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Agate Hunting - Oregon Coast Activity #10 of 101 Things To Do On The Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast Agates

Agate Hunting, Oregon Coast Activity #10 of 101 Things To Do On The Oregon Coast


Oregon Coast agate hunting is a great activity for the whole family. Any time is a good time to put your toes in the sand and hunt for agates, but if you're able to be on the beach right after a storm or are there December - March, your chances are even better. Agates are small pieces of rock that has eroded from cliff along beaches or rivers that end up in the ocean and get a natural polish by the surf. These rocks tend to get buried in the sand. After a storm, the wind and waves remove some of the sand, leaving the agates exposed.

The best areas to look for agates are:
Cannon Beach to Cape Falcon
Tillamook Bay (along Bay Ocean Road)
The beach between Netarts and Oceanside
Lincoln City
Otter Rock  to Newport - Beverly Beach, Moolack Beach
Newport North Jetty

 To get more information about Oregon Coast agates, you'll find up to date information on the blog Agates of the Oregon Coast


Grant’s Getaways Agate Hunting on the Oregon Coast > by Grant McOmie, February 8th, 2013.




 Diane Emineth,
Sandlake Country Inn
Oregon Coast Activities #10, from our blog series "101 Things To Do On The Oregon Coast". Day trips from Sandlake Country Inn
 

Oregon Coast Tide Pools - #12 of 101 Things To Do On The Oregon Coast

Oregon coast tide pools are filled with beautifully unique animals showing off many colors, shapes and sizes. The best time to go tide pooling is one to two hours before the low tide. That gives you plenty of time to explore before the tide starts coming back in. All these tide pools are close to Sandlake Country Inn or an easy day trip.

Tide pooling can be very dangerous, especially in areas that you are not familiar with. Have a great time, enjoy nature, but always be aware of your surroundings. The Oregon coast beaches can be dangerous, especially in the winter. Be very aware of the tides, sneeker waves can be deadly. NEVER keep your back to the surf and don't play on the logs. If a sneaker wave comes, it will pick that log up like a toothpick and can land on you.

The following is a list of favorite tide pool areas on the North Oregon Coast:

Seaside Beach - The Cove (south end): Explore around the large rocks at low tide, but BE CAREFUL, this area is known for sneaker waves.

Ecola State Park: Indian Beach - There is a path down to the beach and there are tide pools at the south end. Find more info about Ecola State Park

Haystack Rock - Canon Beach: One of the best places along the coast. You can find an array of creatures such as sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, purple shore crabs, limpets, sea cucumbers and an array of birds, including puffins. More about Haystack Rock

Canon Beach Tide Pools

Hug Point State Park: Be sure to explore the entire area here. It has sea caves, a waterfall and even the old road that was blasted out of the rock that enabled the old Model T's and horses to get over the point dating from the early part of the 20th century. While here, be very aware of the tide. You don't want to get stranded when exploring the point. Learn more about Hug Point

Arcadia State Park:  Located just 2 miles south of Canon Beach, the tide pools are at the north end of the park. More about Arcadia State Park

Oswald West State Park - Short Sands Beach: Popular with surfboarders and boogie boarders, the beach is always alive with activity. More about Short Sands Beach

Barview Jetty - Barview Jetty Park: Beach access with rocky areas and a few scattered tide pools

Oceanside: Head north and go through the tunnel to find the secret beach on the other side. Viewable on extreme negative tides.

Oceanside Tide Pool

Cape Lookout State Park: If you walk from the park south to the base of the cape there are tide pools all along the base of the cape. Explore this area only when there are calm conditions. More about Cape Lookout State Park.

Pacific City: At the base of Cape Kiwanda, there is a small area of great tide pools when conditions are calm and there are negative tides.

Lincoln City: Long stretches of sandy beaches make tide pools scarce in this area but you can find some at the ramp of NW 15th St. where there are some rocky areas.

