Monday, September 16, 2013

Dog Friendly Oregon Coast Vacation


Hug Point



Astoria bridge


This year we took a 3-day trip down from Seattle to the Oregon Coast with our two year old Shih Tzu, Zoe. Three hours later over the Astoria bridge to the first beach at Fort Stevens State Park for a picnic lunch and big beaches. September is the best month for weather in the Northwest; sunny but slightly cooler so the dog could stay in the car briefly if needed. After Labor Day the crowds fizzle out so if you like outdoor activities, this is the best time to take off!


Ft Stevens
Ft. Stevens


Since we don't really like touristy places, we quickly passed by Seaside and stopped at Hug Point State Park which is a must see small beach with a couple caves:


hug point
Hug Point

hug point
Dennis in the cave a few years ago; there were people here this year!



Then onward to Oswald West State Park though a cool forest to the beach! Here there is a short trail to
viewpoints along the ridge you see but this year we just hung out at the beach.


Oswald West

Oswald West
Oswald West


Finally we passed by the Tillamook Cheese factory on the Three Capes Scenic Drive and arrived at Oceanside, a small town built up on a cliff. We stayed at the Sky Beach Cabin 2 up high above the main street.  Since we had a dog with us, this was the perfect place; nothing fancy but awesome views.

Sky beach cabin 2
View from the inside of Sky Beach Cabin 2

Sky beach cabin 2
View from our patio


Here's the beach at Oceanside! Zoe had a blast running free on the beach!

Oceanside


Oceanside


Oregon Coast



The next day we drove down to Cape Kiwanda another favorite spot and climbed a big dune to get some great views! Still full from our breakfast, we didn't get a chance to stop at the Pelican's Pub for their great fish & chips and beer (I like their stout!)  but maybe next time.

Oregon coast




Cape Kiwanda
Cape Kiwanda


Cape Kiwanda



zoe
Zoe high above Cape Kiwanda in the wind!


Here are a couple photos I took a few years ago in the late afternoon far beyond the "do not go beyond this point" sign:

Cape Kiwanda


Cape Kiwanda





Then to Sandlake, another favorite place,  passing the Sandlake Country Inn  (a great place to stay if you don't have a dog!)  Park in the fisherman's lot to the left (south) and walk to the point to see the ocean; it is better than hearing the dune buggies on the north side plus you get the views here.




Sandlake


Sandlake
Sandlake, Oregon



zoe


Zoe in the dunes



Road's End Beach


After that we headed back to Oceanside and had  a Salmon dinner at Rosanna's while watching the sunset. Luckily, I was able to get a few pictures after!  


sunset



Sunset


Sunset
Sunset at Oceanside, Oregon


sunset



The next day we drove up the road to Cape Meares to see the lighthouse. On the way back we saw the coolest light beams in the fog thought the trees! Most of the tourists were walking in the opposite direction so they missed the beams and just gave us weird looks for looking up in the trees!


lighthouse



light beams in trees

light beams

Cape Meares


Then off to Cannon Beach though the dreaded tourist trap to Ecola State Park. There is a great beach, trails, viewpoints; lots of stuff to do here.  Then back through Cannon Beach traffic to get back on highway 101 to go home! Happy to say,  we stopped at no outlet malls! Even though Dennis is a "people" person, I'm so glad he doesn't like to do the touristy things, although I think he wanted a hunk of cheese from the Tillamook cheese factory!  Next time, I think we will stay 3 nights and head further south.


Indian Beach
Indian Beach at Ecola State Park

Ecola

Ecola State Park


Do you have any secret or favorite spots along the Oregon coast?  Do you have any favorite dog-friendly vacations? Please comment here :)

2 comments:

  1. What a beautiful array of photos! We too drove part of the Oregon Coast this summer and your pictures made me smile :)

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    1. Thanks so much for the kind words, glad the pictures made you smile :)

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