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Literally over 100 homes available as vacation rentals – all distinctive and carefully selected to be special. Find them in Yachats, Waldport, Newport, Nye Beach, Otter Rock, Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach, Lincoln Beach, Lincoln City, Neskowin, Pacific City, Tierra Del Mar and Rockaway Beach. Some pet friendly.

Generously appointed rooms or spacious two-room suites. Continental breakfast. Heated salt-water pool and spa, fitness room, high-speed Internet, some Jacuzzi spas and ADA accessibility. Some pet friendly. Business and meeting facilities. Catering services available.

Suites, duplex units, houses for 2-8 people. Close to everything. All units w/ kitchens; many have fireplaces, decks, jetted tubs. Robes, slippers, luxury bath amenities and more. Award-winning flowers. Featured on Travel Channel.

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

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.

Sumptuous indoor pool heated year round. Lovely ocean views come with many rooms. All units big, extremely comfortable, w/ special touches. Each room contains a microwave, refrigerator, in-room coffee makers, cable TV, and larger kitchen units are available as well. Free parking, choice of smoking or non-smoking rooms. Within walking distance to all of Yachats’ various amenities; short walk to the beaches

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

Oregon Coast event or adventure you can't miss

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.

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.

A castle on the coast. Fine antiques, gourmet breakfast, luxury w/ ocean views, pet friendly. Social hour in the eve. Have to see to believe. East Ocean Rd., just north of the Arch Cape Tunnel. Arch Cape, Oregon (s. of Cannon Beach and Seaside). www.archcapehouse.com. 800-436-2848

A famous little family eatery where the seafood practically gets shuffled from the sea straight into your mouth. Soups and salads include many seafood specialties, including cioppino, chowders, crab Louie and cheese breads. Fish 'n' chips come w/ various fish. Seafood sandwiches with shrimp, tuna or crab, as well as burgers. Dinners like pan fried oysters, fillets of salmon or halibut, sautéed scallops.

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.

 

 


Published
03/15/09

Oregon Coastal Village Wows with Mystic Vibe, Ghost Forest

(Oregon Coast) - Along what's nicknamed the "corridor of mystery" (really the Nestucca Valley) - that dark tract of steep, winding road and dense trees between Lincoln City and Pacific City - sits a mystifying yet resplendent secret little village that seems to eternally defy change or progress in any great surge. Neskowin is nestled in the midst of this forest and sweeping, soaring hills, as if it's hiding from the world, resisting its influence of growth, of hotels, big eateries or cotton candy-makers. Instead, since its meager (but suspect) beginnings in 1876, Neskowin has remained this sleepy place with almost nothing but a pristine beach.

Well, almost nothing but beach. Then again, there's much more to this beach than meets the initial glance, including the legendary "ghost forest."

One Surreal First Impression

Play around this ethereal little place just once, and you'll agree there's something vastly different here. My first impression of it took that to new levels.

I call it part of my own "personal X-Files." It was 1987, and I was dating this amazing beauty for about a month - exactly a month, actually. It was the second full moon and Friday the 13th in a row. This was weird enough. But Christine and I were celebrating our one month anniversary together (we'd hooked up on the prior full moon/Friday the 13th).

She and I joined a group of friends at their beach cabin at Neskowin about 1 a.m. We immediately hit the beach, and serendipitously, we found a big bonfire still burning - as if waiting for two star-crossed lovers.

We chatted and sipped champagne beneath a cloud cover so thick the moon was not visible, with the dark surf burbling not too far away. At one point, I noticed something odd in the darkness. There was a faint, undulating patch of red on the horizon, apparently on the water. It was as if something was glowing from beneath. It didn't look like anything was casting the glow from above, as the moon wasn't to be seen, and it certainly wouldn't have looked red. Whatever it was, it must've been huge, and it kept changing shape.

I thought I was seeing things, but finally pointed it out to Christine, and we spent the next half hour staring at it, trying to figure it out, with theories about UFO's and whatever just flying. Just as we began zipping up the foredunes to the cabin to grab our friends, it disappeared. They simply laughed at us when we told them.

Ten years later, I talk about this with an expert on glowing phytoplankton from Florida - and had already discovered this couldn't have been a fishing boat. She said there is a brand of glowing critters known that glow in red, but these waters are too cold for that. The rest of her response still chills me to this day: "There's still much out there we don't know about."

Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site

At MP 98, the picturesque and engaging village of Neskowin is largely comprised of a few condominiums, two golf courses, a couple of businesses and a smattering of charming and even posh little homes.

The beach is really the real top bill here: a nearly never-ending promenade of sand. But because of Neskowin's relative isolation, it's a treasure trove that's usually not very crowded.

From the parking lot it's a short walk to the beach and its slightly unusual dark grains of sand, plus enough driftwood to make yourself a decent fire.

Upon entering the main beach access, you'll see a lovely little stream winding down to the ocean. The highlight here, of course, is Proposal Rock, which greets you on first sight upon entering.

Proposal Rock is the intriguing blob-like structure sitting in front of you, boasting a small forest sitting on top. There's a sizable creek between you and it, however, and to get to the structure means crossing this cold body of water barefoot.

Atop the rock, there are some hidden trails meandering through the forest where the views are somewhat legendary. Watch the tide closely or you could get stranded, and be careful of the trail's slippery entrance. There is a tiny cave-like crack in the structure, providing a peek to the ocean.

Near the entrance, look for a small, round brass plaque, an oddity embedded there early in the century.