Devil's Punchbowl Marine Gardens: A little north of the punchbowl structure there is a small beach that features a variety marine gardens. Follow the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot. More about Devil's Punchbowl Marine Gardens

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area: Walk down the steps to the natural area below the light house. Watch your steps because this area is very rocky and slippery, but you'll be able to see an amazing array of wildlife. More on the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Tide Pools

Diane Emineth

Sandlake Country Inn

Your Romantic Getaway on the Beautiful Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast Aquarium - Oregon Coast Activity #9 of 101 Things To Do on the Oregon Coast

    

Passages of the Deep - Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon coast is filled with activities. This series of blog articles are all within an easy day trip from our Oregon coast bed and breakfast,  Sandlake Country Inn


Oregon Coast Activity- #9 The Oregon Coast Aquarium
 

 

Located in Newport, Oregon, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a must see.  Since 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been at the forefront of sharing, interpreting and preserving the beauty and biological diversity of the region. The arrangement of the Aquarium exhibits were designed to guide our visitors from one ecosystem to the next – from the top of the Coastal Mountain range to the dark, muddy bottom of the waters offshore. As you visit, you’ll notice a progression in our exhibits, starting with the habitats closest to shore and ending in the blue vastness of the open ocean.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THEIR LIVE OREGON COAST AQUARI-CAM

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Oregon Coast Aquarium
 2820 Southeast Ferry Slip Road

Newport, OR 97365

(541) 867-3474




 Diane Emineth,
Sandlake Country Inn
Oregon coast activities #9, from our blog series "101 Things to See and Do on the Oregon Coast". Day trips from Sandlake Country Inn, an Oregon coast hotel alternative.
 

Drift Creek Falls and Suspension Bridge - Oregon Coast Activities #8 of 101 Things To Do on the Oregon Coast

Drift Creek Falls & Suspension Bridge    Photo by Dee Brausch

Drift Creek Falls Suspension Bridge - Oregon Coast Activity #8 of 101 Things to See and Do on the Oregon Coast

Drift Creek Falls Trail and suspension bridge. A fairly easy 3 mile round trip hike through lush forest. You'll find yourself on a 240 foot suspension bridge, 100 feet above Drift Creek. The suspension bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Oregon. Never fear, the bridge barely moves under you and can hold a massive amount of weight! After crossing the bridge, you can take a short hike down to the pool bed. Accessible all year, in the summer, you might even want to take a swim!

Directions from Sandlake Country Inn

• Go south on #101 from Pacific City
• Take #18 east from Lincoln City.
• About 4 miles on #18 you will see a brown park sign for Drift Creek Falls. Turn Left onto the side road.
• Drive 9 miles to the paved parking lot and well marked trailhead.

Please note: You’ll need a $5 Northwest Forest Pass, which can be purchased at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/passespermits/index.shtml 

Click below to view the wonderful video from Grant's Getaways

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 Diane Emineth,
Sandlake Country Inn
Your Romantic Getaway on the Beautiful Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast Activities - Drift Creek Falls #8 of 101 Things to Do on the Oregon Coast. Day trips from our Oregon Coast hotel alternative,  Sandlake Country Inn
 

Garibaldi Museum - Oregon Coast Activities #7 of 101 Things To Do on the Oregon Coast

Captain Robert Grey

 Garibaldi Museum - Oregon Coast Activities #7 of 101  Things To Do On The Oregon Coast 

Located in the small fishing town of Garibaldi, the Garibaldi Museum is dedicated to the maritime history of the area and collecting information concerning Captain Robert Gray his historical vessels, the Lady Washington and the Columbia Rediviva.

The second floor is devoted to the story of the discovery of the Columbia River in 1792 by an American captain, Robert Gray.  His mention of this discovery was the catalyst that ultimately inspired President Jefferson to send Lewis and Clark off on their now famous expedition, culminating in the discovery of the Columbia River meeting the Pacific Ocean, in 1805.

