Many people live along the Oregon coast, but fewer venture beyond the confines of Hood River and Cannon Beach. This tour of three ports and about 300 miles of the Pacific coast goes right into the heart of the stretch of the coast that welcomes fewer visitors. The Pacificus Travel Wire Tours trip explores the calm, sandy beaches at Seaside, the emerald shores of Cannon Beach and Astoria, and stops in the Columbia River Gorge, where the river’s mysterious origin was once a seething swamp. The overnight trip follows a defined route and stays within 150 miles of all three ports.
Whether you come with a lover or a family, this trip gives you the freedom to take it slow. As darkness falls and wild horses begin drifting towards town, the Driftless Northeast will provide opportunities to connect with a natural gift you’ve never seen and appreciate the side of coast you may have been given (without long haul flight). Breathe in the sun, the sea air and the wild with the Pacificus’s Driftless North American trip.
Duration
3 days/4 nights
Vacation price $2,050/ £1,375
Day trips
Depart Duffy’s Tavern
March 2, Sept 15, Oct 28, Dec 12
Seaside Launch day, Sept 29
Navigation Route
Sept. 1-3
Cornice Estates
A coastal village on the southern tip of the Oregon coast, travelling south in Oregon tells the story of a maritime collision and a small town that rebuilds. This is why Gold Beach, Northern Oregon, is so beautiful and why we like it so much. Cornice Estates, a charming village of shops and houses overlooking the ocean, was the location for the notorious murder of fisherman David Ruhl in 1983. Ruhl’s family sued for wrongful death but the case was overturned after the first trial. Cornice is one of the Oregon coastal towns that’s entirely homesteaded, meaning no one owns more than 3 acres of land. You’ll visit several owners of Cornice and with the understanding of the islands boundaries, the houses all belong to the occupants, thus allowing you to stay in any of the houses in your itinerary. This sounds pretty secluded, I suppose, but when you drive up into the cove, it’s like stepping into a picture postcard of the Oregon coast.
Ocean Clay Lane and Century Street
Still in Lakeview, we find ourselves in another storybook setting – this time in a Roman style town with boutiques and cars (no cars allowed). The Storytelling Place has our favourite hands-on edible plant-preserving sessions. This town now has dozens of tiny shops boasting character, but the artistically, historically preserved townhouses are stunning, with tea rooms, art galleries and galleries, and places for coffee.
Details
Package includes three nights in Seaside, March 2-3, Oct 28-29 or Dec 12-13.
Cannon Beach day trip
Arrive in Seal Cove at 10am and enjoy the best beach in the area with Mount Hood in the distance and the timeless charm of Cannon Beach. The Pacificus offer a canal cruise that crosses both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. This journey is an easy one. Take the Footpath and walk all the way around Cannon Beach.
Dusk out at the Coquille Falls
Cannon Beach day trip
Cannon Beach day trip
The Ghost of Bill Way is a huge headland and piece of land known for ghosts who fear storms as it’s equipped with four life rings to scare off waves. It’s strange and romantic and the Ghosts Bar is a place to be seen. The Rainy Point Inn serves up unique and delicious dishes, and Camp Lobster Fish House offers up fresh oysters in the Ship Bottom Beach Café. Seaside is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Portland and is home to shops, a wonderful library and adventurous schools.
See Pacificus Travel Wire Tours. There are lots of free perks on the Driftless North American trip, check the official guide.
