Five Great Hiking Havens Near Cannon Beach, OR
Astoria’s Historical Attractions
If it’s a clear day, drive straight to the Astoria Column that crowns the town for panoramic views of the entire region. Next, a visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum reveals the story of the Northwest’s seagoing history in an engaging way and offers a scenic viewpoint to observe the river. Just south of Astoria is Lewis and Clark’s Fort Clatsop, where it is easy to picture yourself back in time more than 200 years.
You can then see the remains of the 1906 shipwreck Peter Iredale on the beach at Fort Stevens State Park in Astoria.
There is also an awesome 6.4-mile walking or biking Riverwalk Trail along the Columbia River that starts in Astoria. A combination of asphalt and boardwalk, it is also wheelchair-accessible. For more information, go to www.traillink.com/trail/astoria-riverwalk.
Seaside’s Turnaround and Promenade
It’s the Oregon Coast’s first beach resort town, and a walk down Seaside’s Broadway is one of the Coast’s most unique experiences. You’ll pass by shops, restaurants, and family attractions, which include a large arcade, old-fashioned carousel, bumper cars, and indoor miniature golf. At the beach is the historic automobile turnaround and oceanfront promenade, among the Coast’s most famous landmarks dating from the 1920s. There is also the iconic “turnaround” on the Seaside Promenade.
Golfing in Gearhart, OR
The Highlands Golf Club is a special place to play golf. Located in the historic golfing town of Gearhart, OR and nestled between the rugged sand dunes overlooking the Pacific, The Highlands Golf Club is the only ocean view golf course on the northern Oregon Coast.
It is a golf course that is fun for players of all ability levels and is a great place to play for the whole family. This is a beautiful, “must-play” golf course! For more information, go to www.highlandsgolfgearhart.com.
Three Capes Scenic Drive
One of the great side trips off Coast Highway US 101 between Tillamook and Pacific City is the Three Capes Scenic Loop, which leads visitors to stunning views at Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda.
Cape Meares offers a short walk to a lighthouse with panoramic views along the way. Meanwhile, Cape Lookout is perfect for a picnic, beach access, or hike to the end of the cape. Lastly, Cape Kiwanda offers tide pools at its base, and you can scale the giant sand dune for views of the dramatically sculpted sandstone cliff sides to the north. Break up your drive with short hikes to unusual fauna and majestic views!
The famous Octopus Tree is a short hike from the Cape Meares Lighthouse parking lot. You can also join the Cape Meares Oregon Birdwatching, or you can go clamming in Nehalem or Netarts Bay!
Whale Watching in Depot Bay
You can journey into the world of the gray whale with marine biologists or naturalists, some of whom have worked with the summer resident gray whale population for over 25 years. The same whales come back every summer, and some of the tour guides have names for all the returning gray whales.
Some of the tours are just for fun, and other guides will educate you not only on all aspects of the gray whale but also on all the different marine life and unique oceanographic features you may encounter. These include seals, sea lions, and seabirds.
Visit Our Beautiful State Parks
You may also stop by our state parks to enjoy hours of hiking through old growth forests, biking at the Scenic Bikeways, picnicking, or just relaxing on a beautiful beach! There are dozens of parks to choose from, so pick your play and journey on!