So you’ve got guests in town for a weekend getaway, or maybe you are doing some preliminary research before a quick jaunt to the coast yourself. What can you do in one weekend on the North Coast? Well, there are so many things to do that we are going to break it down into separate lists, and your options can be narrowed down depending on the kind of traveler you are. In this series of posts we will cover what to do in Astoria and surrounding towns if you’re an adventure seeker, day drinker, coffee sipper, museum stroller, family unit, night owl, or food lover. Let’s start with adventure seeking, because that is something almost every type of person can subscribe to, right?
Ten Ideas for an adventurous day on the coast:
High Life Adventures - Zip line your way through the oregon landscape, complete with a 7 acre lake. The zip line tour is appropriate for all skill levels and is child friendly. They’ve also got a restaurant and bar if you’re feeling peckish after your tour. Reservations Required.
Aerial Challenge Course - If zip lines aren’t your cup of tea, the same company recently opened an aerial course for adventurous souls to try. There are 50 challenges up to 40 feet off the ground and there is a junior course for children 4-7 if you’ve got kids in tow. Reservations strongly recommended.
Astoria Underground Tour - Not many people know about the tunnel system under Astoria, often referred to as the Shanghai Tunnels. Learn about the sometimes spooky history of the tunnels while also getting a peek into how they would have appeared over 100 years ago. Tickets can be purchased through the website.
Astoria Column - This view simply cannot be missed. And if you’ve got any fear of heights you’ll get your adrenaline pumping after you climb the column when you stand 125 feet above the ground on the already 600 foot tall hill. Make sure to stop by the gift shop to grab a little airplane to launch off the top!
The Shipwreck - It’s not every day you get to see a 114-year-old shipwreck still sitting on the beach where it ran aground. The Peter Iredale shipwreck is worth googling before you head to see it to get a feel for what happened that fateful night. It’s also a perfect photo opportunity so don’t leave your phone in the car.
Tide Pools - It may not be an adrenaline rush, but if you love sea creatures and great photo opportunities you’ll be happy you made a trip to the water's edge. Check tide tables before heading out as you’ll want a nearly zero or negative tide. Choose Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach for your tide pool fill to also see the iconic rock, and at certain times of year you’ll see the Puffins flying around too!
Rail Riders - This one is a little south of the rest of our adventures, but it’s worth the drive, especially if you plan to stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Rail Riders are pedal operated “bikes” that glide along miles of train tracks. You’ll see animals, beautiful scenery, and some bridges. Reservations required.
Lighthouse Hike - There are several lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, but the lighthouse at Cape Disappointment in Washington is accompanied by some breathtaking views on the short hike so it’s well worth the trip over the Megler to get there. There are also several more advanced hikes throughout Cape Disappointment if you are in need of a challenge.
Ecola State Park - Ecola State Park is home to the Oregon Coast’s most iconic view. The park has a little something for everyone - bird watching, hiking, viewpoints, tide pools, beaches, and more. The old growth forest is a magical place to take photos or take it all in.
Ghost Hunting - If you believe in ghosts, Astoria and the surrounding areas are rich with ghost seeking opportunities. From hotels, to tunnels, to piers, to cemeteries, there are numerous opportunities to make contact with the other side.