The Oregon Coast

Description: The rugged beauty stretches along Route 101, with seaside towns welcoming visitors. 

Location: Oregon

Cost:  $5.00- State Park Pass at Ecola State Park,  $20.00-  Aquarium, Free- Cheese Factory  

Adventure Highlights: 

Ecola State Park 

We were excited to head to the coast once we got to Oregon. We love water. We quickly learned it was a much different than the Great Lakes in Michigan or the white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast. It is referred to as the coast not as a beach. The water is freezing. The kids had fun stacking rocks and chasing the waves. The tide was out and we were able to find some shells and crabs in the sand.

Seaside Aquarium 

When we arrived, I was surprised to see how small the aquarium was. It is basically one room. I thought to myself this will be a quick visit. The kids on the other hand had other ideas. The highlight was feeding the seals. They were hilarious to watch. They would clap their belly, spray water at you, and beg for you to choose them. Jenna, who does not like the smell of fish, let along touching a dead one, came up with a way to flip them over without even touching them. After we all feed the seals we saw baby jellyfish (which look like specks of dust, the octopus, and then in the touch tanks. The staff was great and educated the kids on many different aspects of sea life.

Tillamook Cheese Factory

A factory tour with cheese! Yes, please. The tour is self guided and free. It didn't take long to complete. The observation deck shows the production floor in operation.  The best part samples at the end of the tour. The favorite was the cheese curds.