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Spring and Spring Break in Cannon Beach, Oregon

 

 

Secrets of the Season

Spring and Spring Break in Cannon Beach, Oregon

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) - It's time to get your spring on.

Cannon Beach, the rustic yet classy little town on the north Oregon coast, has a special twinkle in its eye for the spring season. Check out these events for the coming season in Cannon Beach....

Feed the seals! One of the oldest aquariums in the U.S. is here in Seaside, Oregon, right on the Promenade

March 22 to March 29: Spring Whale Watch Week. Watch the great beasts make their way past the Oregon coast during their peak migration time. Trained volunteers at 28 "Whale Watching Spoken Here" sites help visitors spot gray whales. The volunteers are on duty 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to help visitors see the marine animals and offer information about their migration. On the north Oregon coast, you’ll find them at Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Ilwaco, Washington; Ecola State Park (Cannon Beach). 541-765-3407. www.whalespoken.org.

March 26. Spring Break Olympics. All sorts of fun, games and activities are planned, including pizza. 5 to 11 years old. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Adult must accompany child. 503-436-2623. Cannon Beach Chamber, downtown Cannon Beach.

March 29. Great Oregon Spring Beach Cleanup. Volunteers meet in every city on the coast to help clean up its entire 362 miles of beaches. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Contact SOLV to volunteer. 1-800-333-solv. www.solv.org

March 29. String of Pearls. Jazz concert. A stroll through American popular music, from the ‘30s to the ‘50s. 7:30-9:30 p.m., as part of the Acoustic Folk! Music Series. Tickets can be purchased at the door: $5 for adults, $2 for kids (suggested donation). Cannon Beach History Center. Corner of Spruce and Sunset in Cannon Beach. (503) 436-9301.

April 26. Kinzel & Hyde, a blues duo highlighted by harmonica. Cannon Beach History Center. Corner of Spruce and Sunset in Cannon Beach. (503) 436-9301.

May 31 – June 1. Cannon Beach Film Fest. Spotlighting movies that featured Cannon Beach as locations, such as the classic “Goonies” and “Point Break.” Four films on Saturday and three films on Sunday. Traditional movie snacks and a raffle drawing. Coaster Theatre. Hemlock, in downtown Cannon Beach. 503.436.1242.

For more events, see www.cannonbeach.org.

Haystack Rock "Goonies Rock," from the end of the cult film (courtesy Seaside Helicopters)
Ecola State Park

A Cannon Beach Travel Guide in Words and Pictures

Downtown Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach sits up against this rather spectacular stretch of beach, with an upscale vibe that evokes Carmel, partially because of the proliferation of cedar-shingled siding. It’s a long, thin town, meandering a few miles, with Hemlock as the main drag. This street, from north to south, carries a huge array of art galleries and specialty shops, and a cavalcade of can’t-miss restaurants. Loads of individualistic, classy and pretty lodgings and eateries populate this cozy hamlet with their refreshing takes on their particular industries.

Most of the time, the beach is one long stretch of sandy repose, accentuated by the monolith called Haystack Rock, which often serves as an icon for Oregon beaches in the national press. It’s the third largest such basalt structure in the world. Like in Seaside, sticking to the extreme northern and southern beaches will keep you away from the masses and let you bound around the beach with a little more privacy.

Fiery sunset from Downtown Cannon Beach

Ecola State Park is another highlight, with its variety of rock cliffs overlooking dramatic vistas, and a great view of the mysterious Tillamook Head Lighthouse about a mile offshore. This ancient sentinel was built on a precarious perch out to sea back in the 1800’s, and many lives were lost doing so. In fact, workers housed in Seaside at the time, waiting to begin their shifts there, were sequestered from the general public so they couldn’t hear how many others were actually getting killed on the construction project. It was decommissioned in the 50’s and is now a wildlife refuge. It also houses the ashes of the deceased who have paid ahead to make such final arrangements.

