Beach Caves at Hug Point State Recreation Site It may sound like the perfect spot for a snuggle (and it is), but Hug Point was actually named for the way Oregon Coast travelers had to hug the point carefully before U.S. 101 was built to get around the headland. (Check the park’s website for closures related to storm damage.) If you visit north of the parking area at low tide, you can see the original road and 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 a day by the ocean. Follow the half-mile (0.8-km) trail through the woods to Short Sand Beach, a popular 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 watch little ones and stay firmly on the trail. Springtime brings prime whalewatching opportunities along the many panoramic overlooks. Winter brings muddier trails, but it’s still an invigorating trek — just bring your boots and waterproof layers. Reserve a camping spot at Cape Lookout State Park and enjoy the site for days; you may just see hang gliders and paragliders up above. (Note that construction will be ongoing until summer of 2026, and the park may be temporarily closed.) 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 charters 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 dairy producers in the country. Stop in at the state-of-the-art 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 creamiest part of the manufacturing process. For more day-trip ideas in the region, visit oregonsnorthcoast.com. MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED. Home to the largest collection of maritime artifacts in the Pacific Northwest. Open Daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, Oregon CRMM.org • 503-325-2323 3D THEATER | LIGHTSHIP COLUMBIA TOUR | MODEL BOAT POND | EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING | SPECTACULAR EXHIBITS & MORE Historic Fireboat David Campbell Spring 2026 GREAT SERVICE QUALITY GEAR EXPERT ADVICE CLEANLINE SURF SEASIDE • CANNON BEACH • OREGON CLEANLINESURF.COM • 888-546-6176 seasideOR.com 33
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