 |
 |
November Turns the Seasons on the Oregon Coast |
|---|
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, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
11/23/07
Secrets of the Season |
November Turns the Seasons on the Oregon Coast
 |
| Southern end of Cannon Beach |
(Oregon Coast) - November is a pivotal turning point in the seasons on the coast and an interesting mish-mash of conditions. It's where the dreary overcast weather becomes prevalent, where storms really begin to kick in, and yet where beautiful, mellow, sunny day surprises are not uncommon.
So enjoying the beach is a bit more complex, and yet richer in possibilities. Sure, you've got to get dress more warmly and be prepared to get soaked occasionally. But you can find a place where you can both duck for safety to watch the storms or wander the beach in calmer moments.
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 |
Cannon Beach vs. Seaside
 |
| Seaside and its promenade |
Up on the North Coast, both Cannon Beach and Seaside - separated by only Tillamook Head and six miles - provide an incredible array of opportunities for playing around the beach in all kinds of weather. The sand is only steps away from all the restaurants, shops, entertainment, lodgings and other modern amenities of civilization you could ever want.
In Cannon Beach, the emphasis is on wood-tiled buildings of a rather upscale charm, with a load of funky, unique shops, while the whole place is an art mecca for the entire coast. The beach is a long stretch of fluffy sand, which ends on the north side at a basalt headland that hides a secret beach. Its center point is, of course, the magnificent, well known shape of Haystack Rock (the third largest monolith in the world).
Seaside has a different character and charm – and three distinctly different sides. Some of it is more about old-fashioned Americana and a variety of carnival-like attractions. Cruise Broadway - its "Million Dollar Walk" - to find dozens and dozens of opportunities for play, dining and fun shops that run the gamut from fashion to funky mementos. The Promenade represents its historical side, as does the rather atmospheric Gilbert District, where old buildings are now inhabited a growing number of upscale shops and diners.
 |
| Seaside's atmospheric Gilbert District |
|
On the beach, the sand gets more like dunes the farther north you go. It’s at the very northern end where you’ll find a seriously deserted beach that’s often chock full of whole sand dollars.
Going south, the beach becomes rocky until it dead-ends at "the cove," a favorite for surfers.
Manzanita
 |
| Manzanita, with mysterious Neahkahnie Mt. looming above |
A large bay full of water sports possibilities, a towering mountain smothered in mystery, miles and miles of immaculate sand and a really long spit make Manzanita one non-stop tour of natural beauty. Not to mention, the tiny town itself manages to boast a large helping of culinary, lodging and shopping opportunities. All of these attractive amenities are just a short walk from the beach, should the weather turn on you.
The
beach begins at the end of Laneda Ave., but another road runs along side
the shore from that elbow until it dead-ends in the tree-smothered neighborhoods
beneath Highway 101 and looming Neahkahnie Mountain. On the way, access
to the sand is easy, with just a few steps down sandy or slightly rocky
passages to this endlessly fascinating beach.
Above,
on the highway, there are incredible viewpoints overlooking the ocean,
Manzanita and even glimpses of Nehalem Bay. Just around the corner (just
north of these viewpoints), you'll find more viewpoints, where mighty
breakers slam into the rugged, ancient basalt headlands of Short Sand
Beach.
The Nehalem Bay Spit runs for a couple miles to the south, with entrances at one hidden end of Manzanita, and a mile away - just outside of the tiny town of Nehalem.
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
Near Sea Lion Caves
 |
| Grand cliffs north of Florence |
As you pass from Yachats into dazzling beaches made of rocky basalt, after about 15 miles the landscape turns to more soft sand. Then, somewhere just after Carl Washburne State Park, you're traveling above the ocean on high, dramatic cliffs, where a tumultuous sea churns below.
At various spots, rather atmospheric walls made of rock line viewpoints that allow you to look at Mother Nature at her sometimes most unbelievable. Look close, and periodically you can spot hordes of sea lions lounging on the bottoms of these cliffs. Marvel as you try to imagine how they got up those steep, sheer walls.
In this area - almost exactly halfway between Brookings and Astoria - you'll find the Sea Lion Caves (541-547-3111), a longtime tourist attraction in the region, where the great, barking beasts occupy the world's largest sea cave. There's also Heceta Head and Devil's Elbow State Park, which includes the magnificent lighthouse, the lightkeeper's quarters (which is a B&B), and a unique beach full of captivating rock structures and small sea caves (at lower tides).
 |
| Seal Rock |
|
Seal Rock
Perhaps a quarter mile of town exists here, but it contains numerous treasures. There's the famous Japanese cuisine of Yuzen, and the kids will love Sea Gulch and its wooden, chainsaw sculptures inside a mythical Old West town.
Seal Rock began its days as a budding resort town back in the last century, but various failed business deals resulted in this tiny town being surrounded by wondrous, unspoiled natural attractions. Seal Rock State Park is one large chunk, with a variety of rock structures, rock-dotted sandy beaches and weird grooves made of basalt (actually geologic oddities and hints of fault lines) to climb around on.
 |
The climbable chasm
in the rock |
There's one section near the tide line where the basalt rocks form a small channel that creates some fun climbing opportunities at lower tides.
If you're looking for a hidden spot around here: a tad north of the entrance to Seal Rock State Park sits a small path down to the beach. Look for Grebe St. and it's nearby.
 |
 |
 |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 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. |
RELATED STORIES
Prepare for Freaky, Creepy Mole Crabs on Oregon Coast Beaches The little critters make the tideline bubble and feel really weird as they run across your feet
Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sights
Structures Found on Oregon Beach May Be 80,000 Years Old - They are the remnants of a forest apparently 80,000 years old, found at Hug Point
Day or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunities
Oregon Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports - Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings, along with weekly lodging availability reports
