Posted by William Brozy on April 21, 2008 at 2:15 PM
I am considering a long weekend away from work and all the other things that make my hair turn gray. Since I haven't been to the Oregon Coast, or seen the ocean in two+ years, I am reaching out to you. My timeframe is indeed too short (two days/nights, maybe three at the most) and I want to spend that time semi-leisurely but wisely. I am looking for one or possibly two must sees. It doesn't matter North Coast or South Coast, but preferrably, I rather stay in one locale - and maybe hit one or two places without having to drive mega-distances. I would consider car camping - but since it will be me and good ole Spark (a very creaky, old lab) and no one else to share a campfire; I may opt for comfort and dog friendly lodging.
I haven't been to ESS for some time and some of you may be posting some great stuff from the OR coast. I'll take a look tonight. In the meantime, any locale suggestions will be/are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Posted by Ned Fenimore on April 21, 2008 at 6:48 PM
My best luck has been from Florence - South - shooting the lighthouses and the great beaches at Bandon. That would be my recommend... Bandon is also a great place to stay - been going there since I was 4 or 5..
Sorry to be flipping the other side of the coin here Will but your limited time might be better spent driving the mere 80 miles to the coast via Hy.26 to visit Canon Beach-Seaside-Astoria. I've yet to pet an old dog on these flat walk-on beaches that growled about the scenery not measuring up to their expectations. think about it?
Posted by Greg Vaughn on April 22, 2008 at 8:46 AM
Bandon is my favorite place on the coast, but I agree with Larry that with limited time you're better off heading for Cannon Beach. The view south from Ecola Point, Indian Beach in Ecola State Park, Haystack Rock from Cannon Beach. Unfortunately, there's no campground really close to Cannon Beach.
Posted by John Lehmkuhl on April 22, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Greg, you are not correct. There is the awesome Oswald West campground (http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_195.php) which has 30 sites and only 14.00 a night. It's first come, first served and can be a little noisy because there is a little bay that is a popular surfing spot walking distance from the campground.
I would also vote for spending time in the North part of the state if you have such a short time - otherwise you're losing about 1/2 of it for driving..... head out to Tillimook and visit Oceanside Beach and the lighthouse out there in the 3 capes area, then head North and visit Arcadia Beach, Cannon Beach (and also Crecent Beach at the very North part of Cannon beach) and Ecola State park. You won't have enough time to do these places justice, but at least most of your time will be at the ocean.
Have fun no matter where you go....
Posted by C.A. Fields on April 22, 2008 at 2:58 PM
I'd like to suggest Cape Kiwanda at Pacific City where there are many photo opportunities that will keep you busy for days.
Watch for Dory boats launching directly into the surf and then as they come back in to shore as they drive right up onto the sand. Hike out to the end of the cape for great shots of the Haystack Rock and the sandstone rock formations. On the north side of the end of the cape you can look across to the north and see caves in the sandstone, and often the surf is very dramatic splashing against the cliffs. Hike over the cape to the beach on the north side for great shots of the giant dune, the sandstone arch and rocks at low tide. Hang gliders are often found on the north side of the giant dune on the weekends and many times during the week. Whales can often be seen from both sides of the cape.
There are several motels in Pacific City or you can drive north along the 3 Capes Scenic Route to the Cape Meares Lighthouse and along the way you'll pass Whalen county campground and Cape Lookout State Park. There's also a small city campground just outside of Pacific City next to the river.
I've seen many great shots of Cape Kiwanda posted on this forum (I'm a lurker), and I have quite a few shots of most of the locations on my website at http://cafields.com (click on NW Coast, then Cape Kiwanda).
Posted by William Brozy on April 22, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Thanks so much for all the replies and suggestions. I distill all the info and hopefully i'll even get an image or two to document the trip.
If you haven't left yet, Shore Acres is the place to go if the weather is rough. Go to Sam Boardman if the weather is fair.
Posted by Greg Vaughn on April 29, 2008 at 5:59 PM
" Greg, you are not correct. There is the awesome Oswald West campground..."
John, Oswald West is certainly beautiful and not too far from Cannon Beach, but Will said car camping and I assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that he wanted the typical state park or forest service drive-in campsite, while, as far as I know, you park on the highway and walk a bit to the campsites at OW.
Discussion
9 repliesI haven't been to ESS for some time and some of you may be posting some great stuff from the OR coast. I'll take a look tonight. In the meantime, any locale suggestions will be/are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I would also vote for spending time in the North part of the state if you have such a short time - otherwise you're losing about 1/2 of it for driving..... head out to Tillimook and visit Oceanside Beach and the lighthouse out there in the 3 capes area, then head North and visit Arcadia Beach, Cannon Beach (and also Crecent Beach at the very North part of Cannon beach) and Ecola State park. You won't have enough time to do these places justice, but at least most of your time will be at the ocean.
Have fun no matter where you go....
Watch for Dory boats launching directly into the surf and then as they come back in to shore as they drive right up onto the sand. Hike out to the end of the cape for great shots of the Haystack Rock and the sandstone rock formations. On the north side of the end of the cape you can look across to the north and see caves in the sandstone, and often the surf is very dramatic splashing against the cliffs. Hike over the cape to the beach on the north side for great shots of the giant dune, the sandstone arch and rocks at low tide. Hang gliders are often found on the north side of the giant dune on the weekends and many times during the week. Whales can often be seen from both sides of the cape.
There are several motels in Pacific City or you can drive north along the 3 Capes Scenic Route to the Cape Meares Lighthouse and along the way you'll pass Whalen county campground and Cape Lookout State Park. There's also a small city campground just outside of Pacific City next to the river.
I've seen many great shots of Cape Kiwanda posted on this forum (I'm a lurker), and I have quite a few shots of most of the locations on my website at http://cafields.com (click on NW Coast, then Cape Kiwanda).
John, Oswald West is certainly beautiful and not too far from Cannon Beach, but Will said car camping and I assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that he wanted the typical state park or forest service drive-in campsite, while, as far as I know, you park on the highway and walk a bit to the campsites at OW.