Beach Caves at Hug Point It may sound like the perfect spot for a snuggle (and it is), but Hug Point was actually named for the way Oregon Coast pioneers had to hug the point carefully in their stagecoaches before U.S. 101 was built to get around the headland. If you visit north of the parking area at low tide, you can see the original stagecoach road and the wheel ruts carved into the rock. Make sure to check the tide tables before you go out, since you definitely don’t want to get stranded by the incoming tide. Surfer’s Paradise at Oswald West State Park Depending on what you plan to do, bring a surfboard, pail, shovel, picnic and pair of boots to Oswald West State Park to fully enjoy the bliss it has to offer. Follow the half-mile (0.8-km) trail through the woods to Short Sand Beach, an idyllic surf spot that fills with beachgoers in the warmer months. Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain are moderately challenging hikes with photogenic coastal views on clear days. 1 to 2 Hours Away Whale Watching at Cape Lookout State Park On a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean, Cape Lookout is a formidable headland that you can explore via the out-and-back 4.7-mile (7.4-km) Cape Lookout Trail, which passes through dense old-growth spruce and hemlock stands en route to the 400-foot (121.9-m) cliff. Winding along the coastline through old-growth forest with some steep drop-offs, the trail is family- and dog-friendly, but hold everyone close and stay firmly on the trail. Springtime brings prime whale-watching opportunities along the many panoramic overlooks. Winter brings muddier trails, but it’s still an invigorating trek — just bring your boots and waterproof layers. Pitch a tent at Cape Lookout State Park to enjoy the site for multiple days; you may just see hang gliders and paragliders up above. Fans of fresh seafood will want to stop for takeout at one of the area’s fantastic restaurants or local purveyors for some of the tastiest oysters on the Coast. Dune Climbing at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area It’s a straight shot south on Highway 101 to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, where you can scamper to the top of a 220-foot (67.1-m) dune and soak up the views of Oregon’s other Haystack Rock (which stands at 327 feet/99.7 m). The small town of Pacific City here is famous for its dory-boat fishing (you can take a charter tour) and occasional sightings of hang gliders soaring down from the headlands. Cap off your adventure with a required stop for a treat at Tillamook Creamery, on U.S. 101 in the town of Tillamook, just a few miles from the Three Capes Scenic Loop. Founded in 1909, Tillamook is one of the most recognized dairies in the country. Stop in at the ultra-modern new visitor center for a selfguided tour of the cheesemaking works and history of the Oregon dairy industry. To avoid crowds and see employees working in real time, consider a midweek visit. Pick up a melty grilled cheese or an ice cream cone at the food hall and a wedge of Tillamook’s finest or picnic supplies to go. True cheese lovers may want to book online for the Exclusive Ice Cream Experience, a small-group tasting tour of the coolest, creamiest part of their manufacturing process. For more day-trip ideas in the region, visit oregonsnorthcoast.com. seasideOR.com 33
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