The Oregon Coast
(From Manzanita to Astoria)

We set aside 3 days to explore the Oregon Coast - not nearly enough as it happens. And we arrived as long-time easterners with a passion for Rehoboth Beach and an expectation that we would find a west-coast version of our favorite beach town - warm, laid-back, at once fun yet relaxing. Nothing could have been further from that reality.

The Oregon Coast presents a totally different experience - and one influenced primarily by the weather. Frequently, cold or chilly, raw, grey and windy (even in the summer months), the Oregon Coast lends itself to walks along the beach (vs. sunbathing on the beach) and hikes in the nearby parks. In the town of Cannon Beach, the stores are less “kitchy”, and more upscale. There are fewer casual eateries, most with long lines. Most restaurants lack out-door eating spaces, for obvious reasons, but with covid still a consideration that made eating rather more difficult.

However let us just say - what perfectly splendid scenery! Utterly breathtaking as we drove down the coastal highway, stopping at every scenic stop -and there were many - one more beautiful than the next and frankly unlike anything we had seen before. (In truth I had been to the coast 20 years earlier, but only for an afternoon on a glorious day).

We only had the time to go as far down as Manaznita, although there is much to be explored below that point.

We spent a splendid afternoon one day when the sun graced us with its presence and the tide was out wandering around Haystack Rock, not far from our hotel. We seized the moment to head out on the beach and explore the area around Haystack Rock, a protected Marine Sanctuary, for which Cannon Beach is known.

At low tide, you can explore the tidal pools with their marine life and birds - oh my, SO many birds! There are frequently volunteers from the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) on the beach at low tide who are prepared to answer questions while keeping a vigilant eye on the sanctity of the marine and bird life - no touching please!

The coast is raw, primitive, and extraordinary. We’d like to come back with no time constraints, drive at a leisurely pace, go further south along the coastal highway and explore the beaches with access and the many federal and state parks and trails. This itinerary is definitely worthy of much more time and attention than we were able to devote. It was with regret that we packed our bags and moved on - heading to Seattle by way of Astoria.