This is a very late, much over-due trip report from our mini-vacation with the kids to the Oregon coast. This happened back in 2017, when we were still living in Portland, and the kids (Zoe turning 10 and Felix was 7) were with us for the summer holidays. This happened over three years ago!!!
Our first stop was the Evergreen Wings & Waves indoor waterpark.
This place was very cool, with an air and space theme. Unfortunately, I was barely able to walk, and on pain medication for sciatica, so I didn’t want to go down watersides or even swim. I parked myself in a chair and enjoyed a book, while Dan played with the kids.
Our main destination was Seaside Oregon, where we spent two nights at The Quality Inn. The hotel was cheap and cheerful, fitting our needs for a family friendly hotel that was walking distance from the beach.
The best part is it was located next door to Bigfoot’s Steakhouse, which besides having an awesome theme, had delicious food. Bigfoot is not just real, but really, really popular in the Pacific Northwest. I’m also learning that the legend is alive in Colorado, so I guess Bigfoot migrates with the seasons?
Our main purpose in Seaside was to enjoy the beach. Admittedly, I’m accustomed to vacationing in sunny climates, so the chill of the Pacific Northwest wasn’t very “Beachy” to me, but I kept bundled up, and the kids really enjoyed playing in the sand and water. It was a simple pleasures type of weekend trip.
There are plenty of activities in Seaside, including a sizable touristy shopping area with a “college-students-on-spring-break” vibe.
Of course, there was also the Lewis and Clark statue. Oregon is full of nods to the Lewis and Clark expedition. This one commemorates the end of the expedition that concluded at the Oregon Coast.
We ate breakfast at the Pig’n Pancake. Dan and I had eaten here before on our first trip to Seaside, nearly a year prior, when we helped with a beach cleanup. We knew that we had to bring the kids. If you visit, arrive early, as it is very popular and the waits are long.
I saw this cute puffin as we were walking to the Pig’n Pancake.
We headed to the nearby Cannon Beach to see the famous rocks.
Before ending our trip, we drove to Washington State. The drive included crossing the beautiful Astoria- Megler Bridge, and making a quick dip into Astoria, where I had my eyes peeled for the filming locations of my favorite childhood movie: The Goonies.
Our destination was Long Beach, Washington, where we were allowed to drive our Ram 1500 on the sand. This was a huge deal for Dan and Felix, and if I’m being honest, I think Zoe and I enjoyed it too. How many places can you drive on the beach? It was like we were filming a car commercial.
The sunset on Long Beach was gorgeous.
We headed back to Portland with a dinner stop at the Columbia River Roadhouse. The previous summer, we discovered Logan’s Roadhouse in Orlando, and roadhouses have become a bit of a family joke. Joking aside, we love them - good food and a slightly rowdy atmosphere. This one even had a pinball arcade!
It was a wonderful two-night summer trip to the Oregon Coast.