Coast trip

Oregon Coast:

What you will see on the Oregon coast can be simply amazing. Like most coastal areas, there are a wide range of topography and installations. The northern end of Oregon is no different, but the dynamics can be quite exaggerated. Recently I spent a few days at this transitional area, the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean and the northern corner of Oregon and the southern corner of Washington.

Peter Iredale wreck  at Fort Strevens

Beach at Fort Stevens

I drove over to the coast from Portland and made a quick stop in Astoria to grab a few supplies. Fort Stevens is west of town and right on the coast at the mouth of the Columbia River. The river entrance is one of the most challenging entrances there is and there are many shipwrecks to prove it. The Fort was build for protection during the Civil War, then built up during WW I and WWII.

Sunset at Astoria

Peter Iredale wreck 

The drive from Astoria was only about ten minutes and once in the park it becomes clear how big it is. I found my camp site which was a mile from the beach and only a quarter mile from a lake. After dropping my stuff, I walked out to the beach to see the ocean. After the drive I wanted to move and the walk was perfect.

I was met with the sight of the wreck of the Peter Iredale, a sailing ship that ran aground in 1906 while attempting to enter the Columbia River. No one was lost in the wreck, the ship ran into a sand bar then was driven on shore by waves and wind. It became impossible to save the ship so it was sold as scrap and dismantled. What remains is still on the beach for visitors to walk around and see. It is very interesting and is popular with visitors. The beach itself is very nice, some dunes and wide sand to walk on.


After the first evening, the next day I went to Astoria and looked around a bit, then drove over the long bridge and entered Washington State. The southern part of the state is very interesting with lots of bays and rugged coast. There are a couple of touristy towns but there are fun things to do.

Ships at anchor

One thing that is available is horse back riding on the beach. It is quite reasonable in cost and fun to do. The area is also a big oyster and crab fishing port and the local stores have crab all year round. The oysters are great as well and are fairly cheep.

Since fishing and shipping are big industries, there are a lot of water oriented sights and activities. The water can be cold in the summer and winter it is very cold. But fishing is a big business all year and there is a lot of salmon to be had as well.

Gun turret mount at the fort, a lot bigger than it looks

Back at the fort, there are still many installations around to walk on and view. The old gun batteries and attractions to see and since the park is flat and there are many trails and roads, biking from location to location is easy.

Lake by the camp site

On the last day, I went back into Astoria and stopped at the farmers market in the center of town. Like most farmers markets, there is a mix of food and crafted items. Everything from jewelry to guitars to clothes to food of course.

At this time of year, berries are ripe so lots of those were available. But I didn't get anything to eat, instead I went to a Armenian restaurant and had their specialty, stuff cabbage. It was very good and reminded me of my time in Turkey, there are similarities.

After lunch it was back int he car for the drive home. It was a very nice and enjoyable weekend for sure. I will make another trip to this area again and do more exploring. Take a look online and plan a trip if you are spending some time on the north Oregon coast.