Tillamook, OR for Spring Break!
We rented the most picturesque AirBnB we have ever reserved with Duane and Beth for a cold, but beautiful five days on the coast!
The view south from our AirBnB!
We started out with an uneventful (thankfully) flight with the kids. After landing in Portland, getting our rental cars, and driving two hours west through snowy forests, we were amazed with our beautiful AirBnB. Not only was the view unreal, but the house itself, was modern and comfortable for everyone.
We spent the first day driving south to Newport to visit the aquarium. On our way, we stopped at Otter Rock to see the Devil’s Punchbowl landmark. Although the waves crashing into the circular rock formation was cool, it was underwhelming for sure. Unfortunately, the aquarium was too. BUT, because we don’t have exposure to much marine life, it was still worth visiting for both the adults and the kids. On the way home, we stopped in Pacific City where Pelican Brewing Company sits with views of gorgeous rocks out in the ocean.
The next day we drove inland to see Munson Creek Falls. It was a short half mile hike to get to the impressive falls. After braving the wet and cold, what better thing to do than go eat ice cream! We took a tour of the Tillamook Creamery and then enjoyed some deliciously rich treats.
After heading south the previous day, we drove north towards the famous Cannon Beach. Our first stop was Cape Meares Light House. This gave us another view of the coast that was just as impressive as all the others. Continuing north, we stopped just south of Cannon Beach (which we never made it to) to hike Sand Beach Trail. We walked through a dense forest only to come out the other side at a beautiful cove. The locals were surfing in the area and families were picnicking. Ella loved the waves and sand; she could have spent the entire day there!
Our final day was spent at the local Blue Heron French Cheese Company and the exploring Oceanside Beach, just below our AirBnB. The coolest thing about this beach is that you can walk through a 100ft tunnel through the rock cliffs to guess what? Yet another spectacular view!
Unfortunately, while we there low tide was between 6-8am and 6-8pm, which didn’t fit well with little kids’ schedules so we never got to explore any tide pools. I guess we just have to go back.
When we woke up the first morning and it was snowing (yes, it was snowing on the coast), I wasn’t sure how the week would go. But, without a doubt, the northern Oregon coast exceeded our expectations. We ate and drank in a gorgeous home with even more impressive views. And while the kids were not engaged with the scenery as much as the adults, there were just enough toys to keep the kids entertained. In Ella’s words, in April, “Oregon was great, but cold.”
