BluKatKraft: Dog Friendly Oregon Coast Vacation

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

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

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

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.

View from the inside of Sky Beach Cabin 2

View from our patio

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

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.

Cape Kiwanda

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:

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, Oregon

Zoe in the dunes

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 at Oceanside, Oregon

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!

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.