I finally made it to the Oregon Coast!
I've been to Oregon countless times to visit my Grandma, but always spent my time in/around Medford to maximize my time being with her since that was always my purpose in being with her. This was my first trip to Oregon since she passed away last year, so instead of going to Medford, I headed out to the Coast!
I joined up with my college roommates - After living together (randomly assigned to the same dorm as 18 year old college freshman and hitting it off) for two years from 1994-1996, we went our separate ways and this was the first time all four of us have been together since!
What a great location to reunite!
Sept 10-13, 2021
Kerry, Monique, Kelli, Ashley
First stop: Tom's Fish and Chips in Cannon Beach!
Kelli's parents own a home in Cannon Beach, where we stayed for the long weekend. It is literally right on the beach. Such a fun location and setting!
Our view from our home.
Sunset walk
Haystack Rock selfie
Haystack Rock is an iconic 235-foot basalt sea stack. There are several of these basalt sea stacks that jut out of the water, but this is the largest.
Roommates for two years..... friends for life!
Dinner in "downtown" Cannon Beach
Waking up early Saturday morning to enjoy a quiet walk on the beach.
There is beauty all around.....
Then we hit the road and headed South. Here we are at Neahkahnie Mountain on Highway 101.
And then lunch at Tillamook's dairy!
Seeing how cheese is made....
Time for ice cream!
Yes please!
Then we went to check out Seaside, which marks the end of the Lewis and Clark trail!
I recently read Stephan Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage", so this was so meaningful and cool to see after having that newfound appreciation of these explorers.
Sunday morning: Indian Beach
And enjoying the view of Indian Beach while eating fresh scones from the bakery!
Where the Goonies was filmed!
We hiked up 1.25 miles in order to see this view of Tilamook Lighthouse.
The lighthouse is out on that rock. So cool!
Then back to Cannon Beach with our homemade wind screen to soak in the beauty and enjoy the day.
That evening, we drove to Astoria to check out the famed Astoria Column.
For a $5 entrance fee/car, you can park, walk all around, walk to the top of this column and enjoy the 360 degree views.
Astoria is famous in part for being where the Columbia River flows into the Pacific.
At the top of Astoria Column.
The "ceiling" of Astoria Column.
Having dinner down by the Columbia River and enjoying the Column from a different viewpoint.
Verdict: YES! I absolutely loved everything about this place. The coastline is rugged and beautiful and there is so much to see and do. Walks along the beaches, hikes along the shore, State Parks (we explored Ecola, but there are others), lighthouses, boutique stores, quirky restaurants, charming accommodations. Cost: Well, this depends on what you do, where you go and where you stay. But whatever, your budget is, make sure to explore this beautiful area at least once in your life!
