Oregon Coast Travel Picks for Week of Halloween

Seriously surreal in Seaside

(Oregon Coast) – What a potpourri of odd and freaky things to partake in on Oregon’s coast this week: from major Halloween celebrations in the various coastal towns, bars that become especially weird, events that discuss the paranormal, and more. Plus, BeachConnection.net has provided you with a couple of intriguing – indeed, Halloween-esque – beach spots to check out for yourself.

Talk on Oregon Coast Paranormal Stories, Seaside and Newport. It’s called “Oregon Coast Ghosts and the Paranormal,” an interactive talk about coastal legends and weird tales held on two different ends of the coast, and given by BeachConnection.net editor Andre’ Hagestedt.

Hagestedt

The presentation will include spooky stories about lighthouses, the legends that are simply laughable, and a host of tales that defy category, covering ghosts, poltergeists, UFO’s, spiritual spots, conspiracy theories, sea monsters and myths that were debunked, as well as unusual historical tidbits and weird science that relate to the subject.

Hagestedt will give two talks at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport on October 28, and then one talk at Beach Books in Seaside on October 30. The Newport talk will be especially eerie, as the shark tank is nearby, and the eyes of the sharks become especially bizarre when hit by the nighttime lighting at the aquarium. http://www.beachconnection.net/news/gtalk1006_04111.htm

Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside, Florence. Venture someplace a little scary on the Oregon coast this weekend, with this bit of weird science that will remind you of the movie “Little Shop of Horrors” and that giant plant’s cries of “FEED ME SEYMOUR!!”

The Darlingtonia Wayside features insect-chomping plants that mostly live between there and northern California. These rarities sit around, just waiting to catch bugs with their sticky parts, then slowly digest them. Insects get lured by the colors and smells that attract them, and they soon find themselves confused by clear areas that look like exits, only to get sucked into sticky parts that eventually cause their demise.

Picnic tables abound here, and this rainforest-like park features a wooden walkway which keeps you elevated and away from the protein-hungry plants.

The wayside is free, and you’ll find it just off 101, near Mercer Rd., Florence, Oregon.

Seaside Filled with the Little Undead and Pet Parade. October 28 - 31. It’s the annual Halloween Happenin’s – and it’s going to be a real howl this year. The fun ranges from trick-or-treating, train rides, pumpkin carving, a magic show, a haunted carousel ride to talks on paranormal coastal legends and even a costumed pet parade. The new Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Parade starts at 1 p.m. on Oct. 28. Click here for more.

Unusual driftwood in L City

Lincoln City Vacation Homes. There’s nothing creepy here – but there are few pleasures like grabbing your own place on the coast for a couple of days, or maybe even more. In Lincoln City, Lincoln City Vacation Homes has something for everyone among their wide range of homes: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All the homes are either oceanfront or just a few steps away from the sand, and they all have a low bank access and fantastic views.

Most of these gems are in the Nelscott area, while one is close to the casino.

You’ll find a variety of goodies, depending on the home: 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 are allowed in some homes – ask ahead. Each comes with complete kitchens so you’ll have a home away from home. Most have the seventh night free. Prices range from winter, $85 per night, to summer, $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778

Beth Willis

Halloween Weekend at Roadhouse 101, Lincoln City. Saturday, Oct. 28. It’s the big bash of the season in Lincoln County, with Roadhouse doing some spooky stuff, including the sounds of local favorites The Salmon River Band. Then, on Sunday, look for the “acoustic goddess of fun”: Beth Willis, whose gutsy, alternative blues makes her Lincoln City’s heartthrob from Portland. Both shows are free. 4649 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. (541) 994-7729.

Hooker’s Ball, Pacific City. Saturday, Oct. 28. Sure, the name actually has to do with fishing…but who cares? Indeed, this is one of the mothers of all celebrations on the Oregon coast, with the wacky Sportman’s Tavern getting so packed they actually have to expand the premises every year with a huge tent. Often, live music is at the center of things – well, aside from the insane costumes and outlandish frivolity. Cover charge – over 21. Sportsman’s Tavern. 34975 Brooten Rd., Pacific City. (503) 965-9991.

Hooker’s Ball/Halloween Dance, Nehalem. The Nehalem Fire Hall is the king – or queen – of kooky coastal celebrations for the over 21 set, depending on whether you consider the Pacific City bash the king or queen. This is one coastal rager you don’t want to miss, as it’s always the talk of the town the next day – or next few months, depending on how much you had to drink and what you did in public. Nehalem.

Short Beach, near Oceanside. If you’re looking for a true hidden spot, you’ve found it. Lurking on the side of Meares Loop Rd. near Radar Rd., just a tiny bit north of MP 4, sits this stunning clandestine place.

Short Beach (which once boasted an actual radar station) is chock full of scenic yumminess, starting with the large, bulbous rock structure plopped at the tide line, sporting a small patch of trees on top. You can't climb the structure, except perhaps at its base at low tide, but it is a beauty.

On one end of the cove, the weird rock structures near Oceanside poke out from behind the cliff. At the other end sits the Cape Meares lighthouse and another small sea stack. A massive waterfall spills gently into the ocean - just out of reach of the beach, and there's also a rocky cove within this cove.

Access to the beach is an interesting testament to local ingenuity. It’s called the “stairway of 1000 steps” and it hasn’t been misnamed. But it’s much better than the nasty, slippery incline which once caused much injury. Next to the path sits a large concrete and steel structure jutting out over the beach - a trippy and intriguing monstrosity which allows you to walk out above the beach a little ways and take in the view. This is part of a water run-off system, and after especially hard rains it dumps water onto the beach with the roaring intensity of a large waterfall.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

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Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

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