Get out this Week on the North Coast
By Cheri Brubaker | Tuesday, August 6, 2019
When people come to the North Coast, they generally don't lounge on the beach. We like a good bonfire, though, and it's relaxing to be here. Spending time at the ocean or in a vibrant, old-growth forest is both refreshing and exhilarating. Generally, those of us who live and visit here are pretty outdoor oriented. We're active and busy. There's a lot going on.
We like to hike through the forest and end up at the Pacific Ocean. The views from almost everywhere, even just from the car window while driving along Highway 101, are like those on postcards. We like riding fat-tire bikes along the beach, checking out tide pools and watching whales. We fly kites on the beach, search for agates and build driftwood forts. We like a good storm that rolls in off the ocean, and it's no secret that the rain doesn't stop us.
Smith Homestead Trail
Photo Credits to Tillamook Forest Center
From the Long Beach Peninsula down to Pacific City, there's great surfing, fishing and paddle sports. (For specific information about enjoying each, see last week's blog on water sports.) To get out and about this week, join a free guided paddle of the Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, August 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m and Sunday, August 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursdays through the end of the month, Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation District presents Learn to Surf Camp. Register in advance for this week's session held at Oswald West State Park's Short Sands Beach, located on the Tillamook Coast.
Photo Credits to the Tillamook Forest Center
Tillamook Forest Center is celebrating Smokey Bear's 75th birthday on Friday with a party from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.! Because late summer wildfires have ravaged the state in recent years, it's more important than ever that we heed the words of Smokey Bear: "Only you can prevent forest fires." There will be cake (but leave the candles at home), prizes, songs and family friendly games. You may even catch a glimpse of the iconic bear himself. Other cool programs at the center this week include Fire Lookouts – Alone in the Strike Zone, also on Friday at 11:30 a.m. Learn about those who spend time alone in these remote towers watching for forest fires. On Saturday at 11:30 a.m., take a Forest Bounty Walk and discover how Native American tribes hunted and gathered food from these same woods in earlier centuries.
Ready, set, spike! The Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament starts Thursday and runs through Sunday, lasting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This huge event is in its 39th year, the largest amateur beach volleyball tournament in the world with more than 1,000 teams competing.
Photo Credits to Seaside Volleyball
The Tillamook County Fair, a top 10 Blue Ribbon fair, is another event competing to capture your attention this week. Enjoy the country sounds of Tracy Byrd, Drake White & the Big Fire and Sugar Ray on the grandstand. Watch the Demolition derby. View a full schedule of events and exhibits. Country Nights and Carnival Lights runs Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
With farmers markets almost every day of the week, there's no shortage of opportunities to get out and meet people in the community, find regional, fresh food and support local makers. Find a comprehensive guide to the North Coast farmers markets here. (Pro tip: Blueberries are ripe and abundant right now.)
Because we like to hike, bike, surf and paddle that doesn't mean we don't appreciate fine comforts after a long day of playing hard. For ultimate relaxation enjoy a luxurious spa treatment at The Adrift Hotel + Spa in Long Beach. The Pickled Fish Restaurant on the 4th floor offers a cool vibe – simple, good food, live music and menu with locally sourced ingredients. The vibe extends outward to the community with a commitment to sustainability and a progressive workplace paying a living wage.
Wherever you're headed, it's going to be a great weekend! For an extensive guide to everything happening during the days, check out our Daytime Events calendar. When you get ready to take daytime play into the evening hours, our Nightlife page guides you to each evening's events and entertainment. Tell us in the comments what you like best about where you live on the North Coast, what you enjoyed on your visit or if there's an area-specific topic you'd like more information about in the future. Drive safely and have fun!
About the Author Cheri Brubaker
Cheri Brubaker is a writer living on the Oregon Coast. She enjoys sharing her favorite places to dine, hike, shop and explore this beautiful, rugged place she is so fortunate to call home. Join Cheri as she guides you along Oregon's spectacular North Coast.
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