you the best results if you have diverse growing conditions.

This OSU publication may help you:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1521-practical-lawn-care-western-oregon?reference=catalog

I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have questions.