The Space Needle. Mt. St. Helens. Forks. That's what pops in to the minds of non-NW or non-US travelers when considering a travel date with the northwest. Having lived up and down the west coast, from Canada to San Fran, (with travels down the Mexico), I'll give some first-hand experience and tips.
The Canadian and Seattle, Wa coastline is a bear to reach and travel. Although the maps show a relatively short distance, it's fair to say it's 'as the crow flies,' not as humans drive. In other words, from the city of Seattle, getting to the coast can be a challenge. The expansive 'sound,' gets in the way. This 'sound,' as it's referred to, is the Puget Sound, and is a waterway between the land, and the Olympic Peninsula. Few knew or cared until Twilight came along and gave fame to the wettest place in the US. It takes about 3-4 hours up or down to reach the actual shoreline.
A better route is to hit Vancouver and Seattle, have fun, eats lots of salmon, for the runs are unpredictable, and there might not be many left in 10 years. Take I-5 down south and cut over to Astoria. This is where the fun begins.
The Oregon coastline is considered to be the most beautiful in the country, and for good reason. First, Highway 101 follows it all the way down from the amazing 4.1 mile long Astoria bridge. Granted, you'll be going about 20 miles an hour if traveled during peak holiday times in the summer, a load full of campers and RVs in front of you, or Porsche convertibles taking up the road. But it's so gorgeous, you don't mind. Whereas Seattle has long stretches of (cold), the Oregon coast alternates between dramatic cliffs, beaches (a little warmer) but is dotted with the alcoves, coves and punchbowl-like inlets that make for amazing discovery zones. It's also dotted with small towns with quaint names like Depot Bay, Coosbay and Newport, each residing right on the cliff side, scenic enough to be a vision in an Ann McCaffrey Dragonflight
novel. When in Depot Bay, you must stop at the taffey joint on main street (101 goes right through town. Park on then the right and get sprayed with the smashing waves, cross the street and hit the foot joints). A must at Newport is Mo's, a casual dining experience where everyone sits on family-style benches with fresh crab, seafood and the best (or rather, most famous and beloved) white clam chowder on the coast. (for non-Americans, the east coast tends to favor red chowder whereas white is more prevalent on the west side of the states). Smart folks than I know the reason for this...
The summer is filled with major events, from sand castle making kite flying and beach drag racing. The tidal pools of the Oregon coast are famous, probably mostly so with school children. They extend for hundreds of feet, allowing waders to go out sometimes as far as a mile in water up to your ankles or knees. This is an explorers playground. The unwritten rule being--don't disturb the animals. Petting ok. hurting not.
The ultimate entry points are 2. One--Devils Punchbowl. From the rim, peering down a hundred feet, it's literally a round bowl that nature has carved from the waves coming through an opening. During low tide, the brave and jump in, walk around and view thousands of colorful sea anemones on the wall, starfish and other creatures. Time is limited though. When the water starts coming through and one gets stuck, your dead. Literally. In my bravest of days, I followed by 16 yr old brother through (I, 14) several times, and we took in the wonder. The 2nd time we nearly got stuck, and that was it. No more venturing. Its is astounding though. Park and walk down to the rim and sea nature in all its glory.
The Sea Lion Caves 
are another must. This cave is an underground playground where the sea lions come from all over to hang out and breed. One must go down a huge elevator shaft, walk underground, behind a man-made, glass divider.
Continue on down the coast (a slow ride will take you 2-3 days). Take your time, spend the night in some quaint hotels and enjoy the food. Nearing the Northern California border, you'll enter the historical, and impressive Redwood Forest. Although many of the grandest trees have been chopped, a few still exist, and have been preserved for viewing. It truly is awe inspiring to drive through the forest. Quite a few small cabin-like hotel dwellings are in the forest. One time we lucked out and found one the night of traveling through, but I wouldn't take that chance during high season.
