Hi,

We will be in and around Portland from 6/21-26. I was hoping to take a ride to the coast and see some lighthouses. I am not sure where they are, and how much time I would need to see some, and drive back to Portland. Any help would be most appreciated.

Also, in terms of packing what should I expect? Do I need to go from tanks to long sleeves/light jacket at night? Will the beaches be warm this time of year?

Many thanks!

No, the beaches are not likely to be warm this time of year, at least the northern coast. They CAN be warm, even hot on rare occasion, but it's probably more likely that people walking on the beach will be wearing sweatshirts. Last Friday it was high-70s and sunny in Portland but about 60, overcast, and windy at Seaside.

Do some googling for Oregon lighthouses and you'll likely find maps and lots of pictures. I'm most familiar with the two at Newport, the traditional lighthouse at Yaquina Head and the smaller, older one just south at the mouth of Yaquina Bay. Both lighthouses can be toured and are very easy to get to. Newport is about 2.5 hours southwest of Portland by car and the coast just north/south of Newport is very scenic. If you go to Newport, don't miss the fabulous Yaquina Bay Bridge just south of town.

I just shot some half decent sunset pictures of the Yaquina Head lighthouse from a nice location I found; need to go back in the winter when the sun sets a little further south...

We were in Seaside last Friday and it didn't even reach 60, and with the wind it was quite cold. Yesterday we were around Lincoln City and the forecast was for the same as last week in Seaside, yet yesterday it was beautiful and quite warm. I only mention this to show how our weather can change in a heartbeat and so do not rely just on the forecasts. Think layers when you are packing.

If it were me I'd head to Astoria, cross the (awesome) bridge over the mouth of the Columbia River, and visit the two lighthouses at Cape Disappointment State Park (WA) - the "Cape Disappointment" and "North Head" lights.

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=115
http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=116

If time permits (you'll have the longest days of the year) you could extend the excursion to the cute town of Ilwaco (WA) and/or visit Long Beach, WA, a rather classic beach-front taffy-stand place not unlike (but smaller than) Seaside OR. A drive up the Long Beach Peninsula, alongside the gorgeous Willapa Bay, to the historic town of Oysterville is also very rewarding. http://www.longbeachwa.com/

Then return to Portland along the north bank of the Columbia (a beautiful, historic, and under-visited area) as far as Longview, then I-5 the rest of the way. It's a longish but very rewarding day trip.

Hi,

How long would it take to get to Cape Disappointment, which I hope it won't be...it sounds, great. Thanks and thanks for the weather reality check, too, Andrew

It won't be... I have a postcard, right here on my desk, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse..breathtaking.

I responded on your other thread, but it's about 2.5 hours from Portland to Cape Disappointment. Not as close as Cape Meares, but if lighthouses are your primary interest, well worth the extra .5 hour or so drive.

Honeybear, the park has offered tours of North Head lighthouse during past summers; I don't know if they are being offered this summer, but if you get the chance, the view from North Head lighthouse on a sunny day is magnificent.
http://www.funbeach.com/attractions/cape-D.html

I second Gardyloo's suggestion of driving back on the north bank - it's a really pretty drive, especially around Skamakowa. We did the drive from Portland to Long Beach via 26 and 101 all the time when I was a kid. It usually took between 2 and 2 1/2 hours (depending on traffic and who was driving!).