Oregon has 363 miles of
coastline. When you think
about travel, maybe Oregon
does not come to mind right
away, but the Oregon coast is
there, and it’s free.
The good folks of Oregon
would like me to imagine
surfing or jumping sand dunes
in a rugged dune buggy while
onlookers wish they were me.
This is not the reality for 99%
of us. I want to see the coast, smell the water, feel the cool-salty ocean mists, and maybe even catch a fish— but my perfect trip to the Oregon coast never includes jumping dune buggies over sand dunes.
There are great activities though. Investigating tide pools, mild hiking and exploration are perfectly suited to my 45 year old body. I could use a brisk walk, believe me, but not the rock-climbing of my youth.
Tide pools really are beautiful. Have you ever seen a starfish crawling along at micro-speed? It really makes
you stop and wonder where we are all going in such a hurry.
Other Oregonian activities include hunting for agates, beach-combing, and plenty of eye candy. Watching waves splatter at Devil’s Churn and discovering the elegant beauty of Hug Point’s waterfall can lift your heart. Then there is whale spotting, or interacting with the hungry seals.
Photography! Bring your camera if you go to the Oregon coast. I can tell you from experience, if you don’t have it, you will wish you did. You always see something new and surprising.
Maybe Oregon is not on your list of travel destinations, but it might be just what you need. They are not touristy, and fresh fish is always on the menu.