The Rhythm Of The Waves

The Rhythm Of The Waves

Oregon coastline is one of the most charming self-drive tour coast scenic routes in the world. Beautiful sandy beaches, simple and generous bridges, characteristic lighthouses, evergreen parks, and fascinating towns are the shinning pearls along the way. We re-visited Oregon north coast and stayed in Seaside over Easter weekend. It took 5 and half hours in driving from Burnaby, BC to Seaside, Oregon; plus one hour waiting time for crossing Canada-USA border, and half hour resting time on the road.

Before reached the Pacific coast in Oregon, we stopped at Astoria, a historic town locates along the Columbia River, which is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, and offers more points of historical interest than any other city on the Oregon Coast. Robert Gray and his small ship, Columbia Rediviva, entered and named the Columbia River in 1792; Lewis and Clark’s expedition of 1804–1806 established the new nation’s claim to the Pacific Northwest. The 125-foot Astoria Column atop Coxcomb Hill was erected in 1926, and is a very popular attraction with spectacular views of the ocean, towns, bridges, rivers, and mountains. Around the outside are 14 historical scenes commemorating important events in the history of Astoria in spiral upwards; Inside visitors can climb the 164-step spiral staircase leads to the top of a viewing platform.

Stand in the view platform on the top of the Astoria Column, the Astoria–Megler Bridge crossing over the mouth of Columbia River impress my eyes first. The bridge just likes a dragon lying on the water, fuses to the scenes of the two States on the both sides of the River. This over four miles long bridge was completed in 1966, and made Hwy 101 an unbroken link between the Canadian and Mexican borders. Following the Astoria-Megler Bridge toward south, you can see the 4200-foot lift-span Youngs Bridge over the Youngs Bay. The historical town Warrenton-Hammond just sits in the mouth of the Column River. At the end of the land is Fort Stevens State Park, the United States’ major defense for the mouth of the Column River from the Civil War until World War II. You can enjoy camping, hiking, and biking in this famous state park. And this park is very popular in summer, better make the reservation early if you want to camp in here.

After 20 minutes drove from Astoria, we reached Seaside, the first seashore resort in Oregon and remain one of the coast’s most popular year-round destinations. We stayed at a vacation house on 12 Avenue for 4 days 3 nights. The vacation house is very comfortable, about 100 steps to 12 Avenue bridge over Necanicum River where is popular for crabbing; 300 steps to the Seaside beach and the end of famous Seaside Promenade. The 1.5-mile or 2.4km oceanfront Promenade, between 12 Avenue and Broadway, is perfect place for casual walking, jogging and biking. The automobile turnaround on the Promenade at Broadway at the beach is one of Oregon's most famous landmarks. The views of the Pacific Ocean from the Promenade are wonderful. A boy and his daddy are busy making sand castle. 4 or 5 young people padding 3 wheel bikes chasing each other on the sandy beach. The colorful kites competing flying with seagulls. A Mum is swinging her girl on the beach and their laughs are waved in by sea breeze. And some people just lied on beach towels and take the sun bath. The beach grass covered the dunes, the rain forest covered Tillamook Head, and the neat ocean front homes and resorts. The sunset over the Pacific Ocean is unforgettable…

Seaside Aquarium locates on the Promenade more than 70 years, the seals show is funny, and the 35-foot skeleton of a Gray Whale is just outside of the aquarium. Visit Lewis and Clark‘s salt-making camp to trace their exploring footsteps. And in the evening, we cruise along Broadway, the core of Seaside's downtown, explored the classical coastal shops and attractions.

We toured Ecola State Park and Cannon beach on next day. Ecola state park locates between Seaside and Cannon Beach, just around 20 minutes to each end. The park has acres of forest and grass, is excellent for hiking, picnics and relaxation. With views of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, the Coast Range, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean, Ecola State Park is a prime spot for scenes and wedding photos.

Cannon Beach with miles of wide sandy beach is a popular coastal resort town. The famous Haystack Rock, the unofficial symbol of the town, just lies on the south. This 235-foot monolith is home to many species of nesting birds. And this marine garden is protected by the State. Stroll through the four block long village center, visit numerous galleries, as well as restaurants and shops of all kinds in a well preserved coastal ambience.

Fishing and digging razor clams were very fun in Seaside. We went surf perch fishing in Seaside Cove on the third day afternoon. Within two and half hours, my son caught 4 surf perches, 3 were over 2 lb and one under 1 lb; I got 4 perches as well, 3 were around 1.5 lb and one under 1 lb. And we saw lots people surfing in the Cove while we enjoyed the surf perch fishing. Seaside offers some of the Northwest's best surfing conditions. We went razor clam digging in second and third day morning. There were so many people in the beach finding and digging the clams. Some people taught us the hints on how to find the clam dips and how to dig them. We got our limit (15 pieces per license) first day; but only got 3 pieces on the other day. A person, who had 40 years commercial razor digging experience, told us it was difficult to find razor dips since third low tide day within the consequent low tide day’s period.

Still remember the first night on the Seaside Beach. It was full moon night. The bright moon hung in sky over the mountain on the east side of the city, the beach fires and people’s cheers waved in from the distance. And I walked at the ocean's edge with the rhythm of the waves. No more hustle and bustle of city, no more life stress. All things I could feel was leisure, relax, and enjoy, this is the life style I am looking for!