Aerial Joy Rides Start Again on North Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast Beach Connection - lodging, dining, news, events and more

	Aerial Joy Rides Start Again on North 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.

04/23/08

Secrets of the Season

Family Fun
Nightlife Frivolity

Subscribe to BC news RSS Feeds
Add BC news to YOUR site

Aerial Joy Rides Start Again on North Oregon Coast

Flying over Tillamook Rock Lighthouse in Aviation Adventures

(Seaside, Oregon) – There are some serious good times waiting above Seaside. That’s right, not in Seaside as much as above it.

Two magnificent aerial joy rides await the tourist to the Oregon coast – both with different, startling angles on fun in the skies. Now that months of clear weather are approaching, you can find some unforgettable moments at the airplane ride Aviation Adventures or the helicopter extravaganza of Seaside Helicopters. They will both soon be operating in full swing, showing off aerial views of landmarks you can’t see anywhere else or any other way in some cases.

Aboard Seaside Helicopters, pilot/owner Gary Turel zips you around the shores of Cannon Beach, the peaks of Tillamook Head and above the resort town of Seaside at about 100-plus miles an hour. Various plans take you to various places. They start at $39 per person for the Seaside tour, $69 per person for the Cannon Beach tour to a stunning Sunset tour for $175 per person. Other options include wildlife tours and other combinations. All flights have at least a two-person minimum.

Above Seaside in Seaside Helicopters

Turel says he expects those prices to rise more this year as the price of fuel continues to soar. So check www.seaside-helicopters.com or (503) 440-4123 just before you head out.

With a bubble window to the world below, you feel yourself ever so gently lift upwards, a sensation similar in some ways to easing up in an airplane, but in a helicopter there's definitely that spine-tingling feeling of rising faster. It's exhilarating to say the least, with the tilt of the aircraft pulling you against its quick upward ascension.

Depending on the flight, in no time, you’re up over the back of Tillamook Head – a 1300-foot-high, forested headland. Gary points out its sheer cliffs from this side, spots where elk congregate and even the small bald spot on top of the mountain that is a Lewis & Clark monument. It was here – some two hundred years ago – that William Clark, Sacagawea and a few others hiked over the headland to catch sight of a beached whale in what would become Cannon Beach.

Goonies Rock, seen from above, near Cannon Beach

Most incredible is approaching the tip of Tillamook Head as Gary points out a rocky arch sitting offshore called "Goonies Rock," which was featured in the movie "Goonies." Remember that scene near the end where the kids took a key and matched it to a rock structure with a hole in it? That rock is now named after the movie, visible from Indian Beach.

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

From there, you may swing around again, head north over Tillamook Head, and he’ll show you that rocky shoreline beneath the headland that can't be seen any other way. At this point, Seaside is in full view, as are the shores of southern Washington and hints of Astoria. Then it's back to the landing pad, with a zoom over the adjacent Seaside Family Fun Park and its numerous fun-tastic possibilities (www.seasidefamilyfunpark.com, 503-738-2076).

The streets of Seaside from above

Seaside Helicopters is just south of Seaside. Hwy 101, S. Seaside. www.seaside-helicopters.com. (503) 440-4123.

At Aviation Adventures, longtime Navy pilot Allen Sprague not only takes passengers on a whirlwind tour of the north Oregon coast, but he lets you take the wheel for a bit as well. That’s right. You briefly get to fly the aircraft.

Flights begin at $35 per person and run as long as 30 minutes in some cases. He even offers beginning flight instruction at $59 per session and intermediate flight instruction at $140 an hour.

Both Seaside Helicopters and Aviation Adventures allow you to see coves and other features around Tillamook Head you can't see any other way

Aviation Adventures gives you the option of flying around Seaside and up to the Columbia River; or south, around Cannon Beach and Nehalem Bay. He’ll ask you what you want to see and take you accordingly.

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

Often, Sprague says, people take the northward tour, which takes people up beyond Astoria, to Dismal Nitch, Young’s Bay and then back to the beaches of Seaside, for a quick swing around Terrible Tilly – the legendary lighthouse that sits a mile offshore. Other tours involve extensive, detailed looks at the varied and nearly endless nooks and crannies in the cliffs and beaches of Cannon Beach, Hug Point, Arch Cape, Short Sand Beach, Cape Falcon, Neahkahnie Mountain and Manzanita. You also get extensive glimpses of the shoreline along six-mile long Tillamook Head – which are, of course, never visible to the average tourist.

Sea caves near Manzanita, via Aviation Adventures

You’ll witness enormous sea caves you can’t see otherwise, or hidden cliffs and structures lurking around landmarks that are normally familiar to you, things unseen except from this vantage point. Especially remarkable is when Sprague swings around Tillamook Rock Lighthouse several times, and you can glimpse this ancient beauty – now a bird sanctuary and columbarium – from an unusual and unforgettable angle. You actually get a good look at details and features that generations of beachgoers have dreamed about when gazing at that mysterious figure in the distance.

Sprague is also providing flights from the piers of Astoria to Seaside and back for the mighty cruise ships coming into Astoria. Those go from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Cost is $27 per person for a 15-minute flight, with a three-person minimum.

A different view of Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock

All other days: $35.00 per person up to 30 minutes (three people minimum) out of Seaside Airport; weather permitting. Must call in advance for scheduling (503) 717-1416.

You can find Aviation Adventures at the Seaside Municipal Airport, on the northern border of town.

Both Seaside Helicopters and Aviation Adventures run seven days a week during the high season months, depending on clear weather. They’re usually open to weekend flights or around on the nicer days on the north coast.

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.

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.

Condo-hotel that offers the amenities of a fine hotel, but also includes ownership of a vacation home on the north Oregon coast. It is a unique opportunity, as condo owners have an opportunity to share in the revenues of their unit. All have either spectacular, nearly aerial views of the ocean and city, or they gaze out at the lush forests of the coast range mountains. There are private balconies in all rooms, which come as studios or units with one bedroom or two - as large as 850 square feet. Each is fully furnished. $189,000 to $449,000, (with most in the $300,000 range.) When owners are not using their units, they may be rented out as hotel rooms, and owners may share in those revenues.

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.

17 lavish, beachfront suites feature Jacuzzi or outdoor hot tub, gas fireplace, luxury robes & linens, TV, two-headed showers. Three large suites have kitchens. Private deck w/ BBQ available. No smoking or pets. Perfect for romantic getaway, honeymoon.

Feed the seals! One of the oldest aquariums in the U.S. is here in Seaside, Oregon, right on the Promenade

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.

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.

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.

RELATED STORIES

Click here for video of Dec. storm aftermath

Oregon Coast Best of Awards for the Year And the winners are: best of Oregon coast restaurants, lodgings, science, odd events in nature and stunning moments for 2007

Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sights

Staggeringly Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and gushy activities for the hand-holding set

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