Mostly, Neskowin is one giant beach, with sands running northward uninterrupted from the bottom of Cascade Head, through Winema Beach, to the edge of the Nestucca Bay - about five or six miles. Funky features and colors populate the very southern end, the cove-like area which bumps into Cascade Head. One of the trails atop the headland skirts Neskowin, providing incredible views from above.

History of the Village

The word "Neskowin" is tribal language for "plenty fish," because of the area's abundance of the slithery ones. One historical anecdote talks about a creek here so full of fish one summer in the early 20th century that the waters were black. The original residents were natives, of course, and they weren't treated nicely when they were booted from the spot.

The initial name given to the place by settlers was Slab Creek, with the first homestead created there about 1876. This was only after years of the area being used as an Indian reservation. In order to allow homesteaders, the U.S. government herded them somewhere else again, moving them to the mouth of the Salmon River.

Fishing was the village's only industry for years, then lumber for a time. Meanwhile, it never grew beyond a smattering of homes. One hotel - Neskowin Hotel - was built around 1895, but was nearly washed away. It was later moved a little more inland, by blasting a spot out of the hillside. Proposal Rock Inn stands in its place now. Other hotels showed up the late 1940's.

Proposal Rock was named after Charles Gage proposed to Della Page on it around the turn of the century. Della's mother, Sarah Page, so named the rock.

The first golf course was built in 1930, a year after electricity came to Neskowin. The road that later became Highway 101 was built in 1910. Somehow - primarily through the insistence of residents - Neskowin has hardly changed over the years, although now homes are slowly popping up all over. Still, no major development in terms of hotels and tourist traps are happening, and it remains this dusty gem in touristy terms.

The Secrets of Neskowin

Another highlight is the proliferation of ancient tree stumps - nicknamed the "ghost forest." This downright spectacular oddity is almost a rare sight in Neskowin, but you may not know just how spectacular it is unless you know what it is you're looking at.

They look somewhat like old, ragged pilings leftover from something manmade - but they are, in fact, stumps of a forest some 2,000 years ago or so. As many as 100 are sometimes visible in various shapes and sizes.

The biggest theory is that the landscape changed rather slowly, over decades, but quick enough to bury this forest in sand and mud. This preserved them, rather than being destroyed by exposure to air, as most logs wind up decaying.

Another theory is that around 2,000 years ago a massive, cataclysmic earthquake abruptly dropped this forest possibly more than 25 feet.

In recent years, continued sand erosion has resulted in actually uprooting some of these ghost forest stumps. They were sometmes found to the north, in pieces, at Cape Lookout State Park.

There are similar stumps periodically visible near Newport, although these are quite rare. One, however, is consistently visible sticking out of a cliff in Nye Beach, just beneath the Sylvia Beach Hotel.

Most of the westbound streets along the beachfront area are named after other Oregon towns, like Salem, Monmouth and Corvallis, etc. Ride the street running alongside the beach, and about a mile north of the first major curve you'll find a hidden beach access, cloistered well between a couple homes. Even before the big curve, there are some accesses that are unbelievably beautiful - and devoid of people.

This northern end of Neskowin is different from the more populated section by the main access. There's something more mystical going on here. Perhaps it's the darker sands near the tide line, which plunges rather abruptly into the surf, making for more spectacular wave action. Or maybe it's the different quality of the sand here: the grains are bigger, coarser and there's an interesting propagation broken seashell bits. This is no ordinary Oregon beach.

Surreal and Serene Impressions

It's a rainy, dark day in spring 2005, and I discover some of the backstreets of Neskowin. Near a lodging called The Breakers, I pop out onto a strange beach of black sands, where a flat patch sits at the top of a somewhat steep tide line. Normally, this would create some rather intense wave action, but the high tide and stormy weather causes the waves to dart up on the flat section, then dart back. It's odd, but beautiful. Not a normal beach. Plus, there's such a sense of peace here, coinciding with the awe I feel. For the first time in my life, I experience something I could only describe as spiritual.

Weeks later, it's summer and I tread to the very northern end by the secret access. Again, I feel that transcendent, metaphysical tranquility - but more profound. I find this strange, not just because I'm a science geek, but because of the area's mistreatment of the natives in the past. They were ousted by white folks rather abruptly. You'd think there would be an opposite vibe. But not here.

I can't explain it. There is simply some mystical and extraordinary quality to this part of Neskowin. It's not just because it's completely devoid of crowds. And others I've talked to about it have verified this feeling. In fact, in a conversation with Oregon Coast Aquarium's Cindy Hanson, she brought it up before I did.

I recall my first experience with the mysterious, glowing red blob on the sea. I can't help thinking there's more to this beach than meets the eye. Indeed, I am certain of it.


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


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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

Secrets of the Season


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


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.


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.

the finest in luxury condominium lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.

20 gorgeous homes sleep up to 18; doubled that with some side-by-side homes. Some pet friendly. Cottages to massive homes; new oceanfront to renovated historic beach houses. All over central coast w/ Lincoln City, Otter Rock, Boiler Bay and Nye Beach. Long list of features, including barbecues, large decks, antique furnishings, wood stoves, gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, Jacuzzis and hot tubs. Most have movies, music, books. Gift basket w/ goodies in each

Breathtaking high panoramic beach views from oceanfront rooms, spacious family suites & fully equipped cottages.  Known for gracious hospitality, the sparkling clean Sea Horse features a heated indoor pool, dramatic oceanfront spa, great whale watching, free deluxe continental breakfast, conference room, free casino shuttle & HBO.  Fireplaces, private decks and spas are available in select rooms.  Close to shops, golf, fishing & restaurants.  Pets are welcome in select rooms.  Senior discounts.  Kids 18 and under stay free in their parent's room.  Very attractive rates.