Cannon Beach

This trip was planned around going back to Cannon Beach, Oregon which we had come across a few years ago in the car. North of Portland, this quaint coastal resort area, rated as one of the top 100 most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic (Google it) is not the place you want to go for auto parts, gas, Walgreens, or a starbucks. There were a lot of shops, homes and the beach was outstanding. They even have a rock.

Haystack Rock, while not as big as Morro Rock is prominent and accessible and defines the town in a random beach shot if the rock is included in the backdrop. The town reminds one of Carmel with all the cute cottages. They were smart enough to keep access limited to 101 to the east of town with 3 exits. They also have Ecola State Park as the northern neighbor, so when you run out of things to do in town, you can go up there and hike or take pictures!

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse 

Cannon Beach from the north

We took a drive up to Seaside. A very old beach community, that reminded me of Santa Cruz, no amusement park but the main street had bumper cars, shooting galleries, etc. There was going to be the 37th annual volleyball tournament this weekend and people were setting up the courts in the sand. 150 courts and 1500 teams!

There is a 1.5 mile Promenade between the beach and the homes which made for a nice walk.