United States Destinations

Spectacular scenery is highlight of Oregon coast trip

By Caroline and Steve Lake

Photo courtesy of Harry Ransom

For a spectacular trip, take Highway 101 south along the Oregons Pacific coast from Astoria. This is one of the United States' most dramatic stretches of coastline. Long stretches of sandy beach, rocky headlands and forests that end at the ocean’s edge form make it a camera buff’s dream.

Astoria, Oregon is the oldest town west of the Mississippi. The community’s historic Victorian homes have been lovingly restored and preserved. The Flavel House Museum, open to the public, is an elegant example of a Queen Anne Victorian, with the furnishings and clothing of the era displayed.

The Astoria Column, 125 feet tall, offers incredible views. A climb up 164 steps leads to an observation platform with views of the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean and nearby mountains. Fourteen murals etched in the concrete walls of the Column depict 200 years of coastal history.

The blue and white marker signs along Highway 101 start at marker 0.0 at the southern end of Astoria’s Megler Bridge and continue down the coast.

Seaside offers a sandy beach and the Seaside Aquarium provides glimpses of sea life on the Oregon coast. The most popular attraction is a chance for visitors to feed the playful seals.

Cannon Beach, a haven for artists, boasts the most photographed area on the coast. An expansive stretch of sandy beach looks out to a 235-foot high monolith known as Haystack Rock. A walk along this beautiful beach is a must. The drama of the coastline, ever changing from bright sun to clouds and mist is spectacular with the famous backdrop of Haystack Rock.

The village of Cannon Beach is the coastal jewel. The small town has fine art galleries, restaurants and boutiques.

For a perfect romantic getaway, the Stephanie Inn at Cannon Beach is the place to stay. Named the third best hotel in the nation by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in 2007, the Stephanie Inn lives up to every expectation.

The hotel’s rooms and suites are furnished with every comfort in mind. Fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs, stunning views and the sound of waves splashing onto the shore provide an ambience hard to come by in our bustling world. The friendly staff spares no detail for their guests’ comfort and enjoyment.

It is suggested that when making room reservations also make dinner reservations for the Stephanie Inn’s dining room, which offers scrumptious northwest cuisine and impeccable service. The fixed-price four-course menu is renowned. Included are a complimentary full breakfast buffet, afternoon wine and after-dinner drinks in the Library.

Ecola State Park extends from Cannon Beach to Indian Beach. The area of the 1,300-acre park was first explored by Lewis and Clark. A real treasure, the park includes more than 12 kilometres of hiking trails. Two trail heads lead to the beach. On the trails’ winding paths there are gorgeous vistas of Haystack Rock. The beach offers tide pools to explore and a herd of elk inhabit the grassy slopes. Bring a camera and binoculars.

Thirteen miles south of Cannon Beach, the tiny village of Manzanita offers some very unique shops. Fair Trade, which carries only fair trade items from around the world, and Salt and Paper, a book and gift store, are two interesting shops to explore. There is a cafe, inn and nine-hole golf course within Manzanita’s one square mile.

Off of Highway 101, about six miles south of Tillamook, a small sign points the way to Munson Creek Falls. An easy hike of less than half a kilometre leads to the tallest waterfall on the coast range, a magnificent sight.

The town of Newport, about halfway down the coast, is famous for its oyster beds and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Children and those interested in marine life will find the aquarium especially fascinating. Passage of the Deep features a section of open ocean waters where undersea life can be viewed.

The small coastal village of Yachats boasts some of the most dramatic ocean views. Waves crash on an outcropping of rocks to an incredible height. Rugged tide pools and a coarse sandy beach set the scene. This is a perfect spot for whale watching.

The Adobe Resort features beautiful ocean views. Some of the large rooms offer jacuzzi tubs that overlook the crashing Pacific waves. Some of the most amazing views are from the dining room's massive windows. The Yachats area is known for having agate beds and of course incomparable ocean vistas.

Sea Lion Caves, just south of Yachats, offers a rare glimpse of nature. In the caves, the height of a 12-storey building, sea lions can be seen in their natural habitat.

An elevator takes visitors down 208 feet into the world's largest sea cave. The sea lions, which can weigh up to a ton, sun themselves on the rock ledge and frolic in the sea. Grey whales often swim close to shore in this area on their way both north or south, depending on the season.

The Oregon coast offers so much to visitors. The beautiful sandy beaches, tide pools to explore, forest trails that end at the ocean’s edge and tiny villages each with their own personalities. Travel the Oregon coast and see one of the United States' most dramatic coastlines.

Information

Flavel House Museum
503-325-2203
www.cumtux.org

Seaside Visitors Bureau
888-306-2326
503-738-3097
www.seasideor.com

Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
503-436-2623
www.cannonbeach.org

Stephanie Inn
800-633-3466
503-436-2221
www.stephanie-inn.com

Oregon Coast Aquarium
541-867-3474
www.aquarium.org

The Adobe Resort
800-522-3623
541-547-3141
www.adoberesort.com

Sea Lion Caves
541-547-3111
www.sealioncaves.com