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.
04/25/08
Rare Visages of the Oregon Coast
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Hug Point's wacky road |
(Oregon Coast) - Some of the best views on the coast are
the hardest to find, and involve the most rarest of moments. They sit
behind a bunch of bushes just off a long path winding around a headland.
They lurk beyond view on a chunk of desolate rock - somehow making you
think there was nothing there. Or they only happen at certain times, like
when sand conditions are just right, a rock has moved out of place and
unlocked a spot, or at extreme low tides.
Here, then, are three examples of these freakishly rare
moments in coastal time, where tide, view, geographical location or happenstance
allow you a vantage point or a glimpse of something probably at least
a little unbelievable.
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Above Hug Point |
Above Hug Point
Some hidden spots will be kept secret among Oregon Coast
Guide staff - and this spot above Hug Point is one of them. But if you've
never been to or heard of Hug Point, this bird's eye view gives you a
decent preview of its delights.
From above, you can see the remnants of the road that was
blasted into the headland at the turn of the century - a time when the
only highways going from town to town on the coast were the beaches themselves.
This they created to get around the point at higher tides.
On the north face of the point, you can find other ancient
items embedded in the rock, such as remnants of the old traffic light
and a small brass knob bearing the emblem of an old electrical company.
The hidden spot above it boasts plenty of delights beyond
this view. But you'll just have to take our word for that.
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Inside the Devil's Punchbowl - what a serious
kick in the pants |
Inside the Devil’s Punchbowl
It's rare, but it's one of the more unforgettable experiences
you can have. Sometimes the tide is low enough at the Devil's Punchbowl
- just north of Newport - to actually walk inside thestructure. It's a
place where often the tide is swirling angrily, making a frightening commotion.
But at these moments, you can wander over the wave-polished boulders and
examine the walls scoured and torn by the tide, and the weird colors that
have been uncovered here.
Just outside the Punchbowl is just as strange, such as
one almost alien rock structure jutting up and exposed by low tide, looking
a bit like a giant boot left on the beach.
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Above Cape Lookout |
Cape Lookout
There's actually three different hiking trails on this
enormous headland, and tons of incredible views along all of them. But
the main one - which winds around some five miles - is legendary for its
views.
The view pictured here is of Sand Beach, which is known
as the "other Sand Dunes on the Oregon Coast," and the stretch
of sand running between there and the base of Cape Lookout.
There are many such views along this route, but this
spot - hidden behind a thick wall of bushes - is nothing short of breathtaking.
It's a dangerous one, however, and thus we won't give away its exact location
either.
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.
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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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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. |
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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 |
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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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. |
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.
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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 |
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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
CONTACT
/ ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION
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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
|
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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 |
|
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged &
upscale |
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FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy
dunes |
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