Oregonians know that wintertime on the Oregon coast is even better than summer at the beach. With crashing waves, howling winds and rain gushing from the skies, coastal winters can be exhilarating... and, by the fireside, even romantic.
A favorite drive from Portland to the coast is the Wilson River Highway, Highway 6, from Portland to Tillamook, much of it paralleling the beautiful Wilson River and climbing through the Tillamook State Forest, once sadly called "The Tillamook Burn."
So come along, take the one and a half hour journey from central Portland, along Highway 26, the Sunset Highway, to Highway 6, and venture off the beaten path, through the lush stands of Douglas Fir and Alder to the dairyland of Tillamook and the beautiful Oregon Coast.
Surprise! It's the Costumed Bear! Just past the cutoff to Highway 6, we eagerly look forward to the carved bear, "Stumpy," at Gale's Creek. Each season the bear is dressed for the occasion. This particular winter, after the terrorist attacks on America, the bear has added an American flag to his usual yuletide outfit. Stumpy is not one to fall behind in keeping with trends, even if he is a "backwoodsman." Stumpy is the creation of a local chainsaw artist. Unfortunately his website is now defunct. But look for Stumpy's creator just a few hundred yards down the road and stop in to purchase a bear for your yard or home.
At each turn of the Wilson River Highway, the raging river is seen. It has been known to flood and the area is known for landslides in rainy weather, but this day, the river is well within its banks and the road is clear.
At the summit, the Wilson River Highway can be icy and snowplows clear the snow, however chains or traction devices can be required. On this trip, the temperatures were above freezing and snow could be seen in shady areas along the road or on the hills above. For us "flatlanders," the snow was a thrill!
The trip continues on down the mountain and to the verdant pastures of Tillamook County heading toward the beautiful ocean.
Winter on the coast is thrilling. One day the sun can be out and walkers can be seen along the beach looking for treasures like glass floats. The next, the weather can change and gale force winds can make walking near the ocean treacherous. But always, it is beautiful. The photo above was taken on a windy day as the ocean foamed at Rockaway Beach.
Christmas in the little coastal towns of Oregon can be quite charming. This town's wayside has a lighted Christmas tree and cheerful train display. In this photo, the storm has broken and the clouds open to reveal a hint of blue sky.
Even as the rain beats against this coastal window, the view of
the waves makes a stay at the coast a wonderful one. Paperwhites,
from bulbs forced to bloom in December, seek light in a window overlooking
the ocean. Waves crash onto the beach during this powerful storm.
Later that day the power went out, a common coastal occurrence.
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