I could name a lot more sites to visit, but these are the tops sports. Having been up and down both East and West coasts (and lived in Florida for 4 yrs to boot), other coasts are much warmer and better for sunbathing (don't plan on whipping out the bathing suit in Oregon or Washington unless you are from Alaska or Greenland). But if you're looking great food and nature at its best, visit the Oregon coastline with a bit of Washington and California thrown in. It will be a trip to remember.
And as for my blog on Harley riders going to church, an anonymous reader posted that in Carson City, NV, a church exists called "Bikers for Christ." Apparently, the parking lot is always full of Harleys. This, non-American readers, is how we really roll to church in the US. Any. Way. We. Want.
 |
| This is the only bridge I ever get scared going down-serious. It's so steep it's like bungey jumping in a car. freaky but fun |
A better route is to hit Vancouver and Seattle, have fun, eats lots of salmon, for the runs are unpredictable, and there might not be many left in 10 years. Take I-5 down south and cut over to Astoria. This is where the fun begins.
The Oregon coastline is considered to be the most beautiful in the country, and for good reason. First, Highway 101 follows it all the way down from the amazing 4.1 mile long Astoria bridge. Granted, you'll be going about 20 miles an hour if traveled during peak holiday times in the summer, a load full of campers and RVs in front of you, or Porsche convertibles taking up the road. But it's so gorgeous, you don't mind. Whereas Seattle has long stretches of (cold), the Oregon coast alternates between dramatic cliffs, beaches (a little warmer) but is dotted with the alcoves, coves and punchbowl-like inlets that make for amazing discovery zones. It's also dotted with small towns with quaint names like Depot Bay, Coosbay and Newport, each residing right on the cliff side, scenic enough to be a vision in an Ann McCaffrey Dragonflight
novel. When in Depot Bay, you must stop at the taffey joint on main street (101 goes right through town. Park on then the right and get sprayed with the smashing waves, cross the street and hit the foot joints). A must at Newport is Mo's, a casual dining experience where everyone sits on family-style benches with fresh crab, seafood and the best (or rather, most famous and beloved) white clam chowder on the coast. (for non-Americans, the east coast tends to favor red chowder whereas white is more prevalent on the west side of the states). Smart folks than I know the reason for this...The summer is filled with major events, from sand castle making kite flying and beach drag racing. The tidal pools of the Oregon coast are famous, probably mostly so with school children. They extend for hundreds of feet, allowing waders to go out sometimes as far as a mile in water up to your ankles or knees. This is an explorers playground. The unwritten rule being--don't disturb the animals. Petting ok. hurting not.
 |
| Devils Punchbowl in Oregon. Amazing from the top, unreal from the inside |
 |
| Sea Lion cave-the largest in the world. Incredible to see at any age |
are another must. This cave is an underground playground where the sea lions come from all over to hang out and breed. One must go down a huge elevator shaft, walk underground, behind a man-made, glass divider. Continue on down the coast (a slow ride will take you 2-3 days). Take your time, spend the night in some quaint hotels and enjoy the food. Nearing the Northern California border, you'll enter the historical, and impressive Redwood Forest. Although many of the grandest trees have been chopped, a few still exist, and have been preserved for viewing. It truly is awe inspiring to drive through the forest. Quite a few small cabin-like hotel dwellings are in the forest. One time we lucked out and found one the night of traveling through, but I wouldn't take that chance during high season.
I could name a lot more sites to visit, but these are the tops sports. Having been up and down both East and West coasts (and lived in Florida for 4 yrs to boot), other coasts are much warmer and better for sunbathing (don't plan on whipping out the bathing suit in Oregon or Washington unless you are from Alaska or Greenland). But if you're looking great food and nature at its best, visit the Oregon coastline with a bit of Washington and California thrown in. It will be a trip to remember.
And as for my blog on Harley riders going to church, an anonymous reader posted that in Carson City, NV, a church exists called "Bikers for Christ." Apparently, the parking lot is always full of Harleys. This, non-American readers, is how we really roll to church in the US. Any. Way. We. Want.
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