Cottages at Cape Kiwanda on the Oregon Coast

Something new coming to the Oregon Coast are the Cottages at Cape Kiwanda, which are expected to be available in June 2007. This summer you can take a mini vacation at your new oceanfront condo in Pacific City.

A part of the Inn at Cape Kiwanda, these cottages wrap beautifully around the Shorepines hillside and slightly above the beach, providing gorgeous views of the Cape and also Haystack Rock. These furnished and decorated "fractional-ownership, vacation homes" are being built in a simple yet elegant style with high-quality touches.

It sounds like a relaxing place to be for a weekend with warm fireplaces, watching dory boats land on the beach, and soaking up the rays of the most gorgeous Haystack Rock sunsets. When you decide it's time to explore, catch an early-morning latte from Migrations Espresso Shop, walk the beach, take in the quaint shops, and then visit the nearby Pelican Pub and Brewery for lunch and dinner. This will be a great place to get away from your busy metropolitan lifestyle.

Tours of the new vacation condos are available and they are taking reservations. If you've got some time, check them out through their tour packages that include an overnight stay at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda and dinner at Pelican Pub & Brewery.

Visit the Shamrock Lodgettes in Yachats, Oregon Coast

Looking for a good place to hideaway in a cozy cabin? Check out Yachats where the Shamrock Lodgettes fits the bill perfectly. Within earshot of the Oregon Coastal waves crashing on the beach, these units are near the beach and the downtown area.

Guests enjoy one of six log cabins that contain knotty pine-wall bedrooms, kitchenettes, jetted tubs, wood or propane fireplaces and great views.

Sip a glass of wine from an adirondak chair, walk to The Drift Inn for a yummy omelette, or visit Raindogs for an unusual collection of gifts -- these are just a few of the fun things to do in Yachats. Look for a previous posting in which I listed the many outdoor activities available nearby. Yachats is also a perfect place just to relax in the small-town atmosphere and soak up the salt air.

From Reedsport, it takes about 40 minutes to drive there. It's a perfect distance for us. From Portland, it's about a three-hour drive down the beautiful Highway 101 or take Interstate 5 over from Corvallis to Newport and then down the coast. No matter which way you travel, there's some beautiful scenery to behold.

Central Coast Reedsport, Winchester Bay & Gardiner mini vacation

Last weekend our own backyard was the place for a mini vacation. The Reedsport Chamber put on the first annual Wine, Beer, Seafood & Music Festival in nearby Gardiner, Oregon.

More than 1,300 people attended this event from as far north as Corvallis and as far south as Roseburg along the I-5 corridor. On the Oregon Coast, it was visited by those from Florence to Coos Bay and beyond.

Out in Winchester Bay, the campgrounds were full, the restaurants were hopping, and the Sportsmen's Cannerywas doing a bang up business. There were beautiful sunsets, clean-smelling air, plenty of fishing and crabbing, and other things to do and experience while visitors were here.

The Chamber will hold this event annually and the central coast is quiet this time of year. If you're looking for some quiet, restful nights, fun on the dunes, and walks on undisturbed beaches, come to the Reedsport, Winchester Bay, and Gardiner area.

Drive the Three Capes Loop Highway on the Oregon Coast

The Three Capes Loop beginning at the north end of Tillamook is a scenic drive that's worth taking on a mini vacation to the North Coast. At the Cape Meares Lighthouse location there stands the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. At only 38 feet high, it is justifiably short due to its proximity atop a 217-foot headland that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Cape Meares is the farthest north of the three capes.

For an odd, local attraction, make sure to visit the Octopus Tree, a spruce with tentacle-like branches. Viewing this amazing tree from different angles is a worthwhile activity. Photos of the tree are also a useful conversation starter.

At Cape Arago, another of the three capes, can be found by following Tillamook Bay on the north branch of this scenic route. Cape Lookout can be found on the highway past Netarts Bay. Farther south travelers meet another cross-peninsula shortcut at Sand Lake. From Sand Lake, it follows the coastline past Cape Kiwanda to Pacific City, after which it rejoins Highway 101 a few miles south.

