Head for the Oregon Coast

Destination: Multnomah Falls and Astoria.

In spite of all the driving we do daily, many of us don’t venture farther than 50 miles away from the place where we were born. Break away from this stereotype by exploring Oregon, one of our next door neighbors.

As a transplant from the East Coast, driving across the U.S. only increased my appetite to see as much of the U.S. as possible. For some time, however, my husband and I thought that Oregon was too far for a weekend getaway, but during the winter holidays, we made a go of it over a four-day weekend.

We easily split the drive to the Coast over two days which gave us plenty of opportunities to observe Oregon’s natural beauty along the way. Driving I-84 took us along the scenic Columbia River with Mount Hood in the distance. Eventually we arrived to the breath-taking sight of Multnomah Falls, our first stop in our Oregonian journey.

This natural wonder, off exit 35, should not be missed. The waterfalls spill over 600 feet in a long, majestic stream, and the observation bridge puts you at the heart of it. Its mist creates a green wonderland of moss-covered trees. Visitors can stop their self-guided tour at the observation bridge or continue on a longer 2- or 5-mile hike.

Portland is a half-hour away past the falls. After spending the night there, we left the next morning for the Coast and drove an hour and a half to Tillamook, Ore. There, we visited the cheese and ice cream factory. Next, we stopped at Gearhart Beach, one of the many coastal beaches leading to Astoria. In the off-season, the beach had a surreal feel. Numerous upturned tree trunks dotted the beach instead of people. And the sand was picturesquely carved by the tide. On the beach and out in the water, we saw the area’s token monoliths, or “haystack rocks,” some of which can easily be climbed.

Finally, Astoria. The sleepy town in “Goonies” with its hidden treasures. Yes, the movie was filmed there, and yes, you can visit the house. It’s a private residence, but they’re happy to let you snap a pic as long as you respect their privacy. You’ll see signs for it on 38th Street. Each year, the town celebrates the movie on Goonies Day, June 7th. This year marks the movie’s 30th anniversary.

With its seaside charm, Astoria is a quaint destination when visiting Oregon. For lunch or dinner, choose from any of the beachfront seafood restaurants. Ours was the Ship Inn British Pub and Restaurant on 2nd Street where we ate fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. We then took a late afternoon walk along 12th Street and visited several of the town’s antique stores, many of which are on Commercial Street. We missed visiting the Astoria Column, however, because of the weather, but made note to visit the 600-foot monument on a future trip.

While many visitors flock to the Coast in the summer, beat the crowds and explore the Coast without them in the off-season. And enjoy the ride there too.

#adventure