Traveling the Oregon Coast

Come closer. I need to share something. The Oregon Coast may be this country's best-kept secret for a summer trip. I know, Oregon is so renowned for rain its best football team is the “Ducks.” It is nearly rain free during the summer months. June-September is a magical time to see a magical place. In fact, the real rainfall doesn't even begin until after Halloween.

“Oregon has 400+ miles of coastline,” you say. “Where should I go? What should I see? Where should I stay?"

Relax, and allow someone who has been in every corner of the Oregon Coast help out. We will enjoy it together. Here is what you need to know.

1. Oregon's Coast Really Begins in California:

Crescent City, CA. to be truly precise. From attitude to aesthetics Crescent City should be an Oregon town. We start our journey with lunch at The Chart Room. The view is magnificent, just the first such vista we will have on our trip. After lunch, we hop on Hwy. 101 northbound. In about 20 minutes we are in Oregon proper.

Crescent City

2. Gold Beach:

Our first clear and extended look at the gorgeous beach will be when we arrive in Gold Beach. Unlike higher-populated ones, the actual beach at Gold Beach is uncrowded most of the year. Put on a sweater later in the day and watch the sunset. Gold Beach was named for a gold strike at the river's mouth, but we want to believe it was for something else. When the sun strikes the sand in the late afternoon it leaves a golden hue. There isn't time on this trip but we should make plans to come back again. Jerry's Jet Boats offers fascinating runs up the Rogue River.

Sunset on the Bridge Connecting Gold Beach to Wedderburn

3. Bandon:

We will have enjoyed a view of the ocean on Hwy. 101, at least off and on, for almost 100 miles when we arrive in Bandon-By-The-Sea. That is the official name of this coastal gem. Here is where we will discover some breathtaking views off the 101. We will follow signs leading us to "Bandon Bch. Loop Dr." We'll stretch our legs at Coquille Rock, breathing the moist clean air. Before we leave Bandon, we'll stop for some local candy. Forged from cranberry bogs nearby, Bandon’s cranberry candy is one unique treat.

Old Town Bandon

4. Coos Bay:

The Old Mill Hotel and Casino, to be exact. That's where we will spend Night One. These aren't sterile and drab motel room! Hotel rooms are decorated to recognize and celebrate Western Oregon's Native American tribes. The Mill isn't just a convenient stop. Who knows? We might hit a jackpot or get “BINGO” in the casino.

5. Florence:

This is the geographic center of Oregon as measured on the coast. Florence is charmed by the lush rain forest that surrounds it. While here, we will visit sand dunes that stretch for miles. How far do they spread? South through Reedsport and almost to Coos Bay, a distance of about 60 miles. In Florence itself, we will walk through picturesque Old Town, seeing fishing boats with billowing sails aloft.

Sunset at Florence

6. Tillamook:

Because of its position about eight miles inland, Tillamook offers slightly warmer weather than we've experienced thus far. Actually, it is kind of interesting how just a few miles can have an impact on the weather. During our Tillamook stop, we'll sample local ice cream and cheese before stopping at the Tillamook Air Museum. Over 30 perfectly restored vintage airplanes are here. These include the P-38 Lightning, the 1938 Bellanca Aero Cruiser, and the P-51 Mustang.

7. Cannon Beach:

Our unscientific poll revealed something interesting about Cannon Beach. Four in five visitors surveyed would retire here. It's picturesque downtown, art galleries, museums, and restaurants make it so. Just outside of town is Haystack Rock, one of the most photographed places on the West coast. In spite of its tourist trappings, Cannon Beach remains a quiet little town. Contrast Cannon Beach with what is next.

Haystack Rock, Just Off Cannon Beach

8. Seaside:

This is a place that hops! Catering to tourist traffic from Portland to Seattle, Downtown Seaside is reminiscent of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Bumper cars, carnival rides, clothing and curio shops keep Broadway active every day all summer, and 52 weekends a year. Do you like the quiet solitude of Cannon Beach? I’ll wager your dollar to a paycheck that the kids will like Seaside best of all the Oregon Coast towns. It has more hotel rooms (make reservations early for a summer stay) than you could imagine in a town this size. We'll stay the night where we can hear the surf. The Best Western Ocean View Resort looks good.

Seaside's Turnaround

9. Astoria:

Did you know Oregon has a place that could be named Little Hollywood? More than a few moviemakers have staked out a location near the harbor backdrop. The Columbia River Bridge connecting Oregon to Washington seems to disappear into the sky. What movies were shot near Astoria? Short Circuit and Goonies filmed in Astoria. Debra Winger met Richard Gere as both Officer and Gentleman here. We will walk the streets of Astoria, celebrating its maritime tradition.

How about a funky and fun lunch idea before we say goodbye? Both Seaside and Astoria feature a “Pig and Pancake.” They will feed us endless cups of coffee while we decide between pancake creations. P ‘N P is an Oregon Coast tradition. Our full tummies bear witness to the validity of the tradition.

Leave Astoria and pop onto Hwy. 30 (or leave Seaside and drive Hwy. 26) to Portland. That's where we find the interstate that will have us in California five short hours later. Hardly the most enjoyable five hours we’ve spent. The Oregon Coast owns that distinction. Does it own you, as well? We thought it would.