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Three-Day Weekend A Stunner on Oregon Coast |
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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.
01/18/08
Secrets of the Season |
Three-Day Weekend A Stunner on Oregon Coast
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| The sun will light up Cape Kiwanda this weekend |
(Oregon Coast) – Celebrating Martin Luther King and his achievements has an even greater sense of joy for the Oregon coast this three-day weekend, as stellar weather is expected for much of it – warmer than the valley. Also, some interesting things to do are literally popping up in some places.
The mountain passes are clear of the ice that plagued them much of the week, and the last-minute calls are starting to flood many of the lodgings and businesses on the coast.
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. 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. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com. |
Friday is still glorious weather on the beaches as sundown approaches, although it’s predicted to get quite cold tonight.
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| Ghost forest just north of Seal Rock, at Lost Creek (photos Guy DiTorrice) |
On Saturday, showers are likely for the north and central coast, although giving way to mostly sunny skies on Sunday and Monday. Saturday will also see a good deal of warming, with temperatures around 42 to 48 on the north and central Oregon coast. Winds are expected to be around 15 mph, and the chance of rain is about 60 percent, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
On Sunday, the NWS says it’s going to be sunny but cool, with a high near 41 on the north coast and a high around 46 on the central coast. At night, things will get chilly, with temps plunging to around 27 degrees but boasting clear skies, which will make for great stargazing on those particularly pristine coastal nighttime skies.
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| Look for interesting stuff to have washed up on the beaches, like this weird chunk of driftwood in Lincoln City |
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
On the ML King Day holiday itself, the thermometer will plunge to a high near 36 on the north coast, but a little warmer on the central coast, with that area clocking in around 41. It’s supposed to be sunny that day, however, according to the NWS.
For those playing a bit of hooky from work, Tuesday and Wednesday are supposed to continue those sunny conditions, although colder on the northern beaches than on the central coast.
This is all while the Portland and valley areas are supposed to be in a deep freeze. For a change, you really can head to the coast to get warmer.
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| Close-up of stumps at Lost Creek |
All the recent storm waves on the beaches have scoured out a lot of sand, leaving more of a weird set of ancient stumps visible at Lost Creek State Recreational Site, a few miles south of Newport and just a tad north of the village of Seal Rock. There, the remnants of an ancient forest, probably about 4,000 years old, have been increasingly visible over recent weeks. Newport beach expert Guy DiTorrice shots some pictures of these curiosities.
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 |
But they’re not the only possibilities for beachcombing discoveries. “It’s a great weekend for exposed rock, agates, jaspers, fossils, stumps and daytime low tides,” DiTorrice said.
Agate hunting will be prime for much of the coast because of scoured sand levels and non-threatening tides.
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| Look for whales on a weekend like this |
Calm sea and wind conditions will also mean excellent whale watching. If you look at last week’s whale sighting numbers from the Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay, you’ll see the best sightings were on clear days. With good conditions, around 50 were spotted a day. But on Thursday it was foggy, so only five were spotted.
Whales can be spotted much easier in calm seas, not because they prefer those conditions, but because they are not hidden by large swells. Those kinds of conditions, plus clear skies and sun, will provide great viewing of whales, especially from high vantage points.
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| View of Manzanita from a home by Sunset Vacation Rentals |
It’s all translating into a tsunami of phone calls for Sunset Vacation Rentals in Manzanita. “We are getting lots of last minute callers,” said Amy Dunlap, who works in the office. “Nice weather makes’em flock.”
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But just up the street, Brian Hines, owner of San Dune Inn, said this weekend has hardly caused a stir at his place.
Indeed, it all depends who you talk to. Others around the coast said little or nothing was happening, which they said translated into great lodging deals or at least no availability problems, along with first-class attention.
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| Stunning views will be had at Astoria, atop Coxcomb Hill |
“It doesn’t seem to be very busy,” said Connie Barradas, sales manager with the Liberty Inn in Lincoln City. “The weather is absolutely beautiful here in Lincoln City. A beautiful day for beachcombing.”
In Depoe Bay, Trollers Lodge owner Peg Leoni said it seemed to be business as usual with her. But this meant some extra sweet deals for weekend tourists.
“Right now it looks like a non-holiday,” Leoni said. “Just regular weekend visitors, no more than usual for this time of year. So, we are still offering the second night half price.”
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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. |
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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 Spanish Head, Lincoln City. 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. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.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
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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
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