Secrets of the Season

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Dealing with Late Summer Travel on the Oregon Coast

Secret trail just north of Florence

(Oregon Coast) - It's at this time of year when things are really starting to warm up on the Oregon coast - most of the time, anyway.

Things on Oregon's shoreline in August can still be a mixed bag in the weather department - a mish mash of sun, overcast, wind, drizzle and fairly warm temperatures. Unlike the spring, conditions aren't puzzling for the tourist with that season's abrupt changes from hour to hour, but the region does have its stark differences during these dog days of summer. You may be running from heatwaves in the valley, but arrive on the coast to find things a little cooler than you anticipated.

Many a coastal jaunt has been ruined by someone in your party who was all dressed down for summer in shorts and a t-shirt when they left the sweltering valley, only to hit the cooled down coast with no jacket or change of clothes at hand. Then they've complained or suffered through their chills the whole time. Make sure you're prepared for drastic changes in weather - especially if you're on the coast for more than a day trip.

Hug Point, near Cannon Beach

The other aspect to look out for in late summer is the massive crowds, traffic and lodging availability. At this time of year, everyone has embarked on their vacations, often with a sense of urgency having come from realizing, "Oops, summer's almost done and we haven't taken our vacations yet." So mid-week is filled with beachgoers heading to and from the beach on the highways, creating all sorts of traffic backups and dangers. Make sure you leave early enough to give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going so speeding or driving recklessly isn't a temptation, because there's always a few people who didn't do that, and you'll have to share the road with them.

It's advisable to leave the coast later in the day, perhaps after sunset, to find the least traffic - even if nighttime driving isn't as pleasant as daytime motoring.

Waldport

Also, lodging availability, even during the mid-week is a problem now. Countless motels are booked up even during the middle of the week at this frantic time of year. Not to mention, finding a place to stay on weekends is actually rare. So make sure you reserve yours ahead of time. Luckily, BeachConnection.net provides a service each Thursday morning with lodging availability for the weekend and even during the week. See the news link for this, or check the front page Thursday morning.

Finally, the crowds are indeed an issue in other ways, such as quality of your coastal experience. Here are a few spots where you can either get away from the masses, or at least make the most of it:

Oceanside, behind the tunnel

Oceanside

Find this tiny village on the Three Capes Tour, about nine miles west of Tillamook, and you've happened across one of the coast's biggest wonders.

Wander the beach, slightly shielded from the north winds by Maxwell Point, and you'll find an intriguing tunnel going through the small headland. On the other side, you'll find a wondrous beach filled with strange rock slabs and agate-combing possibilities.

If the weather's been wet for a while, stay away from this tunnel, however. The cliffs above often drop rocks and such.

In such dreary weather, a walk or drive along the steep, hilly streets of this miniscule town will blow you away. The older homes are stunning enough, but some of the more recent additions may drive you mad with jealousy with their opulence and the amazing ocean view they sit in front of. A few of these have delightfully weird shapes which will delight you and maybe cause you to scratch your head.

This little burgh is often nice during those hectic summer moments when everyone else seems to have gone out to the coast to get away from it all as well. It's still enough off the beaten path that it can be less crowded than other beaches.

Jump-Off rock structure, in the distance

Nye Beach

This tiny section of Newport is more than a quaint place: it's mesmerizing with its beauty and its architecture of old town America mixed with old Europe in interesting ways. A recent refurbishing of the district, complete with lanterns and brick streets, catapults the vibe into high gear.

Down on the beach, after parking at the charming turnaround, you'll find a long, sandy stretch in either direction that's highlighted by nooks and crannies in the cliffs, as well as the interesting remnant of Jump-Off Joe to the north.

Above the structure sit the spooky remnants of a condo once naively built on this shaky sandstone foundation back in the early 80's. It faltered and began crumbling just weeks before its completion. These days, this chunk of labyrinth-like concrete evokes castle ruins a bit.

To the south, there's the Vietnam Vet memorial, which features a walkway meandering up into the cliff. It's lit up at night by a host of lights embedded near the floor, with various benches along the way, perfect for that midnight smooch session as the huge, Yaquina Head Lighthouse blinks in the distance.

Wheeler, on the bay

Nehalem Bay

There's just something different about this delightful little chunk of Americana, which extends a ways back inland between Rockaway and Manzanita. Part of that is that the area presents an interesting way of hiding from the moody weather of the coastline. It's not unusual to find the beaches immediately south and north of the bay overcast and even rainy, while the bay is basking in the sun.

Strangely enough, Manzanita is often known for being cloistered from inclement weather itself. It's not unusual to find that beach warm and sunny, while Rockaway (immediately south) or Cannon Beach (just to the north) are socked in with drizzle and fog.

If the weather is acting up, explore the antique shops of Nehalem or Wheeler. At Wheeler Station, there's some 10,000 square feet of store to get lost in, crammed full of collectibles ranging from chuckle-inducing oddball to beautiful. Explore the adorable storefronts, which sometimes have an old west vibe or smack of the 1940's. And head to the nearby Nehalem Bay Winery (888-368-WINE) to soak up the quirky ambiance amid wine tasting. www.nehalembaywinery.com

Battery Russel, at Fort Stevens

It's Time to Get Lost in History Near Astoria

Here, at the north Oregon coast attraction of Fort Stevens, enormous gunneries once guarded the mouth of the Columbia River, lodged in huge turrets which rested in sprawling concrete fortresses - all empty and abandoned now, with gaping holes like sad, hollow eyes, where guns, officers' quarters and other war machinery once sat.

Around one bend, you'll find Battery Russell and its enormous concrete bunkers. Built around the turn of the last century, the gunnery eventually watched for invaders during World War II. There are other gunneries as well - all perfect for rainy days when you don't mind getting a little wet while darting in and out of these castle-like structures.

The park also features an incredible jetty stretching out into the mouth of the Columbia River and the wreck of the Peter Iredale, one of the world's most photographed shipwrecks.

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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