Cannon Beach

It's been five years since our last trek to Oregon and it was calling to us again. We flew into Portland and drove to Cannon Beach to relax and de-stress for a few days. Last time we stayed at the Hallmark which was south of town and was a hike to walk back and forth from town so this time I found lodging on the beach in town. First two days were just walking the beach, shopping, eating and sleeping (the best kind of vacation in my opinion). 

Flying into Portland and saw Mount Hood out of the window.

We drove up to Ecola State Park which is only a mile or two north of Cannon Beach. It's got two beaches, Indian and Crescent. Both beautiful beaches. Indian Beach had more people and some surfers which was fun to watch. Not sure how they handled that freezing water! Crescent Beach can be accessed after a mile and a half of hiking (it is marked as Moderate but it was tough in places). I only packed Birkenstocks so not the perfect hiking shoes but I did it and only fell once. In my defense, the trail was washed out and Sean had to go find the trail which led to some off road experiences. Crescent Beach is my favorite though, nobody is there!

 

"Dude! Don't climb that! If you fall we are hours from a hospital!"

 

Max found some sea glass here along with tiny little sand dollars.

 

The town of Cannon Beach has some quaint little houses and buildings, all landscaped beautifully. The manager at the hotel said that the elk come into town each October and stay awhile while the hunters are in the mountains. The elk wander around town and on the beach and eat all the flowers and landscaping. He said he's always on the hunt for elk proof plants.....haven't found any yet. 

I love this combo.

Evening ice cream cones and stops at the candy shop are a favorite.

Low tide at Haystack Rock brings the educational outreach people to teach.

With all of the hearts and initials drawn everywhere, I liked this one I found.

The kid at the balcony next to us in our hotel fed a seagull a donut one day and then checked out leaving this seagull to come daily looking for more donuts. He wandered over to our balcony and just watched us from the open glass door. I know it's frowned upon to feed the seagulls but he looked so sad so we fed him popcorn and Cheetos. He became our friend and the kids named him Jamal. 

After Cannon Beach we headed down the 101 to see the coast. I'll add that as another post. Goodbye Cannon Beach, until we meet again!