Outdoor Activities in Warrenton

28 Saturday Jul 2012

Tags

activities, coast, fishing, fort stevens, Golf, oregon, warrenton, zip line

On the northwestern tip of Oregon you will find Warrenton on a finger of land between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. A small town of approximately 4,000 people, Warrenton has a several interesting attractions.

On the beach lies the Peter Iredale, a sailboat that shipwrecked over 100 years ago. Since it was possible to pull the boat out of the sand, it has remained where it became stuck. The ocean is slowly claiming the remains of the vessel. However, at low tide you can still walk up to the boat.

Battery Russell, a part of Fort Stevens was built and activated in 1904. It remained in use until the end of World War II. Battery Russell has the distinction of being one of the few places on the mainland of the United States to have been fired upon by the Japanese during World War II. There is no record of anyone being killed at Battery Russell, but there are many reports of ghost sightings there. There are even photographs that claim to show moving orbs and ectoplasmic masses. So, if you would like to see a scary ghost or two, check out Battery Russell.

For those who crave excitement, Warren offers two activities sure to get your heart pounding. How about trying paragliding? On Sunset Beach you can get training and fly either single or duo up to 3,000 feet above the beach and the ocean. For something a little less thrilling, you can take a Zip Line Tour. High Life Adventures provides a 2 ½ hour tour over thirty acres of breath taking scenery. Once you have on your safety gear, a harness, helmet, lanyard, and a trolley, you are hooked to a line. As you soar between 15′ – 60′ above seasoned timber, ponds, and a private lake, you will experience the one of the closest things to flying. Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent.

If you enjoy playing gold, and can qualify, you can sign up to participate in the Annual Oregon Coast Invitational Amateur Match Play Tournament. You can enjoy yourself and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The proceeds from the tournament, now in its 102 year, go to fund a scholarship for local high school graduates to further their education. This year’s tournament began on July 21st and will end on July 28th. Some divisions fill up rapidly so you need up register well ahead of time.

Warrenton is an delightful place to visit. Being only about an hour’s drive from Portland, Portlanders can easily slip over for a day, or an afternoon.
Article written by Mary Boyer

View Larger Map

Seaside, Oregon Fun Family Destination on the Oregon Coast

15 Sunday Jul 2012

Posted by admin in Seaside

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

activities, beach, coast, day trip, family, fun, oregon, seaside, vacation, weekend

Seaside Oregon is one of the more popular beaches alone the Oregon coast. Beginning in 2005, on the first Saturday of each month the art galleries, restaurants, and shops of Seaside have welcomed artists, authors, and musicians. From 5 to 8 pm participating businesses provide space for the artists and goodies for the visitors. You can get a map of the walk at participating businesses, the Seaside Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, or download one from the internet.

Why not come on Friday night and enjoy the area and return home on Sunday? There are dozens of hotels/motels, condo and lodges, Bed and Breakfasts, and vacation home rentals depending on your preferences. Be sure to make a reservation, since this popular area can sometimes be booked up.

The promenade along the beach in Seaside is unique on the Oregon Coast. Walking along the promenade you will see beautiful views of the ocean and Tillamook Head. There is a circle for cars to turn around at about the center of the promenade that has a bronze statue of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Seaman in the center.

History buffs will enjoy visiting the Saltworks, a National Historic Site where Lewis and Clark made salt. The oven that they used is still there. The Butterfield Cottage was built as a beach house for a jeweler from Portland in 1893. It was occupied as a home until 1958 when it became a millinery shop. It became a museum in 1984. Currently it is decorated to represent what it might have looked like in 1912.

Seaside Aquarium is a delightful place to spend some time. As you approach the building you are greeted by the skeleton of 35-foot skeleton of a Gray Whale. Inside the main attraction are the ten seals that make their home here. The oldest of the seals was born in 1983! The youngest was born in 2011. Children in particular enjoy the seals enthusiasm as the splash and bark in hopes of getting a piece of fish. The aquarium also includes a touching pool and other exhibits.

If you make it to the beach, you’ll discover that this is a wonderful place to fly a kite. The coastal winds make this a great place for kite flying, even if you’ve never tried it before. Seaside is one of the best places on the Oregon and Washington Coasts for surfing. All the gear you might need is for rent nearby.

Visit the Carousel Mall and ride one, or several, of the animals on the carousel. The animals are replicas of the animals at the San Francisco Carousel Museum. Among the favorites are a seahorse, a rabbit, a pink ostrich, and of course a pony.