The Power Sightseer's Guide to Oregon

OK, I admit it did not sound like one of my greatest ideas, but being the Power Sightseer that I am I know it would be awesome. Spend 2 days drive 872 miles from Seattle down the coast of Oregon to Yachats and cut across through Eugene to Boise, Idaho. I, of course, was right. It was one of the best trips I have ever taken. I had never been to Washington or Oregon so I really didn’t know what to expect. Rain, Sasquatch, trees and the danger of ending up on a post earthquake island was all I expected. Little did I know, the coast of Oregon is a truly wonderful place. Beginning with my sighting of The Goonies’ rock I was hooked.

You remember The Goonies – right? You know cute kids, creepy bad guys, pirate treasure and Cindy Lauper. How could the movie be any better? I loved the fact that I wasn’t expecting the rock, it was just there. This is one of my Power Sightseer’s rules. The best things to see are the ones you never thought of seeing.

Continuing my drive down the coast I went from one small picturesque town to the next. I could have spent forever exploring, but had to just add this trip to my VERY short list of places where I want a do-over. There were lighthouses, bridges, sea lion sightings, something for just about everyone.

This bridge was my favorite. With the mist rolling in and the perfect lighting it was just breathtaking. I spent way too long hanging out here at the little park across the street.

Yachats, Oregon was a really nice place to stop for the night. Everyone in town was very hospitable. I stayed at The Fireside. http://www.firesidemotel.com/ It was wonderful. I had a huge room with a fireplace, giant whirlpool bath and patio. They even allow all pets. Just outside the door was the most breathtaking beach. It was rocky, strewn with huge pieces of driftwood and more crashing waves than I could ever imagine. I walked up and down the beach taking photos until it was too dark to see.

One word of caution – DO NOT go on the patio to look at the ocean and shut the door behind you while water is running in the whirlpool. Oh yes, I did that. Door is locked. No way off the fenced patio. Water is running. Panic is setting in. All I could think of was water slowly climbing up and overflowing. How would I explain to hotel management? Well you see, it sounded like a good idea at the time… I had to climb up on the fence using the patio chair, jump over all the time hoping no one saw me and run to the office for help. Disaster averted just in time. Water was running over, but still on the tile. I bet housekeeping wondered how many showers I needed to use up all those towels.

The next morning I left Yachats and headed back to Boise. My last adventure was to drive through the Deschutes National Forest and up Mt. Hood. I have to admit the Mt. Hood was a little eerie. You are driving through an enchanted forest full of huge ferns and trees and then the landscape opens up and you are on the moon. The top of the mountain is covered with lava flows. Amazing, breathtaking but very out of your realm of expectations.

Absolutely worth the drive, the time and the effort. I am so going back to Oregon.