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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, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.

07/16/08

Secrets of the Season

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Oregon Coast Picks of the Week, July 16

Cape Kiwanda, where the Dory Days Festival will be held this weekend

(Oregon Coast) - Here we are, smack dab in the middle of the summer, and the Oregon coast is hopping with stuff to do and things to experience.

The weather will be quite cooperative and even extremely welcoming, considering the lingering heat in the valley. So far, the past week on the coast has been paradise to say the least, with mostly blue skies, little wind and temps in the comfortable 60’s and lower 70's.

Friday will see more clouds than sun, with highs in the low 60's and lows at night in the upper 40's. Saturday will be partly cloudy, with highs in the upper 60's and nighttime lows in the low 50's, guaranteeing some excellent beachcombing and even sunbathing conditions. Sunday will again be partly cloudy, with lows in the mid 50’s and highs in the upper 60's.

This brings on a myriad of reasons to hit the coast this weekend and the next week. Here are BeachConnection.net's picks for that time period.

Seal Rock, just south of Newport

Sunday, July 20. "Tidepooling at Seal Rocks." Cynthia Trowbridge will lead this Yaquina Birders & Naturalists field trip. Cynthia, a marine ecologist, has studied intertidal invertebrates and seaweeds in Oregon, Japan, the British Isles, New Zealand, Australia, and elsewhere. Cynthia recommends wearing knee-high boots to cross some pools and to keep your feet dry.

Meet on the beach near the NW Cross Street pullout at Seal Rock (about Mile Post MP 151.2) by 7:30 a.m. Directions: drive south on Hwy 101, about 0.4 mile past the entrance to Seal Rock State Park (about MP 150.8) on Hwy 101, to a small pullout (MP 151.2) about 80 ft south of the Hwy 101 intersection with NW Cross Street. If there is no room for parking, park 200 feet farther south or an additional 600 ft to the south at the largest pullout and walk back to the MP 151.2 pullout. Then CAUTIOUSLY walk down either the steep, slippery trail to the south or the gentle, drier trail to the north of the pullout. Seal Rock, Oregon (just south of Newport). Contact Range Bayer for more info, at 541-265-2965.

Village Market & Deli

Winetasting events at Village Market & Deli, Newport. For some excellent vino fun, check out the moments of la dolce vida in Newport this weekend and next. July 19, it’s winetasting with Aaron Coe of Casa Bruno. On July 26, it's Michael Ginder of Cline and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Village Market & Deli 741 NW 3rd Street, in the Historic Nye Beach District. Newport, Oregon. 541-574-9393

On Saturday, July 26, Sharnelle Fee, who directs the Wildlife Rehab Center of the North Coast, speaks on "Wildlife Rehabilitation" in Seaside. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. She will bring along pelicans, northern spotted owls and other birds undergoing rehabilitation at the center. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Coastal Natural History Center. All CNHC events are free. 2674 Hwy. 101 N. Seaside, Oregon. (503) 738-5618.

July 19. Sea Lion Encounter at Oregon Coast Aquarium. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be kissed by a sea lion? Come find out in this special behind-the-scenes program, where you visit with the husbandry staff and find out first hand what it is like to care for sea lions. Tour includes a photo of your kiss. Please register in advance by calling 541-867-3474 Ext. 2313. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. In South Beach, across the bay from Newport, Oregon.

Siletz Bay, Lincoln City

Have your tide pool and eat it too! There are two funky ways to dig into tide pools and clamming on the central coast. On July 19, it’s Tide Pooling with Lee Gray the Wild Gourmet. Signup at 7:30 a.m. at NW 15th Street Beach Access. Lincoln City, Oregon. 541-992-3798. On July 20, it’s Bay Clamming with Lee Gray the Wild Gourmet. Signup at 8 a.m. at Siletz Bay Park Gazebo. Lincoln City, Oregon. 541-992-3798.

Dory Days in Pacific City. It happens July 18 –20. There’s a bazaar, pet friendly parade, floats, fish fry, dune games and more. Fishing contest. Pacific City, on the beach.

Roving Interpreters Around Yachats. Dig deeply into the beaches in the Yachats area during the weekdays as well as the weekends.

Strawberry Hill beach access, just south of Yachats

Each Wednesday through Sunday, there’s a roving interpreter at Yachats’ Smelt Sands State Wayside and the 804 Trail (Memorial Day-Labor Day). Learn the trail's history and find native plants. Begins at Smelt Sand parking lot and heads north. Smelt Sands State Wayside, one mile north of downtown Yachats, on Hwy 101. At Yachats State Park, hear programs about tide pools and the whales seen from the park's platform. Find Yachats State Park at the west end of 2nd St in downtown Yachats.

At Strawberry Hill, explore tide pools with the Roving Interpreter and hear about harbor seals resting nearby on the rocks. Find Strawberry Hill 5 miles south of downtown Yachats on Hwy 101. 800-551-6949.

Rockin’ blues with The Summit Underground, at the Landmark in Yachats. Friday, July 18. 9 p.m. Riley is a consistent and generous blues player who has lived the life all his life. This band is 15 years old, a testament to the mellow style and the depth of appreciation its members have for the music. The blues lives because musicians live the blues. Mike is backed by Vegas and LA session harp player Kooch Kucera and Bongo Bob Pettit on drums.

The Landmark is located at 111 Hwy 101 in Yachats. www.landmark-yachats.com for music calendar, menus and Yachats trivia or call 541-547-5459. All shows are free unless otherwise noted. They are all over 21.

Depoe Bay Inn (formerly Harbor Lights Inn), Depoe Bay

Hotel Pick of the Week: The Depoe Bay Inn (formerly Harbor Lights Inn), Depoe Bay. 13 lovely rooms overlook what is known as the “world’s smallest navigable harbor” in quaint Depoe Bay, where balconies allow you to savor the calming view. A jetted tub, exquisite surroundings, full breakfast in the morning and even rooms that come with binoculars round out some of the highlights of this coastal secret. Units at The Depoe Bay Inn (formerly Harbor Lights Inn) also come with wi-fi, VCR/DVD players, an iron, hair dryer, ceiling fan and fireplaces. The building is handicap accessible, and some tubs are ADA accessible. Pleasant extras include an umbrella, plenty of movies in the lobby, a choice of king or queen beds, plus tables, chairs and a desk. The patios/balconies come with chairs and small tables to enhance your watching of the boats make their way through the bay. A new feature is the event or group facilities, for reunions or meetings with a touch of coastal class. 235 S.E. Bay View Ave. Depoe Bay, Oregon. 800-228-0448. www.depoebayinn.com

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