Throughout this route, there are gorgeous views and attractions worth checking out. While this route can be taken over the course of an hour or less, it is worth staying the night at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda and take it slow.

Hikes to vistas on the Oregon Coast

If you're interested in taking some good hikes along the Oregon Coast, there are a couple of mountains where you can hike up for a grand view. The best view is from Saddle Mountain, 14 miles east of Seaside of Highway 26. There's a three-mile hike with a 1,600-foot elevation gain that takes you to a place where you can see the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River, the Cascades, and the Coast Range.

Another is Humbug Mountain, south of Port Orford. This one is a little higher, about 1750 feet up, and the view is not as open, but it's still worth the effort if you're feeling athletic. For many years, there was an annual race to the top called the Bah! Humbug Killer 8K. Only the most die-hard athlete would be foolish enough to participate in the run. Evidently they ran out of die-hards and stopped holding the race.

Cape Perpetua has a great hike from its Interpretive Center up to the top of an 850-foot mountain. Overlooking the coastline, visitors can view 150 miles north to south (from Cape Foulweather to Cape Blanco) and 40 miles out to sea. Truly it is one of the most spectacular views of Oregon's rugged coastline that can be found anywhere.

Fort Stevens State Park on the Oregon Coast

Fort Stevens is a great place to take a mini vacation on the Oregon Coast. Located near Warrenton, Fort Stevens is more than a campground. It features close to 600 campsites of all types -- tent and electrical sites, full RV hookups, and even yurts. Additionally, there's the historic Fort Stevens area, with remnants of the days when Fort Stevens guarded the mouth of the Columbia River against America's foreign enemies. The wreck of the Peter Iredale is another popular feature, gradually rusting away on the beach.

The largest state park campground west of the Rockies, Fort Stevens also features a couple of swimming spots on Coffenbury Lake, miles of hiking and biking trails, viewing platforms overlooking the south jetty of the Columbia River, and more.

Just to give you a little history, Fort Stevens was originally commissioned as a Civil War fortification in 1863. It was deactivated as a military fort shortly after World War II. With all its amenities and historical significance, it is definitely worth a trip the next time you visit Oregon's North Coast.

Visit Cannon Beach for a Breath of Salt Air

There's much to see in Cannon Beach. Soaking in the sheer beauty of the North Coast in Cannon Beach will help ease the wrinkled brow and its salt air will cause deep breathing to be restored.

Following are some highlights of the beauty of Cannon Beach: Ecola Creek is the small creek on the north edge of Cannon Beach. It was here that the Lewis and Clark party encountered the Indians who were processing a beached whale and obtained from those Indians some useful products. North of Ecola Creek is Ecola State Park. The view looking south from the picnic area by the parking lot is one of the most recognizable on the Oregon Coast. Looking out to sea, you can get a glimpse of the Terrible Tilly, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. It was built in 1880 and maintained until 1957. Now privately owned, you can make arrangements to be buried there for a fee.

There's also a beautiful view of Haystack Rock. Beautiful coastal sunsets are experienced there. Cannon Beach is one of the best mini-vacation destinations on the Oregon Coast.

Beat the cold by coming to the Oregon Coast

I've been told it's pretty cold over there on Oregon's I-5 corridor. I'd say it's probably pretty cold on California's I-5 corridor as well. Well, here on the Oregon Coast, it's cool and sunny. Are you looking to beat the cold? Visit any coastal town along Highway 101 for the weekend to beat the cold.

Right now, Reedsport's temperature is about 53 degrees. For those living near the Equator, that may not sound warm. But for those living in other parts of the Pacific Northwest, it probably sounds quite temperate.

With more than 350 miles of Oregon beach available, there's a place for you on the Oregon Coast. A mini vacation of three to four days could be doable.

Come to Seaside from the Portland area

Traveling to Seaside, I am reminded that the town was Oregon’s first seashore resort. It continues to be one of the Oregon Coast’s most popular destinations with many visitor attractions.

