Oregon Coast

Located in Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is perfect for the whole family. Playful sea lions, seals and otters steal the show, but you’ll also enjoy the Giant Pacific octopus, jellyfish, seabird aviary, a touchable tide pool exhibit and a long walk through “Passages of the Deep,” a tunnel surrounded by deep-water sea life including sharks.

Fat-tire biking isn’t just for snow anymore. Here on the Oregon coast, fat-tire bikes are a fun way to navigate gravelly and sandy terrain. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has plenty of sandy trails for muscle-burning treks, while hard-packed sand along the beaches are appealing for less-strenuous rides.

Located directly west of Portland, Tillamook County has created a series of paddling trails suitable for all experience levels. The 322 kilometers of streams, rivers, tributaries and bays of the trail’s five watersheds are well marked and feature lush vegetation, abundant wildlife and small waterside towns to explore.

Resembling a lighthouse, the 38-meter-high Astoria Column and its hand-painted frieze is actually a monument to western settlement. Purchase a glider plane at the gift shop and climb 164 steps to the top for jaw-dropping views of the Columbia River, the Oregon Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean – oh, and toss the glider plane from the top. Fun!

You might need to reserve an entire day to explore Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach. It boasts some of Oregon’s most picture-perfect views. Hike through seaside forests and windy bluffs. Climb down to the beach to see the tide pools. Look for the abandoned Tillamook Head Lighthouse, located on an isolated rock in the roiling ocean 1.6 kilometers off the mainland. Have your camera handy for the perfect shot of Haystack Rock, featured in the 1985 cult classic, “The Goonies.”

The idyllic seaside town of Port Orford is one of only two places in the USA with a “dolly dock” – boat docks where vessels are lifted and lowered into the water by giant cranes. The best time to watch is late afternoon, particularly when the weather is good, as the fishing boats return with large catches of crab, cod and salmon. Walk the picturesque beach before you go; you may it have all to yourself.

Oregon has been a movie setting for so many films for so many years that it’s sometimes referred to as “Hollywood North.” The Oregon Film Museum is housed in a circa-1913 jail that you will recognize from the opening jailbreak scene in the 1985 cult classic, “The Goonies.” Inside, you’ll find Goonies memorabilia and a hands-on, movie-making exhibit.

Looking for scenic camping? Humbug Mountain State Park has it, along with a secluded beach and a popular hike to the top of Humbug Mountain (535 meters), which rises up practically straight from the ocean.

Perched on a dramatic cliff at the ocean’s edge, the circa-1894 Heceta Head Lighthouse is said to be one of the most photographed in the USA. Not only does this historic landmark boast unbeatable views of the craggy coastline, it also has an intimate bed and breakfast famous for nighttime lighthouse viewing and a luxury, seven-course breakfast.

Love a good farmers market? Why not just go straight to the farm? The Wild Rivers Coast Farm Trail features nine U-pick farms, farm stands and specialty retailers from Bandon to Port Orford. Look for meat, eggs, fresh produce and juicy berries in the summer. Call individual sellers ahead of time to confirm availability.