Observations from 8 days in beautiful Oregon
 

Just returned from 8 days in Oregon with my wife and 13 month old son. None of us had ever been before nor is Oregon a "typical" vacation spot for people who live in Texas. In fact everyone before we went said "Oregon, why?" When we got to Oregon, everyone said "wow you came far"! As a result I felt some observations were in order. I apologize to Oregonians if I let the secret out (no more summers in Colorado)!

First, this is an amazing state. We did a circular trip from Portland down the coast as far as Florence up the coast and back to Portland. We had never seen geography like this before. Mountains on one side of the road, steep declines to the ocean on the other. Simply gorgeous. I have now been to almost 40 states and this ranks near the top in scenery (especially the Central Coast from Yachats down to Florence and presumably further south).

We stayed 5 nights on the coast split between Yachats and Cannon Beach. We also stopped in Newport, Florence, Tillamook and Seaside while on the coast. With regard to Yachats (which was a lot smaller than we envisioned but not in a bad way) we stayed at the Overleaf which I highly recommend. Great location right on the water. Very nice place with a short oceanside walk into
town.

WE stopped in Newport along the way from PDX to Yachats. We could have done without the historic waterfront area but am glad we did not miss the ORegon Coast Aquarium which is a fabulous attraction. Highly recommend with or without children.

One day (arguably the best) we went from Yachats to Florence. We stopped at the Cape Perpetua Viewpoints which truly captures the beauty opf the coast. Surprisngly really enjoyed the Sea Lion Caves. And lastly really enjoyed the quaintness of downtown Florence and the Sand Dunes Park. We even took our son in his carseat on one of the giant dune buggy rides in the Sand Dunes which was outstanding (thanks Fodorites for that reco). He loved it for 15 minutes and then fell asleep!

With regard to the Northern coast we stayed at surfsand resort in cannon beach which has gotten plenty of positive press. We loved cannon Beach and you can put us in the category of vistors who couldn't stand Seaside. Due to the debates on this board I will leave that alone and will only mention that I am amazed Cannon Beach has not been discovered by those east of the Rockies.

We finished in Portland (with a day trip to the gorge and waterfalls) that has outstanding attractions for kids. The Zoo is excellent (as opposed to my city), as is OMSI and the children's Museum.

All in all, beautiful state with great people. While the entire country endured a heatwave we enjoyed temperatures in the 60's for all but 2 days (which were the hottest in Portland history, but lets focus on the good for now)! Looking forward to seeing more of the state in a few years.

Until then I hope everyone else continues going to Colorado and Oregon stays exactly the way we left it!

Great report.
Yachats is indeed tiny. That's why we love it.
Now sssshhhhh! don't let the cat out of the bag
or we'll be overrun with long tall texans.

Love your report about your time in beautiful Oregon eschule. Oregon is indeed a fabulous state and how wonderful that you and your family got to enjoy it.

I hope that you can come back to the westcoast. You would no doubt enjoy Northern California also. And for sure I think you would enjoy seeing even more of Oregon..Crater Lake for example. And our Lake Tahoe which spans N CA to Nevada. And the coastline of Northern California. You will have to make many more trips here over the years while your little fellow grows up. Best regards.

Actually- CB has been discovered by those east of the Rockies- last summer, I met a family from New York, a couple from North Carolina, and yes, even a few from Texas:)

But ssshhh- don't tell anyone! It's a bit like the rain in Seattle- It's up-played to downplay the wonderful region.

So glad you had such a wonderful time!!

Well, someone already told us so we moved here! LOL
Thank you , eschule, for your charming report..I would enjoy any details you feel like posting. I love Cannon Beach, but look forward to Cape Perpetua and Yachats and that part of the state..a lot of nice places to look forward to discovering !
We will do our best to try to keep Oregon exactly the way it is :)

Maybe on a future trip you will be able to drive south of Florence...IMHO the most beautiful combination of beach and offshore rock formations is from Port Orford south.

Very nice report, thanks. I am also a Texan and I will be taking my first trip to Oregon this Saturday. Can't wait!! :-)

I have lived in Oregon almost my entire life and it is so nice to hear from others who appreciate the beauty of this state!

I travelled around this country to see if there was a better place to live and, although there are some amazing places in this country, Oregon is my favorite state!

Cheers!

Great report eschule! We will be vacationing in Oregon this year, too and are really looking forward to it. We live on the east coast and have been getting the same reactions as you did when people ask where we are going on vacation - "Oregon, why Oregon?"