Yes, Oregon has the ocean. Oregon is flanked on it’s west by hundreds of miles of accessible seas and vistas. It’s the colder, more rugged coastline to the north of California.
The Pacific Ocean laps and crashes into Oregon, one of three states that comprise the “West” coast of the United States. Much of Oregon’s oceanfront is anchored by nature’s sculptures of tall rock outcroppings. Cannon Beach’s Haystack rock is in the gallery’s hall of fame. It’s one of the most post-carded features of the coast and the state. Standing alone at over 230 feet with sheer faces, it’s often mirrored below by the shallow and serene higher tides. To best describe it to city folk, it’s like a single 20+ story condo high rise casting long shadows at sunrise and sunset. Showstopper surf activity on the rocks entertain and are appropriately named: Thor’s Well, Devil’s Punchbowl and Thunder Rock Cove.
The largest city in Oregon, sits on the northern border and it slashed right down the middle by the Willamette River. The mighty Columbia River cascades at a wide angle over Portland’s northern border like a thick head, almost a bit of homage to Portland’s many dozens of microbreweries nearby. Parks abound on the Portland rivers, many with a perfect view of Mount Hood on a clear day. Favorites are Tom McCall Waterfront Park featuring 30 riverfront acres, Broughton Beach Park and Kelley Point Park.
Oregon is also crisscrossed by compelling rivers and dotted with gorgeous lakes. In short, Oregon waterfront is much more than it’s coast.
Test driving a jet boat from one of the many jet boat manufacturers in Oregon who build the boats to ride the many rivers, like the Rogue. This boat ride was on upper Klamath Lake in south central Oregon. It is the largest fresh water body in Oregon. (by surface area)
The view from a Seaside, Oregon tavern at a lonely happy hour on the Necanicum River. It was off season and we had the town to ourselves. The tavern, the server, the river, the beach and the roads were enjoying a restful stillness before the busy season. Bonus when the sun shines!.
View from the hotel deck of the Siuslaw River and bridge in Florence, Oregon. Nearby, find waterfalls and over a dozen lakes of every size.
Towns and accommodations along the coast range from lodge luxury to rustic and quaint. Even newer accommodations feel well loved and aged from the relentless winds and salt air. Some accommodations are just plain aged. Almost all is casual and comfortable. Sandals, raingear, flannel shirts and dogs abound. Lots of dogs. A scan of hotel chains, and rentals by owners show that many, bordering on majority, are pet friendly. Again, it’s the comfortable feel of Oregon…bring yourself, bring your home (and your dog) here for the weekend. Fetching is so much more fun on the beach anyway.
I lived on a houseboat on the Willamette and we used to run our drift boat on the McKenzie River. Oregon’s rivers are the best. Glad you found them!