 Garibaldi Museum

112 Garibaldi Avenue

Garibaldi, OR 97118

(503) 322-8411


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Join us on our journey of 101 things to do and places to see within a day trip from Sandlake Country Inn, our Oregon Coast bed and breakfast near Pacific City. Remember that "the coast" is a region...not everything will be beach front.

The Oregon coast is a beautiful and fascinating place, so buckle up your seat belt and come along for the ride!




 Diane Emineth,
Sandlake Country Inn
Your Romantic Getaway on the Beautiful Oregon Coast
Oregon coast activity #7 of 101 Things to Do on the Oregon Coast
Day trips from our Pacific City Oregon coast hotel alternative, Sandlake Country Inn
 

The Wreck of the Peter Iredale - Oregon Coast Activities #6 of 101 Things To Do on the Oregon Coast

Wreck of the Peter Iredale      photo by beachconnection.net

Oregon Coast Activities #6 from 101 Things To Do on the Oregon Coast - The Wreck of the Peter Iredale

There are many more than 101 Oregon coast activities, but in this series of blog posts, we'll be focusing on the areas which are within an easy drive or day trip from Sandlake Country Inn, our Oregon Coast bed and breakfast near Pacific City.  These 101 Oregon coast activities near Hwy 101 along the Oregon coast will be from Astoria down to Newport. One thing to remember is that "the coast" is a region...not everything will be beach front.

The Wreck of the Peter Iredale

On October 25, 1906, sailing from Salina Cruz, Mexico to Portland, Oregon, the four masted British vessel, the Peter Iredale came aground on the Clatsop Spit. A heavy northwest squall grounded the ship and then high seas and wind drove the ship aground, where the rusted remains still stand.

Shortly after grounding in 1906

What you'll see today

The wreck is contained within Fort Stevens State Park as part of the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks

To read more interesting history of the wreck click here 


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 Diane Emineth,
Sandlake Country Inn
Your Romantic Getaway on the Beautiful Oregon Coast, an Oregon coast hotel alternative
Oregon Coast Activities #6 of 101 Things to Do on the Oregon Coast, easy day trips from Sandlake Country Inn
 

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse - Oregon Coast Activities #5 from 101 Things To Do On The Oregon Coast

Tillamook Head Lighthouse

Oregon coast activities #5 - Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, "Terrible Tilly"

This is a series of 101 things to do on the Oregon Coast near Highway 101. In this series of blog posts, we'll focus on the areas which are within an easy drive or day trip from Sandlake Country Inn, our Oregon Coast bed and breakfast near Pacific City.  Our 101 things to do near Hwy 101 will be from Astoria down to Newport. Another thing to remember is that "the coast" is a region...not everything will be beach front.

The only lighthouse in Oregon that is inaccessible to travelers. Tillamook Head Lighthouse has a very interesting past which you can read more about here.  Building began in 1878 and because of the obvious risk involved, no local workers volunteer for the jobs. Men were hired who were unfamiliar with the area and sequested in the Cape Disappointment keepers' quarters until construction could begin, in hopes the locals would not scare them away! 

After 528 days of construction and many days of near death circumstances, the lighthouse light was lit.Terrible Tilly shone her light for 77 years until it was replaced by a red whistle buoy.

In 1959 the lighthouse was originally sold to a private party and after a few more sales over the years, was finally sold in 1980 to become Eternity at Sea Columbarium. Interested parties could have their ashes stored inside the lighthouse. In 1999, the owners lost their license to run a columbarium and it is reported that only about 30 urns have been placed there.  



Tillamook Head Lighthouse can best be seen from several view spots along Highway 101, but the best place is just north of Cannon Beach, exit west on Beach Loop. After 0.3 miles turn right on 5th Street and drive 0.15 miles to Ecola Park Road. Turn right on Ecola Park Road and follow it to Ecola State Park where the best land-based views of the lighthouse can be found. 


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Diane Emineth,
Sandlake Country Inn
Your Romantic Getaway on the Beautiful Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast Activities #5 from 101 Things to do on the Oregon Coast
Easy day trips from our Pacific City hotel alternative, Sandlake Country Inn