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Tips for a Successful Oregon Coast Winter Jaunt |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.
12/31/06
Secrets of the Season |
Tips for a Successful Oregon Coast Winter Jaunt
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| Seaside during an unusual bit of mixed weather |
(Oregon Coast) - It really doesn't matter what the weather does on the coast. You'll always find something engaging to do, somewhere to explore or memories to make. Storms, rain, wind or sunshine - there is some aspect to every spot on the coast that works in your favor when it comes to fun. The weather changes often, and it's not uncommon to encounter all kinds of weather in one day.
Weather statistics show you'll likely find a general increase in really nice weather throughout January and February, with February actually drying up quite a bit to something like almost two weeks worth of beautiful, if not balmy, sunny conditions. The weather in winter is full of surprises: full of more calm, beautiful moments where beachcombing is prime than you’re aware of.
Whatever the weather is doing, some spots just scream malleability and diverse possibilities. This where the coast gets interesting.
Seaside
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| That rarest of freaky sights: snow in Seaside |
Towns with huge, sprawling beaches nestled up against them are especially handy in the winter season. If the weather should turn on you, you can make a quick run for all the amenities nearby.
Seaside is one of the more perfect burghs for this, with tons of its best features all crammed close to the pristine beach. The vast majority of the town's eateries and shops lay on Broadway, which extends east from the Turnaround and the Promenade, which both stand between the sands and the town. Even from there it's a reasonably short walk to the end of Broadway and to a strip mall full of other shops.
This beach goes on for a few miles, broken only by a minor river, and then going for more and more miles to the north, through Gearhart and Warrenton - until it reaches the mouth of the Columbia River. At the beach's southern and more deserted end, you'll find the soft sand turning more to cobblestones just before it dead-ends at "the cove" area and Tillamook Head.
Oceanside
Stand
in awe at the waters of one of the more magical beaches on all of Oregon's
coast - in front of a tiny town that's like one big hidden secret, laying
just west of Tillamook.
There's but a handful of businesses here: an espresso shop, two restaurants, and a smattering of motels and rentals. Most of the buildings are nestled up on the steep hill overlooking the ocean, looking a bit like Astoria or a primitive San Francisco.
This
pristine beach features miles of sand to the south, until you hit one
end of Netarts Bay. Capping the northern end of town is the imposing Maxwell
Point - and the Three Arch Rocks just offshore. But that's not the end
of Oceanside. Indeed, there's a tunnel built here in the early part of
the century which still survives, letting you visit the other side. This
secretive strand contains a myriad of surprises, like coves, caves and
giant rocky slabs and small sea stacks in odd shapes. It all looks somewhat
like something out of the old "Star Trek" series.
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| Strawberry Hill, north of Florence |
North of Florence
The beaches between Florence and Yachats offer a variety of opportunities and environments. Some beaches are a mix of rocky structures, boulders, tide pools and sandy stretches, often rather small and compact as they're separated by one landmass or another. Some spots are mostly rocky slabs where the tide slams into the basalt with dramatic intensity. Other places are the soft, fluffy sands indicative of Florence. Then there are the wild and spectacular cliffs that soar above the waves and provide glimpses of chillingly powerful breakers putting on a show.
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach If expansive ocean views, close proximity to golfing, fishing tours and quick access to seven miles of pristine beaches is your thing, then this quintessential beauty in Rockaway Beach is your ticket to vacation fun for families, couples or large groups. Some rooms are pet friendly. All rooms at the Tradewinds Motel are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones with data ports. The oceanfronts all have a queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and a private deck. Some oceanfront units come with all those amenities but the kitchens. Both types sleep up to four people. The non-oceanfront rooms are appointed with a queen bed, small fridge, and coffee maker – sizable for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. There is an elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite that has two bedrooms, coming with a kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For those wanting bigger accommodations for family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
It's an area that houses a nearly endless supply of tide pools (if the tide isn't too high), the Heceta Head Lighthouse, a few spouting horns, a variety of weird sea caves, more starfish than people, the crazed wave action of the Devil's Churn and the monumental Cape Perpetua towering over it. All of these spots are a quick walk to the parking lot.
