The Oregon Coast, less than two hours away from Portland, is full
of surprises. Whether its a brief storm followed by a glorious rainbow
or a special find in one of the area antique shops, your visit to
the coast will be memorable. Slow down, open your eyes and your heart.
You will be rewarded with a special experience.
Here are some tips gathered from both the Internet and personal sojourns to the Coast:
Scenery
They say, if you don't like the weather, wait an hour and it will change. This is very true of our Oregon Coast. A storm is usually followed by sun breaks and a quieting of the wind. A glorious day flying kites on the beach, in turn, may be followed by dark clouds moving in and rain showers. A favorite winter pastime is "storm watching" at the Oregon Coast. Find an oceanside room or home to rent, stoke up the fire in the wood stove or fireplace, sit back and enjoy the storm. You won't be disappointed!
Another way to soak up the scenery is to hike some of the local trails. I recommend Cape Perpetua and Cape Lookout for spectacular scenery. If you are up to a challenge and a truly lofty view, consider hiking the Neahkahnie Mountain trail in Oswald West State Park.
Relaxing
What could be better than an ocean side room or vacation rental. Each community has a listing of marvelous places. For an upscale treat, try The Stephanie Inn, a romantic European style hotel located at the north end of Cannon Beach. Also consider renting a beach home. There are a wide variety of places to stay at Cannon Beach, and they are a little more pricey than in the surrounding coastal towns. If you are on a budget, consider staying in a smaller town such as Rockaway Beach. Most vacation rentals have an ocean view!
Wake up to the smell of the ocean, the roar of the surf and the chirping of the birds. Try camping on the Oregon Coast. Tom Steinstra's new book, Oregon Camping, provides you with all the information you will need whether you are a novice camper or and expert.
Dining
One morning while dining at The Adobe Restaurant in Yachats, we looked out of the 180 degree view windows and enjoyed the whale migration. The waitress commented that this was one of the joys of her workday. The Adobe is also a great place to stay with most rooms facing the waves crashing over the rocks. Enjoy the trail along the cliffs, but watch out for sneaker waves!
Closer to Portland, is the village of Nehalem with its beautiful river and mountain views. An especially great find is the Nehalem Dock Restaurant. For excellent cuisine and a marvelous deck overlooking the river, this restaurant can't be beat. Once while dining al fresco, we enjoyed watching herons fishing in the river.
Shopping
Cannon Beach is a marvelous place to leisurely window shop. One of my favorite things to do is to sit on the wooden deck of the ice cream store and enjoy a single scoop chocolate cone!
Antiquing is a favorite thing to do on the coast. Driving down highway 101 stopping in to peruse all the little shops can take up a week's vacation easily.
At the Country Exchange in Rockaway Beach, you will find a collection of antique photographs and graphics. I spent a few hours there after being attracted to the shop by the myriad of birdhouses on the porch.
~ Elizabeth Mitchell
