Journey into the wonders of the Oregon and Washington coasts and the mighty Pacific Ocean
ASTORIA, Ore. — As the days grow longer and sunlight becomes the new normal in the Pacific Northwest, there are wondrous adventures to be had all over the Upper Left.
This is the second adventure in the ClarkCountyToday.com Day Trip Series of 2019.
Take a drive to the land of wonder and seasalt-air along the Oregon and Washington Coast.
Astoria, Long Beach, Warrenton, and many more small towns along the coast are roughly an hour and a half drive from most parts of Clark County, via I-5 and US 30.
Astoria has the mouth of the Columbia River, along with rich history and the Maritime Museum, while Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington, has massive, weathered pines going right down to the Pacific Ocean.
Farther up on the Washington side is the family, summer-fun town of Long Beach. There the ocean meets the land in a long, smooth stretch of sand, while behind lie arcades, go karts and delicious foods.
The words of Jacques Cousteau, the famous French marine explorer, “The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” That is most certainly true on the coast of the Pacific Northwest
From all of us at ClarkCountyToday.com, we hope you have incredible adventures day tripping across the Pacific Northwest, starting right here at home.
Here’s the lowdown on the best spots along the Oregon/Washington coast:
1. Astoria, OR
- Less than a two-hour drive from Clark County (Vancouver)
- Pier 39 by Rogue Brewery is a fantastic and historic site to visit for free
- The Astoria Column is a massive 200 foot-tall tower above the city that overlooks the area, there is only a $2 fee for the pass
- The Astoria Maritime Museum displays centuries of nautical history, and features a 3D movie theater; the museum has an entrance fee of several dollars
- The Bowpicker is the most famous fish and chips in the Pacific Northwest, make sure to get lunch there
- The massive Astoria-Megler bridge will take you to your next destination
2. Cape Disappointment
- This huge and rugged state park is accessible via the Washington State Discover pass
- Cliffs, weathered pines, trails, camping, beaches, tide pools, forests, coves, fishing, food, and the Coast Guard to rescue you, (just kidding), are all within this park
- The name is derived from the many shipwrecks that have occurred in the vicinity of the cape
- Waikiki Beach (not the Hawaiian one) is a great place for families to hang out in the park
3. Long Beach, WA
- Located about 30 minutes from Astoria, this town looks like it is straight out of the film “Jaws” (minus the shark)
- There is tourism galore: go karts, bakeries, ice cream, sea food, shopping, antique shops, and “The Longest Beach in the World”
- The town of Long Beach has strong historical roots in tourism, and many nostalgic amenities are present
4. The Wreck of the Peter Iredale at Fort Stevens State Park
- In the opposite direction of Long Beach, about 20 min from Astoria, lies Fort Stevens State Park, and the Wreck of the Peter Iredale
- The fort was used during WWII in case of a Japanese invasion of submarine attack attempt up the Columbia River
- The fort did actually fire at an enemy sub once during the war
- Historical reenactments from many era take place at the fort, and it is accessible to anyone
- Along the coastline in the park lies the 113 year old shipwreck of the four masted steel barque sailing vessel, The Peter Iredale
