The Magical North Oregon Coast
The Magical North Oregon Coast
D. S. Mitchell
Staggering Beauty
The Pacific coast of the United States is famous for its beauty. Oregon offers some of the most spectacular coastal terrain in the entire nation. Massive rock formations, dramatic vistas, magnificent bridges, miles of expansive beaches, charming coastal hamlets, historic lighthouses; are the hallmarks of Oregon’s dramatic and magical coast. I was born in this “Pacific Wonderland” and every once in a while I like to tell my friends around the world about this amazing place, I call home.
Memories of Rockaway Beach
I grew up in Portland, Oregon. Rockaway Beach is about 90 miles west of Portland. While most of my friends hung out in Seaside, I remember long lazy summer vacations at my family’s beach shack at Rockaway. Our little surf shack was the hub of activity for many summers of happy memories. We would take short trips around the area, roast marshmallows, fish the coastal streams, dig clams on brisk mornings, build sand castles, and access quiet picnic spots along the beautiful beaches of the North Central Oregon coast. My mother loved that place. I can still remember her smile.
The Evilest Place on Earth
As an adult, I lived full time on the North Oregon coast, at a spectacular spot between Gearhart and Warrenton, called Surf Pines. That’s what is so exciting about the Oregon coast, every mile is a delight of both man and nature made wonders. Surf Pines is just south of that gritty river town Astoria. Astoria was once called the “evilest place on earth.” It is a good place to start; as iconic Hwy 101 finishes (or begins depending if you are going north or south), its path thru Oregon.
