In current news, the Oregon Coast has been trending because of recent King Tides that have been slamming the coastline. King Tides are notably the highest tides of the year, and they happen due to a gravitational pull that’s stronger than usual when the sun, earth, and moon are all aligned. Although interesting to look at, these high tides and resulting sneaker waves can be extremely dangerous, so visitors need to use caution if viewing them. With that being said, these conditions are scheduled to gradually improve and become safer over the next few months, so here are some options for you to explore on your next visit to the Oregon Coast!
Natural Bridges
Natural Bridges Cove is one of the most beautiful sights to see on the coast of Southern Oregon, located in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. The natural arches seen above were formed by the shifting of stone and the ocean over several thousand years. You can see this natural wonder during a quick pit stop on Highway 101, and previous visitors have recommended to go to the viewpoint early in the morning or on a cloudy day, for the best views!
Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well, a seemingly bottomless sinkhole on the Oregon Coast, is a stop on many people’s destination lists. Thor’s Well is located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, three miles south of Yachats. Carved out of the rough, basalt shoreline, the sinkhole is bowl shaped, and is a popular location for photographers and thrill seekers. The hole has a reputation as being especially dangerous, but in reality the ocean is what makes the spot potentially hazardous, rather than the hole itself, observing regular ocean safety will be more than enough for a pleasant, relatively safe visit. At high tide water fills the hole from the bottom up, and the waves cause water to spew forth from the top and roll back inside, creating the illusion that the sinkhole is never ending. At low tide it is possible to view into the hole and see how this effect takes place, so one doesn’t have to wait for a certain time of day to see something interesting.
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Just a short drive from Cannon Beach, one can find Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, also known as Terrible Tilly, stands tall about 2 miles out from the coastline. The construction of Tilly was notoriously dangerous and brutal and workers had to be brought in from outside of town who were none the wiser. Four months after work on the lighthouse had started in January of 1880, a perilous storm sent huge waves peppered with loosened rocks crashing over the work site, sweeping away the crew’s tools, water tank, and provisions. According to historical records, all the workers survived, but they were stranded for over two weeks waiting for new food, clothing and supplies. Following the completion in 1881, teams of four men were stationed at the lighthouse and kept the light shining. The mental and physical toll of working on the island forced the crew to work in abnormally short shifts with long break in between. One keeper broke under the intense pressure and reportedly tried to kill another keeper by putting shards of glass in his food. After being decommissioned in 1957 and replaced with a red whistle buoy, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse has stood ominously watching over the living and the dead.
The Bandage Man of Cannon Beach
There are many things to do at Cannon Beach, you can go hiking, watch the waves, explore the beach, or even… get chased by a disfigured bandaged man?! This place has everything! This scary legend is everything scary stories are made of, a young couple making out in their car, when they are harassed and chased by a disfigured man covered in bandages, and no I’m not talking about mummies. He can only be found on a subsection of Highway 101 dubbed appropriately, “Bandage Man Road”, which is very clever. So if you’re looking for a good scare, grab you best guy or gal, hop in your pickup and start smooching on the side of the road! And afterwards go grab some ice cream? Do what you want, I’m not your dad.
The Goonies Filming Location at Cannon Beach
If you don’t want to visit Cannon Beach and be haunted by the Bandage man, perhaps take a tour of the filming location for the movie the Goonies. The Goonies was an 80’s iconic adventure and comedy film that circles around a group of boys that live in the “Goon Docks” neighborhood located in Astoria, Oregon. As the story progresses the group of boys end up on a cliff that happens to overlook Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach. The beach is featured in many more scenes as the story unfolds and the boys find their destiny. If you find yourself in Astoria, and happen to be a movie bluff, Cannon Beach is definitely a spot worth adventuring through.
Oregon Obscura 