If you're hitting these places in stormy weather, the parking lots provide a nice vantage point to watch the oceanic insanity. The winding, twisting roads in this region also make for a beautiful scenic ride, perfect for those who want to check out these beaches at a manic pace in the warmth of their car.
Secrets
Around Arch Cape
Between Cannon Beach and the Nehalem Bay area, you'll find the Arch Cape Tunnel and tiny, unincorporated community of Arch Cape. It seems like all these beaches here are hidden ones, with hardly any souls wandering most of them.
Just south of the tunnel, you'll find the very clandestine Falcon Cove, nicknamed "Magic Rocks Beach" by some locals because this landscape of mostly ocean-polished cobblestones makes a funny, rattling noise as the tide disturbs them. This area is only acceptable to wander during calmer conditions and highly dangerous during storms. However, the cliff above it makes a good, safe vantage point to watch the show.
Arch Cape itself is an oft-deserted wonder, with a pair of sea stacks hugging a slightly hidden cove, only accessible at low tides.
A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
Further
north, you'll find the varied treasures of Hug Point, with its sea caves,
waterfall, the remnants of a road going around the headland and the evidence
of an ancient traffic light still embedded in the cliff face. Most of
this, however, is only accessible at moderate to lower tides.
Just north of there, Aracadia Beach provides a great vantage point to watch storms hit this beach and its rocky structures. Or at lower tides, venture around the point to see tide pools, a huge sea cave, and glimpse the vast stretch of sand between you and Cannon Beach's rocky landmarks in the distance.
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| Cave at Bob Creek Wayside, north of Florence |
Rain Soaked Adventures
Don't be a scaredy-cat and shy from the wintry beaches. It's actually more fun than you may imagine to just wander the outdoors during one of those notorious squalls. You'll have to dress appropriately, of course, but you'll have the beach to yourself and see wonders you won't normally see. Besides, few things are more romantic than finding a bit of temporary shelter from the storm with your relevant other and having to cuddle for warmth and comfort.
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| Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport |
Indoor Attractions
Winter is a perfect
time to check out the myriad of manmade wonders that feature nature. Indulge
in the Seaside Aquarium, Oregon
Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center - the latter two
are in Newport. Also in Newport, you'll find the Undersea Gardens, Wax
Museum and the Ripley's Believe It Or Not. In Tillamook, get cheesy at
the Tillamook Cheese Factory or check out the large variety of vintage
aircraft at the Tillamook Air Museum. Fort Clatsop, near Astoria, is the
closest you'll come to seeing Lewis & Clark firsthand. Down near Florence,
you'll find the Sea Lion Caves and its various wonders. In many cities,
like Astoria, Seaside, Tillamook, Newport and Florence, there are often
more than one historical museum where you can get lost in time.
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES THE
TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has
been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury
here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find
suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes,
one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining
rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere
from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces
and kitchens. |
BREATHTAKING
CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT STARFISH
POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport
- and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish
Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach. |
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 our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river
and Broadway St. |
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Getting a free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the beginning. Every room is beachfront, and it's all right up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach, next to the D River. Each room, comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some have gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players with movies available for renting (and movie rentals come with free popcorn). There's a heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep anywhere from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates are available, and they offer special occasion packages as well. To make a reservation and see a virtual tour of the rooms, visit our website at www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Lincoln City Vacation Homes There’s something for everyone among this selection of wondrous 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 – 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, 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 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
SPECIAL
SECTIONS |
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| oregon coast weather | |||||||||||||
| oregon coast mileage chart & map | |||||||||||||
| day trips, suggested itineraries | |||||||||||||
| Search BeachConection.net's 800 pages | |||||||||||||
| Oregon Coast Real Estate | |||||||||||||
OR
TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR |
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Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. It's 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. Enjoy dining in the penthouse restaurant and bar - whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a candlelight dinner. They offer an array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including a decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to one-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Hotel amenities include wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and a year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference and meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive, gorgeous wedding possibilities. Near the south end of Lincoln City at 4009 SW Highway 101. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
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