Go Off the Beaten Path along the Oregon Coast

If you live in Oregon, chances are you have been to the Coast and have your favorite places to go and things to do when you are there. If you are planning a visit to Oregon, the coast is more than likely a part of your travel plans as one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. No matter where you begin or how many times you have been, there are always new and exciting things to experience along the Oregon Coast. We have done some of our own research and exploration to find some unique places and activities for you to check out the next time you go traveling down Highway 101.

Seaside is one of the most popular towns in all of Oregon. This quaint town has all the charm you could want in a beach town with a boardwalk, and plenty of shops too. But Seaside has a lesser known side, one which holds a gem waiting to be discovered. At the North end of Seaside is the Necanicum River which flows into the Pacific. You can reach the mouth of the river by crossing it at 12^th Street and then head north to the end of the Seaside Promenade. This area is full of rich nutrients and makes the ideal place for Sand dollars, the pinnacle beach combing treasure. Because this part of North end of Seaside toward the next town, Gearhart and you will find more whole sand dollars than just about anywhere else in the state. But be aware when you go, you may run across live specimens. These are usually a light lavender color and look like they have a laye of velvet hairs all around. Take one of these homes and the resulting smell will not be pleasant. Just look for ones that are white, these are the remnant shells of these one-time urchins, and make for wonderful coastal memories.

the Pacific is also fed by the Columbia River just to the north, Sand dollars are able to thrive, and the beach proves it. Take a stroll along the beach between the

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is known the world over, but did you know there is more than one Haystack Rock along the Oregon Coast? There is a taller Haystack Rock in Pacific City, and even a third one in Bandon. Haystack Rock in Pacific City is more than 100 feet taller than the one in Cannon Beach. It stands more than a mile offshore so you can’t get up close to it- but it is quite a sight to behold. The Pacific City Haystack Rock is also a protected wildlife refuge, like the one in Cannon Beach. While you can’t swim out to, boaters have been known to try to reach it- this is not allowed for its protected status, but a good camera can get some great photos. In Bandon Haystack Rock is part of a group of sea stacks, large monoliths that dot the shoreline in the Bandon South Jetty County Park. Looking less like a haystack and more like a hay bale, its sheer size and the surrounding natural landscape make the drive to Bandon worth it. Planning an excursion to visit all the Haystack Rocks on the Oregon Coast could make for a relaxing long weekend.

Another intriguing site along the coast resides in Oceanside, a quaint little town just south of Cape Meares. At the north end of the beach in Oceanside there is a tunnel running through the Cliffside there. The tunnel leads to Tunnel Beach and then on to an amazing treasure around the bend, aptly named Agate Beach.  But you can only access these areas at low tides, so plan your trip accordingly and review current tidal maps so you don’t get caught aware. You can hunt for agates on either beach and are sure to find some beautiful specimens.

For a hauntingly beautiful natural site to view, head to the Central coastal town of Neskowin. Here you will find the Neskowin Ghost Forest, the remains of an ancient Sitka spruce forest which is buried partially in the sand. The forest was discovered after a series of storms in 1997-1998. It is believed that the forest was originally buried 2,000 years ago from either a tsunami or earthquake. When the tide is out up to 100 of these ancient tree stumps can be seen, creating an eerily beautiful sight, a nature lover and photographer’s dream.

A rare site awaits you just north of Florence. This is where you will find the Darlingtonia State Natural Site, a small marsh area which is home to Oregon’s only bug eating plant, Darlingtonia californica, a pitcher plant commonly known as cobra lily. As the only carnivorous plant in Oregon, the natural site is dedicated to the protection of the species which is a rare plant indeed. The name Cobra Lily refers to the elongated tubular leaves which look like a rearing cobra, and a forked leaf that look like fangs.

If you want to experience a bit more action on your next Oregon Coast trip, head down to Florence, the birth place of one of the newest sports around, sandboarding. Instead of surfing along snow, you can now surf along sand, no waves required. The dunes of Florence offer some of the best Sand Master Park is the first sandboard park in the world. Just Oregon took the lead in Windsurfing and Mountain Biking, Sand Surfing is the stuff born of a love of the outdoors. The park has other activities including Dune Buggy tours, sand sledding and boogie boarding. You can also attend a Sand sculpting clinic and play in a giant sandbox.

sand to surf the day away.

Whatever you choose to do at the Oregon Coast, you will find something new and exciting to experience where ever you travel. For a small fee, we at C.P. Trips are here to work with you in planning a stress free Oregon vacation.  Check out our website, cptrips.com and our Visit the Wonders of Oregon page for more information and travel ideas to the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Email us at cptrips@aol.com, or call Cindy Passannante at 503-658-5646 or our Oregon Dream’s Specialist, Julie Hirning at 503-705-8043, today and we can explore the incredible variety of vacation ideas and options waiting for you in our wonderful state of Oregon.

Bed and Breakfast at the Oregon Coast

Photo Credit: Bill Young

A trip to the Oregon Coast is a must do vacation for the Northwest. There are over three hundred miles of public beach just waiting for you to explore. You could spend a long weekend in one area, or take a week or two and journey along the coastline, experiencing the three regions, from the North coast, to the Central and Southern, each of which offers its own flavor of fun. From local breweries, award winning cheeses and incredible wineries, the fresh seafood has plenty of options to accompany menus at restaurants all along the way. There are several lighthouses to visit each with amazing views of the Pacific. The hiking trails are endless along the coast, with viewpoints along the way. Museums, aquariums, antique and artisan shops will never leave you wanting for something to do. Outdoor activities include fishing, crabbing, clamming, boating, camping, golf and more.  But where do you stay when at the Oregon Coast? Bed & Breakfasts (B&B) make a wonderful choice for a coastal vacation. 

