Oregon Coast
Highway 101 runs from Tumwater, WA to Los Angeles, CA. Along the way is passes through the Olympic Peninsula and the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. I have visited many cities along the coast, from Long Beach to Cannon Beach and Depoe Bay to Coos Bay. The Oregon coast is untamed and wild. There are mountains, whales, sea caves, and a sinkhole called Thor’s Well.
My favorite spot of all is Pacific City. Here, the surfers flock to brave the cold waters. While I’m not a surfer myself, their presence brings a buzz to the salty air. In addition, Pelican Brewing is right on the beach. After an afternoon hanging out in the sand, a cold beer is only a few steps away.
While spending time at the beach, or on the Pelican Brewing deck, it’s hard not to see Chief Kiwanda Rock looming in the waves. It is one of only three Haystock Rocks off the Oregon coast. At 320 ft high, it is no mere sandcastle. Its origins are volcanic, and its presence has significantly slowed the erosion of the famous Cape Kiwanda.
Cape Kiwanda
Cape Kiwanda is a State Natural Area and directly north of Pacific City. The hikes are directly accessible from the beach. The first one that beckons is the giant sand dune, which is variously named the “Great Dune” or “Cape Kiwanda Sand Dune”. There is no formal trail to the top, making it a true rambling zone. Find any route that looks good; it can be tackled straight on, but that may come with plenty of sliding backward. At 240 feet high, the climb up is a leg burner. 360-degree views of the ocean, beaches, and cliffs wait atop, though. In addition, there is plenty of room to roam and play in the sand. If you’re brave, go ahead and roll back down.
There is also a trail that goes to the sandstone cliffs overlooking the ocean, which is the official “Cape”. There are fences, and they are there because the sandstone near the edge can easily crumble away at a moment’s notice. Don’t get any bright ideas; wearing a cape won’t let you fly away. Although a cape on the cape would certainly be a crowd pleaser. My advice is, take it easy, and enjoy the views and sounds of the crashing waves.
The best time to visit the Oregon Coast is during whale watching season. I don’t have any clear knowledge of the schedule, but I can say that one Labor Day weekend we struck gold. My parents and I saw gray whales off the coast at several highway overlooks. The crowds of people pointing and taking pictures usually give away the whale’s location. There is a sign in Newport, which speaks of the joy in seeing a whale: “May it always be so.”
