Cape Disappointment State Park
From Cape Disappointment, we made our way to Astoria, Oregon via the Astoria Megler Bridge and found ourselves at 368 38th Street, more commonly known as the the Goonies house. Colin is a huge fan of the movie and we just had to check it out. The current owner of the house was doing some outdoor work on a ladders, so we didn't stick around too long.
Astoria Megler Bridge to Astoria
Sign at the street entrance to the Goonies house
The Goonies house
As it was getting late in the day and we were so close to the water, but had not yet gone to the beach, we went straight to Cannon Beach in Oregon from Astoria. Cannon Beach is also a noteworthy Goonies location, and many of you will recognize Haystack Rock in the images below.
The day was picturesque, but the air temperature was very cool on the water. There were a surprising number of sunbathers wearing bathing suits, and a few people braving the very cold water. I kept my long sleeve shirt and pants on, and could only keep my feet in the water for short periods of time before they started to feel numb.
A picture-perfect afternoon at Cannon Beach in Oregon
The tide heading out and Haystack Rock in the background
Haystack Rock
Very cold water (52 degrees) in the Pacific Northwest
Braving the cold water in the tidal pools near Haystack Rock
While sitting on the beach and enjoying the warm sun and cool air, I used my cell phone to find lodging for the night. Knowing Portland was only an hour and a half away, we decided to look up some Airbnb rentals there and assumed we'd be able to get a hotel if all else failed. As I made a few requests for a rental, the sun continued lowering in the sky and before long, I started to get cold. To warm up and wait for the sunset, we opted for some hot tea and snacks at a local coffee shop. Our meals this day were comprised of our staples (sardines and Clif Bars) since we had not found any restaurants along our drive that looked appetizing. In addition to some warm snacks and beverages in the coffee shop, we were also able to finalize our accommodations in Portland for the evening.
Relieved to find lodging and warmed from the coffee shop, we walked back to the beach to watch the sun set. It was a beautiful display of varying shades of orange, pink, and blue. What made the experience even more enjoyable were all the people that were still on the beach, many sitting around campfires in their sweatshirts and shorts. If it wasn't for the cold water temperature in early September, I would consider living there knowing I would enjoy the laid-back culture. But, being unable to swim is a major deal-breaker for both me and Colin.
A beautiful sunset at Cannon Beach, Oregon
It was too bad we could not have stayed on the beach, enjoying a campfire. Thankfully, the drive back to Portland wasn't too long. The day did include more driving than we would have liked (a whopping 345 miles), but there is nothing like the beach to rejuvenate a person. Our airbnb accommodations proved comfortable and the best (as usual) was taking a warm shower after camping the night before and being on the beach most of the afternoon. Being in Portland also meant we could explore the Columbia River east of Portland, which I had heard was also very nice.
Stay tuned for a recap of our adventures on the Columbia River and Mt. Hood!
Where have you enjoyed a campfire on the beach?
What is your favorite part of the Goonies movie?
My favorite quote is "Heeeyyyyy you Guuuyyyyss!"
