Secrets of the Season

Family Fun Nightlife Frivolity Subscribe to BC news RSS Feeds Add BC news to YOUR site

Sun, Fun and Nice Temps for Vacation Week on Oregon Coast

Cape Meares Lighthouse: it's a good time to check an old friend in such weather, if you haven't been lately.

(Oregon Coast) – The weather is predicted to be absolutely perfect for traveling and for tourism this weekend on the Oregon coast, typified by sunny skies, little or no wind and somewhat warm conditions.

Although the highs will be in the lower 50’s, with the clear skies of the coast and windless conditions, it often feels a little warmer than it really is on the beaches. In fact, if you want warmer conditions, it will be more cozy on the coast than in the valley this week.

Those traversing the roads to the coast or Highway 101 will encounter no problems, all conditions that are expected to boost the flood of visitors to the region and pack the hotels even more.

The nights will be plenty chilly, however, clocking in around the mid-30’s.

Manzanita: excellent weather is expected all week, especially Friday, when it may feel like near 70 degrees because of the lack of wind

The forecast calls for no clouds on Thursday and Friday, with some clouds moving in on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a chance of rain. There is a chance Friday will be up close to 60 degrees during the day, which will translate to a near tropical feel for the area, as a lack of wind in such temperatures on the coast seem to amplify the warmth. It may be time for sunscreen that day.

It’s been lovely like this for the last couple of days, say coastal residents, who’ve been basking in warm conditions and a mesmerizing, still surf.

“The ocean is flat, so it is easier to spot the whales,” said Peggy Leoni, owner of Trollers Lodge in Depoe Bay. “Actually, the weather here is always perfect - at least for someone.”

Whale watching will be prime in such calm surf conditions (photo courtesty Depoe Bay's Whale watch Center)

Connie Barradas, group sales coordinator at the Liberty Inn in Lincoln City was getting ready for a rush of customers. “The weather here in Lincoln City is beautiful, but cold,” Barradas said. “It’s busier this year than last year. We are pretty close to being full for that night.”

Down the street, at the D Sands Condominium, manager Kevin said he’s bracing for the masses as well. “We do still have a few rooms left to sell,” Winters said. “We generally are busy on Thanksgiving Day because all of our rooms have full sized kitchens in them, making it handy to have a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner at the beach.”

Lovely, calm surf at Bayocean, near Tillamook

Driving conditions on major coastal routes are expected to be quite full of traffic, say experts, as are all the major highways in Oregon. Last year’s holiday was a record for fatalities and drunk driving arrests, so state officials are urging motorists to use caution while traveling over the weekend.

Once you’re at the coast, Highway 101 is also expected to be full of traffic. This could mean slow going in bigger towns, especially Lincoln City, where traffic jams often occur on peak visitor times because of the sheer number of people and the fact the main road changes from four lanes to two in several places.

Cannon Beach will experience clogs, as will 101 through Seaside. Newport is likely to stay fairly easy going, however, because of its large, four-lane system.

Be careful along Highway 101, with its winding turns and extra traffic (pictured: Sea Lion Caves, near Florence)

Officials urge travelers to leave their destinations a bit early and watch out for other hazardous drivers on the road. Some will try to speed through these uneasy jams.

Police patrols are expected to be out in full as well.

As Leoni mentioned, flat waves make for better whale watching. This is especially true in the Depoe Bay area, with its whale regulars often feeding around those waters. Other great vantage points to spot whales include Neahkahnie Mountain overlooks near Manzanita, the pullouts just south of Cannon Beach, the cliffs north of Florence, Cape Meares, and even slightly higher vantage points that are fairly close to the ocean, like some of the back roads of Lincoln City, Gleneden Beach, Yachats, Newport’s Nye Beach and Oceanside.

This beach access, just south of the Lane/Lincoln County border, will be great for watching whales and for avoiding possible sneaker waves

The state of Oregon has issued a warning for sneaker waves this week, however, as high tides are expected to be bigger than normal – up around 10 feet. This means that the surf will be unusually high on the beaches, and many smaller, cove-like beaches may not be accessible, or certainly will be a bad idea to traverse. With such otherwise calm conditions, the public may be easily lulled into too much confidence in the safety of the tides.

Playing around the beaches will be highly suggested this week, but you may have to avoid accesses where the beaches are not broad and sandy, and some beaches may not even be accessible. Always keep your eye on the surf.

Like the big tides that are predicted along with the gorgeous weather, there will be a flood of people. Brian Hines, at San Dune Inn in Manzanita used the term “flood” when he described what he’s expecting at his charming, quirky, 14-room inn. “Just a vacancy or two,” Hines said. “Its always busy this weekend. Lots of calls.”

Click here for lodging availability for the holiday weekend, and here for a list of restaurants open for Thanksgiving.

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

Prepare for Freaky, Creepy Mole Crabs on Oregon Coast Beaches The little critters make the tideline bubble and feel really weird as they run across your feet

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

CONTACT BEACH CONNECTION