Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

From Bellingham to the Oregon Coast

by Jim Schmotzer3/17/2010 1:25:56 PM

As the recession drags on, many families are resorting to creative options for recreation. Spring Break is the next big vacation time for families, and summer will soon follow.

Columbia River traffic in Astoria, Oregon.
Photo courtesy National Park Service

If you want to get away to something different, a road trip along the Oregon coast may be just the right choice for your family. A reasonable drive from Bellingham (five to seven hours), the North Oregon Coast offers an opportunity to stay in the Northwest and see some new sights. In addition to smaller towns and quaint ocean-side villages, the coast has a few larger towns with unique potential for a great family get-away.

A great way to go is to turn off I-5 at Longview and head west to Astoria, a fishing city with a rich history. Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, it's the northern tip of Oregon. The first permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, Astoria was established in 1811 by New York financier John Jacob Astor as a trading post for the fur industry.

Fort Clatsop in winter.
Photo courtesy National Park Service

Astoria also has connections to the journey of Lewis and Clark that can be followed along the coast. Fort Clatsop National Park is located a few miles from Astoria and offers a replica of the fort where the explorers wintered in 1805-06, providing many learning opportunities for children and adults.

Fort Stevens State Park, Astoria Column, and a restored downtown all offer varied activities for all ages.

Before leaving town, parents who were adolescents in the 1980s may be excited to visit the house where "The Goonies" was filmed, as well as other Goonies Locations around Astoria.

Continuing south on Highway 101—a gem in and of itself—brings you to Seaside. Seaside is unique with its long, flat beaches and a small amusement area reminiscent of an east coast boardwalk of the past. There are arcade games, shops, and restaurants along the street which ends in a turnaround at the sea wall.

Lewis and Clark statue in Seaside, Oregon.
Photo courtesy
National Park Service

If your kids are interested in marine life, check out the Seaside Aquarium, which has been in operation since 1937. For some historical learning, remember to visit the Lewis and Clark Salt Cairn Historic Monument and to learn the story of the local Clatsop Tribe.

Another 15 minutes down the highway is Cannon Beach. While Oregonians may have long discussions about their favorite beach town, Cannon Beach is the popular choice of many. The beach is a combination of rugged cliffs, huge rock structures, and beautiful sand. The town itself offers a nice selection of restaurants, specialty shops, and art dealers for vacationers. For a seashore treat, don't miss Bruce's Candy Kitchen with their many flavors of freshly-pulled salt water taffy.

Take another 40 miles of winding road south, both along the coast and through farmland, and you’ll travel and around Tillamook Bay to the town of Tillamook.

The number one attraction in this town is the Visitor’s Center of Tillamook Cheese. At this busy location, you can watch the cheesemakers at work, learn about the history of the area, and enjoy the spoils of gift shop and restaurant. The Tillamook Ice Cream Counter seems to be a consistent family favorite.

Tillamook Cheese Factory
Public Domain Photo

Other attractions in Tillamook include the Tillamook Air Museum and Tillamook County Pioneer Museum.

From Tillamook, you can go east to the Willamette Valley and catch a bit of the big city life in Portland on your way back up Interstate 5. If you want to extend your trip along the ocean, you can continue south to Newport.

Life Astoria, Newport offers the charm of fishing village. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a true tourist draw that offers a learning opportunity for all ages. The original Mo's Restaurant on Yaquina Bay, known for its world famous clam chowder, is a historical favorite of locals and visitors alike.

Any day at these beautiful cities along the Oregon Coast Highway offers charm and opportunities. A walk on a stormy beach, followed by family games around a fireplace is a memory maker for all ages.

Has your family made the trip along the Oregon Coast? What are some of your favorite stops?

A Note About the Author: Jim Schmotzer

Jim Schmotzer has been educating kids, adults, and college students for over 20 years. His hobbies include running, reading, and writing fiction as The Faithful Skeptic. Jim and his wife Connie have two grown sons and four grandkids.