A Bed & Breakfast offers you the comforts of home, including breakfast at the start of your day. There is the opportunity to meet local residents, those with the inside knowledge of what makes an area worth the visit. Often, a B&B is also more cost effective compared to a hotel, resort or rental house, so if budget is a concern, this could a great option. Bed & Breakfasts also offer an intimate setting which makes for meeting new friends easy. When you meet other travelers ideas are exchanges, stories shared and sometimes friendships made. During your stay at a B&B, you become family, if only for a short while, and it can make your travel memories that much better.

Along the Northern Coast, there is the Arch Cape Inn & Retreat. This B&B is reminiscent of a French Chateau located near Cannon Beach, home of world famous Haystack Rock (One of two in the state), a natural landmark which has been drawing visitors to the coast for years. The cedar shingled house has several suites designed to meet your desire for comfort. Some rooms have their own soaking tubs, and all have spectacular views, whether of the ocean below, or lovely grounds, whichever suite you stay in, you will be wrapped in luxurious beauty and charm. There are even three pet friendly rooms which have their own private entrances so you can bring your best friend along for your coastal adventure. Arch Cape Inn also offers incredible excursions and eco tours. You can spend a day with a local marine biologist and enjoy some whale watching for example. Another boasting point for Arch Cape Inn is their own approach to going “green” in terms of their services.  They are making updates and changes to how they run the inn in order to help the environment overall. From a romantic weekend to an eco-adventure, whatever your plans are for the Cannon Beach area, Arch Cape Inn & Retreat is an incredible place to call home while on vacation at the Northern Oregon Coast.

Newport is the mainstay of the Central Oregon coast, as one of the largest cities in the region, it

boasts enough attractions that you could spend your entire coastal vacation there, taking excellent day trips all around the area. A few examples include the Oregon Coast Museum, Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Rogue Ales Brewery. One of the highlights of the Oregon coast are the incredible panoramic views to be had. So why not stay in a Bed & Breakfast with a view worth waking up to? Lightkeeper’s Inn in Newport gives you just that- each room has a panoramic view of the coastline. Yaquina Bay, including the lighthouse, Yaquina Bay Bridge, the Newport Bay Front and plenty of activity from sea lions to sailors can all be taken in from Lightkeeper’s Inn. The evenings are picturesque as you watch the sun go beneath the waves and docks and walkways become alight, a beacon in the dark. Lightkeeper’s Inn is a three story home with touches of coastal architecture. It offers 2 suites each with a gas fireplace, as well as a TV and DVD player for those Oregon Coast stormy nights (winter is an amazing season to experience at the Coast). The inn is perfect for an intimate stay with someone local, where you can relax in the comfort of home. There is a large living space, 4 viewing decks and dining room, but you are welcome to eat in your suite if you prefer. Each room is tastefully decorated in coastal themes, subtlety stated, yet charming, they make you feel at home along the coast. It is said an air of friendship awaits you at the Lightkeeper’s Inn, with the warm welcome Bill and Cheryl provide. The Lightkeeper’s Inn holds a lot of family history and connection to lighthouses. One of the owners, Cheryl comes from a line of Lighthouse Keepers, and is a fountain of local knowledge. 

For a truly Oregon experience there is a place in the Southern Oregon Coast which will not only help you understand what Oregon is all about when it comes to our approach to the environment, it will help you become a part of nature yourself. Just outside of Port Orford, Oregon, near Gold Beach and about 60 miles north of California, is a quaint B&B style property whose main focus is to support the natural beauty of the coastal forest, and their guests in luxury. Wildspring Guest Habitat is a five acre retreat nestled in the woods overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Their motto is “For Body and Soul” and they are serious about this concept.  With 5 guest cabins and an open air slate spa, tranquility is the goal that you can achieve when you stay. Wildspring is dedicated to making as little impact on the environment as possible, yet still providing a place where people can come and relax, connect with the peace of nature and the beauty of the Oregon Coast. Breakfast is included with your stay, and the grounds are filled with lush, natural vegetation and contemplative features such as a walking labyrinth and a sculpture garden. With rates starting as just about $200 a night, this is a retreat that is very affordable, yet will surround you with luxury. The owners of Wildspring Guest Habitat want to encourage others to help conserve our natural resources, and the way they bring you to nature in comfort and luxury, it is an easy thing to understand when you there. During your stay in the area you can visit any number of antique and gift shops, enjoy some golf and explore the region’s 8 rivers which flow into the Pacific. The Southern Coast is where the mountains meet the ocean in a sea of forest, and where you can step away from the ordinary and surround yourself with spectacular beauty. Wildspring Guest is just the place to rediscover yourself and connect with the spirit of the Oregon Coast.

 The next time you head for the Oregon Coast, or are planning a trip to Oregon, whether you are traveling from near or far, why not check out one of these Oregon Coast B&Bs? Be sure to check out our next blog, where we will share some unexpected aspects of the Oregon Coast. For a small fee, we at C.P. Trips are here to work with you in planning a stress free Oregon vacation.  Check out our website, cptrips.com and our Visit the Wonders of Oregon page for more information and travel ideas to the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Email us at cptrips@aol.com, or call Cindy Passannante at 503-658-5646 or our Oregon Dream’s Specialist, Julie Hirning at 503-705-8043, today and we can explore the incredible variety of vacation ideas and options waiting for you in our wonderful state of Oregon.