Cannon Beach, OR: June 2013

As a California girl, summer means going to the beach, so I had to scoop out where the local beaches are. Lucky for me, within 1.5 hour driving distance from Portland on the 101 are a few beaches that can satisfy my beach craving.

My husband, fur babies, and I made the quick drive to Cannon Beach, OR.  The Pacific Ocean is cold, and the water temperature is not too far off what I experience in Southern California. However, the air temperature is much cooler here, making the water seem relatively colder. Yet, I love how this beach is less busy, quieter, and more secluded. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and you can put them off leash in areas with few/no people. My dogs loved running around in the sand, but were a bit timid when it came to the water.

Our Kirin enjoying the tide pools

Our Gidget wades in the water

 I love nature and both the mountains and beaches, so it was amazing to see the juxtaposition of mountain & beach all in one view. I love the mountain background. A friend told me that there is forest-type hiking and camping at neighboring Ecola State Park. When I go back, it is on my must-do list.

Below are pictures of Haystack rock, the landmark that Cannon Beach is known for, with its surrounding tide pools. Many birds call the rock home.

Below are pictures from Tolovana State Park, southern end of Cannon Beach.

Mo's Restaurant: What a view!

What is equally amazing about my trip is the friendliness of the people we meet. As my husband and I ate dinner, we enjoyed chatting up with two separate parties at our shared table. When another guest was unable to finish her steak, our doggies were offered the remaining pieces. And, as we finished drinks at the firepit table, we were joined by two servers who told us about there gypsy-type lifestyle, bouncing from various vacation spots, working and enjoying life.

Cannon Beach "Graffiti"

Bonus points if you can identify this compound, and no I did not do this.

-Until the Next Adventure, cutiee23


Links:
Cannon Beach
Ecola State Park
Tolovana State Park


Land's End Inn : Amazing place to stay~affordable, dog-friendly, ocean front
Puppy by the Sea: Friendly owners~ dog-friendly, great place to stock up on treats while on vacay


Yummy places for chowder:
Mo's Restaurant 
Driftwood Restaurant 
Ecola Seafoods: great place to buy fresh fish & prepared food to bring for a seaside picnic