Portland to the coast ISO Day trip ideas (Astoria, Newport: house, restaurants)

[crazylegs5150]

Hey everyone. I was hoping to take a day trip over to the coast when I am in town next month and staying in PDX (because I have a free place to stay). I am not sure how long it takes to get over there but was wondering the time frame to drive each way. Once there, what are some good places to go and see. I'd love to see some hay stacks if possible too. I've read that manzanita Beach is a great place to watch sunsets but not sure how far away from PDX it is. I am sure anyplace along the coast is really beautiful, but was looking for some places that are easily accessible for the day. Any and all hints/tips/suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

[sayulita]

Cannon Beach would be my choice. About 75 minutes away and an easy drive. Charming little town and beautiful beach including Haystack Rock. When done there, take a 20 minute drive up to Seaside and check that out. Seaside is bigger but has a fun boardwalk along the beach, an aquarium as I recall, and lots of shops and galleries. You can easily see both these places in a day with an early start.

[davefr]

Take Hwy 6 to Tillamook and explore Netarts, Oceanside and Cape Meares. It can be done as a day trip.

I'd avoid Seaside, Canon Beach and Lincoln City - they're just average tourist traps.

[malone7384]

There is also Astoria and Newport that would be two good trips as well.

[crazylegs5150]

Anyone know anything or have experiences with hiking Ecola State Park by Cannon Beach? It sounds awesome. Hikes through the trees with views of the coast thrown in. it appears there are several trails to take out there. I was just wondering if anyone had done any of them. While I would like to "see" Cannon Beach, i have no intention of spending any real time there as I'd rather be out seeing the beautiful outdoors!

[mdvaden]

I like most of the towns.

Cannon Beach and Seaside are not tourist traps. They are towns with stuff to do and choose from as people choose. There is stuff for tourists and stuff for regulars.

Cannon Beach has what I think is some of the best Pizza at Fultano's. A block away is a great coffee shop. I'll go there even for just those. That town is the access for Ecola State Park - very scenic.

For years, I've window shopped at Seaside and never tire of it. Only bumper cars in the area. It has a pretty big beach area. If you go on a weekday, many less people. Several good restaurants.

Gearhart has a drive on beach that's about several miles worth of driving if I recall. Look at it on Google Earth. You can even see the funnel shape opening of the Del Ray Beach access and Sunset Beach assess, and the drive area is even longer than those. We park there often, or walk or drive. It's huge.

Manzanita is a cute town too - cozy.

The helicopter ride for Seaside Helicopters is fun. Only 5 to 10 minutes, but fun. I've done it twice. It's just prior to entering Seaside. Here is the view from the sky. Cannon Beach is in the distance, with haystack rock, and Ecola Park is to it's right a ways.

Seaside Helicopters has a website.

Originally Posted by crazylegs5150

Anyone know anything or have experiences with hiking Ecola State Park by Cannon Beach? It sounds awesome. Hikes through the trees with views of the coast thrown in. it appears there are several trails to take out there. I was just wondering if anyone had done any of them. While I would like to "see" Cannon Beach, i have no intention of spending any real time there as I'd rather be out seeing the beautiful outdoors!

It's very nice trail. Has several nice ocean views and a lighthouse view too.

Here:

Ecola State Park at the Oregon Coast

Nice forest of evergreens all year.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by crazylegs5150

Anyone know anything or have experiences with hiking Ecola State Park by Cannon Beach? It sounds awesome. Hikes through the trees with views of the coast thrown in. it appears there are several trails to take out there. I was just wondering if anyone had done any of them. While I would like to "see" Cannon Beach, i have no intention of spending any real time there as I'd rather be out seeing the beautiful outdoors!

I think Ecola State Park is gorgeous! Many professional photographers hit the trails for great images of seastacks and the rugged coast. Here are a few of mine from last year:











I also really like Cannon Beach closer to the Ecola SP side:







Derek

[mdvaden]

Here is one shot of the "Terrible Tilly" lighthouse looking from the Ecola Park end of the trail. And a shot of one hillside in the same area: spruce trees. The forest density varies. This is a medium density area.

[crazylegs5150]

awesome photos you guys! I cannot wait to go check it out! Seems like there are a lot of great trails available for hiking alone in this one park.I am an inspired photographer and think it will be a great op to practice some skills with the diversity of terrain and conditions!

[spike klobas]

don't go to the cheese factory it is a gift store with cheese. but the 3 cape senic loop is do west from pdx . traffic is light and you could see the cape meares light house go in side too the bird life is the best. so tillamook is not a horrid trap of tourism. and has a sat market.