If you decide to go to this coastal city, the Carousel Mall, sand-biking, and the bumper cars and arcade are fun activities for families. The Seaside Convention Center hosts a variety of events through the year. You have to walk the Broadway turnaround at the center of Seaside’s well-known Promenade where a statue designates the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail.

At the south end of town you will find the Lewis and Clark Salt Cairn, where members of the historic expedition extracted salt from seawater. Other fun activities include renting paddle boats to take out on the Necanicum River or riding a bicycle around town.

Other attractions include the Seaside Museum and Seaside Aquarium, where the seals are the star attractions. There are many oceanfront hotels and vacation rentals right on the beach. It is the perfect spot for those who live in the Portland metropolitan area with a desire for a mini vacation.

Day trip to Shore Acres, Southern Oregon Coast

On Sunday, my fiance and I went to Shore Acres State Park, just south of Charleston. This botanical garden has plants in bloom pretty much year round. Admission is $5 per car and they are open seven days a week till sunset. During December, they are open in the evening with their Christmas light demonstration.

It was a quiet, peaceful day trip out past Coos Bay and North Bend yesterday. The weather here on the Oregon Coast is gorgeous right now -- little wind, sunny, and chilly in the morning. We also stopped at Sunset Bay, a beautiful little spot on the Southern Oregon Coast near Shore Acres. There were quite a few persons there looking in tide pools and even sunning themselves on the beach.

After walking through the Gardens, we strolled to the Simpson Beach lookout where some of the best Oregon Coastal, winter-storm pictures have been taken. Huge waves smashed against the cliffs and sea wall as people ooohhed and ahhhed. It is a definite must-see.

On the way home, we stopped at a little bagel shop in Charleston. The new owners also serve authentic, family-style Thai food. While we were not quite hungry for dinner, we will put this spot on our "must return" list.

Escape to Yachats

One the best mini vacations can be found by going to Yachats. Called the Jewel of the Oregon Coast, this little town has many great restaurants, hotels, shops, and sites.

One found memory I have of Yachats is when my boyfriend whisked me away on a Saturday night during a weekend if moving. I barely had time to pack before leaving Gardiner to drive north on Highway 101 for The Adobe Resort. With my heart in my throat, he showed me to one of their spa tub suites. We had a very fine meal in the resort's restaurant.

In the morning, we departed from our coastal hideaway, we stopped at my favorite restaurant, The Drift Inn, for breakfast. If there had been more time, we would have also stopped at Raindogs: A People Store.

When we arrived at my apartment, I was ready to proceed with the final leg of the move to Reedsport. With vigor, we finished up the move before dinner.

Umpqua River Lighthouse, Winchester Bay

In Winchester Bay, the first lighthouse on the Oregon Coast was lit. Built of timber and too close to the Umpqua River, it began to teeter. Just before its collapse, they were able to remove not only people but also equipment. The current Umpqua River Lighthouse is up on the dunes and one of the few remaining working lighthouses.

One of my favorite times to see it is at night when the flashing red and white lights dance on the trees located on the property as it makes its sweep of the ocean. From the parking lot, you can see the wide expanse of dunes and the Umpqua Triangle where some of the sweetest oysters are farmed. It's a must-see on the Oregon Coast especially for those who love lighthouses.

For a Quick Trip Away: Bandon

For a quick trip away, I hit the highway for Bandon. Located on Highway 101 south of Coos Bay, this somewhat-touristy town maintains much of its small-town charm. I always return from this Oregon Coast town refreshed and ready to dive back into my very busy life.

Driving south for an hour from Reedsport, Bandon is a good day trip. There are also many vacation rentals and oceanfront hotels in which to stay the night if you want to stretch your trip into a long weekend. The Inn at Face Rock is a great place to stay that's located on the fairway of Bayfront Loop's own golf course.