Ecola contains the amazing crescent-shaped beach of Indian Beach, with its mix of rocky slabs and sandy tracts. It also draws many surfers.

Condo-hotel that offers the amenities of a fine hotel, but also includes ownership of a vacation home on the north Oregon coast. It is a unique opportunity, as condo owners have an opportunity to share in the revenues of their unit. All have either spectacular, nearly aerial views of the ocean and city, or they gaze out at the lush forests of the coast range mountains. There are private balconies in all rooms, which come as studios or units with one bedroom or two - as large as 850 square feet. Each is fully furnished. $189,000 to $449,000, (with most in the $300,000 range.) When owners are not using their units, they may be rented out as hotel rooms, and owners may share in those revenues. Somewhere between Ecola and the northern end of Cannon Beach is a magnificent hidden cove called Crescent Beach (which can be seen from the cliffs looking south, towards the town). It’s only accessible via a mile and a half hike that begins along the road going into the state park.

oregon coast lighthouses on dvdFrom Cannon Beach to the Arch Cape Tunnel and Oswald State Park, you’ll find bunches of beaches slightly cloistered from the throngs, especially on either side of the tunnel. 101 becomes a winding, slithery drive, along high cliffs with breathtaking views. You’ll discover Hug Point here, with its assortment of eye-popping pleasures: a waterfall, freaky sea caves and that wondrous remnant of a road blasted out of the rock back in the beginning of the century. You can find the last hints of an ancient traffic light and electrical system embedded in this rock, still frozen there in time.

At the northern edges of Cannon Beach, looming above it all is Tillamook Head, where a stunning hiking trail takes you six miles over the headland, past amazing viewpoints and over to Seaside. There’s a primitive campsite lurking along this route, a major historical site marking the Corps of Discovery’s stop along here, and the spooky ruins of a small army outpost sit cloistered in the forest somewhere.

For more information on Cannon Beach, see www.cannonbeach.org.

Haystack Rock during last winter's spectacular freeze (photo courtesy Seaside Aquarium)
Mysterious southern end of Cannon Beach, where it's said the famed "singing sands" happen
Arch Cape, just a few miles south of town

For more details and photos of the Cannon Beach area, see the Cannon Beach Virtual Tour

Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com.

The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com


Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Comfy robes, slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com


D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.


Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). www.archcaperentals.com 866-436-1607.


STARFISH POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks. Friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com


Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778.


Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com


Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com


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OR TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR

ASTORIA
Where the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history


SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches

CANNON BEACH
A mysterious lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca


NEHALEM BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway


TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town


THREE CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City


LINCOLN CITY & THE CORRIDOR OF MYSTERY
Miles & miles of unbroken beaches, Cascade Head, Neskowin and many manmade attractions
DEPOE BAY
A spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whales
NEWPORT
Time-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses

WALDPORT / SEAL ROCK
Pristine, even secretive sands and wild geologic landmarks

YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged & upscale

UPPER LANE COUNTY
25 miles of deserted beaches & oodles of wonders

FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes

For over 80 years a favorite of Seaside visitors. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bed family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. Oceanview cottages sleep anywhere from two to eight, w/ two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens. Heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds w/ picnic tables - all at quiet southern end of Seaside.

Oregon Coast event or adventure you can't miss

Newly renovated, 30 upscale rooms, on north end of Lincoln City, close to everything. Spa-like feeling, w/ luxury linens & robes, pillow top mattresses, flat screen TV's, granite counters and more all add to pampering. Oceanfront and ocean view units w/ gas fireplace. Hot Tub units. Romance packages. Luxury Room for every budget: meeting and wedding spaces too.

17 lavish, beachfront suites feature Jacuzzi or outdoor hot tub, gas fireplace, luxury robes & linens, TV, two-headed showers. Three large suites have kitchens. Private deck w/ BBQ available. No smoking or pets. Perfect for romantic getaway, honeymoon.