by Veronica Russell of Seaside Visitors Bureau
It’s no secret that Seaside, Oregon, is full of awe-inspiring natural beauty in any season. The soft sandy beach on a morning walk, watching surfers at the Cove on a sunny day, the view through the trees overlooking the abundant estuary, a walk southward on the Prom with a backdrop of Tillamook Head – and oh, those sunsets! Tillamook Head and the Coast Range look like torn black construction paper against the brilliant, watercolor sky.
One of my favorite spots along Hwy 26 is the forest and river bed area around milepost 36, especially as the sun begins to sink behind the trees. Warm beams of light, like fingers, point out highlighted areas in this enchanted forest. Old trees reach out their powerful arms, their sleeves of moss and lichen illuminated like emerald robes. Patches of soft green loam are spotlighted alongside the winding river bed. I always roll down my window a little in this area so I can breathe in the forest air.
Yes, come to Seaside and bask in its beauty. But, don’t forget to stop and smell the forest along the way.
BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN SEASIDE
It’s no secret that Seaside is full of natural beauty, but Seaside has also come to be recognized for its more than 80 colorful and fragrant pocket gardens dotted throughout town. Those gardens and hanging baskets showcase hundreds of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals, splashing color and a bit of character all over town.
Seaside’s gardener, Pam Fleming from Nature’s Helper, uses a bit of creativity as she designs the gardens. For example, outside a restaurant you may find edible plants and herbs.
Next time you’re strolling the streets of Seaside, take a little self-guided tour or at least take a moment to stop and smell the roses along the way.
DOGS LOVE SEASIDE
“An ideal summer trip to Seaside includes long walks on the beach, sand between your toes, and a stick of driftwood that fits perfectly in your mouth and floats well enough to make your tail wag for days.” – this is what most dogs would say if they spoke English.
Long summer days, extensive stretches of sandy beach and bits of driftwood in all shapes and sizes make the perfect ingredients for fun frolics and games of fetch with Fido on a summer day in Seaside.
Thanks to Oregon Governor Oswald West, all beaches in Oregon were designated public land in 1913. The Oregon Beach Bill, a landmark piece of legislation passed in 1967, ensured continued “free and uninterrupted use of the beaches.”
While leash laws do apply in town, dogs on the beach may run off-leash as long they are under immediate voice control of their owners. You can read more about 100 years of public beach access and its remarkable history on the Oregon State Parks’ “Celebrate the Shore” website at www.seasidenaturally.com.
BIRDING IN SEASIDE
Open space, the ocean, an estuary draining two rivers, fresh and saltwater ponds, wetlands, grassy dunes and stands of spruce and alder provide rich and varied habitats for the more than 250 varieties of birds that make Seaside a year-round or seasonal home.
A blue heron may give you a curious look as you pass him spearing fish beneath a bridge on the Necanicum River. A bald eagle may dive through the air to grab a fish as you enter the estuary or a family of ducks floats by in line. In addition, spring and autumn offer opportunities for sightings of unusual visitors who travel the Pacific Flyway migratory route.
TURNAROUND FIREWORKS SHOW
Boasting one of the finest fireworks shows anywhere on the West Coast, Seaside’s display is sure to cap off a memorable day for all the family. The Big Fireworks Show takes place on the beach at the Turnaround starting at dark, or about 10pm.
For more information about the many events held on the North Coast, contact the Seaside Chamber of Commerce at 503-738-6391.
More than just a day at the beach
Seaside has been the Northwest’s most popular ocean resort for over a century. Located just 90 minutes from Portland on the beautiful Oregon coast, it is a destination paradise for a wide variety of reasons: spectacular ocean views, miles of public beach, unique natural setting, mild ocean climate, outdoor activities, year-round events, excellent shopping and unforgettable dining.
Visitors delight in dozens of unique boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries and antique stores. At 1.5-mile long, the oceanfront Promenade is perfect for strollers, joggers and bike riders. The “Prom” also gives access to those with mobility issues, getting them closer to the beach.
The wide, sandy beach is used for all kinds of activities, from low rider beach bikes, beach volleyball or wave watching, to sand castle building, kite flying or a hot dog roast. Those young at heart will enjoy the carousel, arcades, miniature golf, bumper cars and boats, tilt-a-whirl, paddle boats and canoes.
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