For fabulous views of rock-studded, ocean waters, there's the Face Rock viewpoint. I've spent many afternoons staring at this huge rock with the sun going down behind it from either the beach or from my little Honda. When it's raining, I gaze at the seagulls attempting to stay in the air from the inside of Ruby and breathe in the relaxation of those moments.

In Bandon's Old Town, there is the Second Street Gallery with its many paintings hung from tall walls, gorgeous artisan jewelry, and gorgeous pottery. On girl trips, my friends and I always come away with a piece of jewelry or a new blown glass bowl. Next door is Winter River Books where they have a great selection of books, journals, and greeting cards. We also frequent the Bandon Bakery and the Two Loons cafe with its orange water and gourmet sandwiches. The owners of the Two Loons also own High Dock Bistro, which is a spendy restaurant right on the water.

We also take a hike on the driftwood beach where the Coquille River Lighthouse is located. This miniature lighthouse appears to be larger than it really is from across the Coquille River that joins the ocean near its position.

While I do not play golf, there is also Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. This is a world-class golf course located near the entrance of Bandon from the north. There are a few courses and two fine restaurants out there. It comes highly recommended. It is situated off of Highway 101 and I pass by it on the way to and from Bandon.

Smith River Valley trip

A couple of weeks ago, just after some heavy rains here on the Oregon Coast, my fiancé and I went for a drive in his Ford Explorer up Smith River Road for a pancake breakfast at the Grange.

Located between Reedsport and Gardiner, in Coastal Douglas County, there's a beautiful valley that heads east away from Highway 101. While this river is not nearly as large as the nearby Umpqua, there are some gorgeous views and birdwatching opportunities. One marshy area has quite a bit of wildlife and is listed on the new Oregon Coast Birding Trail.

On our way up this steep road, we got a great view of the Smith River Valley. This valley was the scene for an Indian massacre where its namesake Jedediah Smith barely survived. As we climbed this steeper and steeper road, there was more and more branches and rocks on the road. At a certain point, the boulders made our route impassible. My fiancé backed the car down to a wide spot, and then we turned around.

Heading back to town, we felt fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. Check it out sometime.

Christmas at the Inn at Otter Crest, Oregon Coast

December was a busy month for many people this year. With so many social engagements this year, it was time to take a break. A great place to do that is the Inn at Otter Crest.

My fiance and I left Christmas morning for a drive up the Oregon Coast along Highway 101. We stopped in Yachats at the Landmark Restaurant for lunch. After some really good clam chowder and views of the Yachats River Bay, we drove up past Newport to the Inn.

In a wooded setting, the Inn feels secluded and peaceful. After checking in, a golf cart took us and our luggage to the room. After unpacking, we took their tram down to the Flying Dutchman Restaurant to check it out. Situated on a cliff, they have a beautiful view of the rugged coastline. It was rainy that day and the waves were crashing up on an almost non-existent beach. What a sight! Absolutely gorgeous.

Christmas dinner at the Flying Dutchman Restaurant was fabulous. Dressed in our fine holiday clothes, they gave us the best table in the place. Unfortunately it was dark and, without outdoor lighting, we were unable to see the beautiful ocean. They served poached salmon with a marionberry sauce, savory bread pudding, prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, and other yummy dishes on their buffet. Desserts include Tiramisu, my favorite.

The next day we drove to Depoe Bay and checked out the smallest navigable port on the world and the whale-watching capital. While we didn't see any whales that day, we enjoyed the shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

The following day we headed back down the coast to Reedsport. Leaving the Inn at an early hour, we stopped back in Yachats at my favorite place to dine, The Drift Inn. Serving loose-leafed teas and locally roasted coffee, their omelettes are exquisite. They have cottage-style breakfast potatoes that are also yummy.

Passing the various attractions near Yachats, we wished we had more time to take them in. Cape Perpetua, the tallest point on the Oregon Coast, provides a gorgeous view. There's also Sea Lion Caves and Devil's Churn.

We returned home rested and thankful for our mini vacation on the Oregon Coast.