36 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM they traveled the beach “highway.” A surprising waterfall is the reward at trail’s end. Other hiking options abound, notably the Tillamook Head Trail in iconic Ecola State Park, where you’ll march through old-growth forests and climb grassy headlands to catch a glimpse of the allegedly haunted, offshore Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Outdoor adventurers will also want to check out the Coast’s newest destination for mountain biking at Klootchy Creek Trail, with 11 miles (18 km) of community-built, wooded single-track. MANZANITA A 7-mile (11.3-km) stretch of beach fronts Manzanita, a quiet and walkable coastal village. Laneda Avenue stretches through downtown and right to the sand; it’s lined with a cluster of shops, cafes and galleries. Hungry? Try the local, seasonal fare at Big Wave Cafe or Offshore Grill & Coffee House. Soak in relaxing vibes at Spa Manzanita, located just a block from the ocean. Check out Bahama Mama’s for fat-tire bikes and sit-down cruisers to ride right on the beach. North of town, explore the beautiful scenery at Oswald West State Park, laced with easy hiking trails through rainforests of hemlock, cedar and towering Sitka spruce. Short Sand Beach, or “Shorty’s,” is a wind- protected cove with reliable waves and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere for surfers of any level. It’s also a prime place to pack a picnic and spend the day. Equipment and lessons for all ages are available with Oregon Surf Adventures. A strenuous hike leads to panoramic views at the summit of 1,600-foot (487.7-m) Neahkahnie Mountain, where local lore has it that Spanish pirates buried treasure centuries ago. The Nehalem Valley Historical Society has artifacts and fascinating tales of the area, from the tragic fate of Bayocean, the luxury resort town that washed out to sea, to the shipwreck of a Spanish galleon carrying a cargo of beeswax. THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE Explore the Oregon Coast Astoria/ Warrenton/ Seaside KOA Resort Amenities Abound: Deluxe Cabins Camping Cabins 50-amp pull-thru sites Mini-golf Hiking/biking Self-guided movie tours Minutes from the Pacific Ocean! BOOK NOW: koa.com/campgrounds/astoria | 800.562.8506 OREGON COAST SCENIC RAILROAD WWW.OREGONCOASTSCENIC.ORG Experience H i s t o r y March NEHALEM ESTUARY CLEANUP April EARTH DAY STEWARDSHIP May MIGRATORY BIRD DAY CELEBRATION COMMUNITY CONSERVATION EDUCATION Preserving land and nurturing conservation values in partnership with an engaged community in the Nehalem region of the Oregon Coast. Join Us! nehalemtrust.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==