Pacific City - Cloverdale, OR

When the fog lifts, you can see the ocean from the large family lodge at the Thousand Trails Pacific City preserve.

Experiencing this view through a pane of glass just won’t do. Take your coffee out to any of the picnic tables atop the wraparound deck and gaze toward the horizon, warmed by your drink and soothed by the sound of waves breaking. A deep breath fills your nostrils with the clean scent of coastal spruce trees that surround you.  Here, where the land meets the sea, you will be inspired to take in the best that the Oregon coast has to offer.

While you’re up high, look just beyond the breakers for the telltale arching water spray of migrating gray whales. Although they can be seen year-round, November through April is the peak period.  Glancing skyward, you might also catch a glimpse of the thousands of indigenous sea birds or maybe even the rarer bald eagle or blue heron sighting.

When you’re ready to get closer to the water, take the beach trail by foot or on horseback (there are horse corrals and a separate horse trail on property) right down to the beach and Cape Kiwanda sand dunes. Beachcombing – always best after a spectacular coastal storm – yields all sorts of treasures. When the ocean is at zero tide, you can see (but please, don’t touch) anemones, starfish and hermit crabs in the tide pools. Fishing, crabbing and clamming are other popular pastimes.

Back at the preserve, all the top-notch amenities await. You’ll find the Sea Galley Cafe, the Shipmates Store, a game room and a meeting area inside the family lodge. An indoor pool, hot tub, mini-golf, playground and sports courts are nearby. A few short nature trails, including a scenic overlook, round out the recreation highlights.

Pacific City’s location along the coast is perfect for joining the 38-mile, Three Capes Scenic Route which connects Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares, as well as circling back to Tillamook, full of interesting side jaunts. This detour off Hwy 101 is typically explored in the opposite direction, north to south, heading west from Tillamook.  But the preserve is closest to Cape Kiwanda, so we’ll tour in reverse.

Cape Kiwanda is best known for its unique sandstone formation – as opposed to the usual rock outcropping that creates a cape – as well as its 327-foot Haystack Rock a mile offshore. The picturesque view and great waves make this a fun diversion for beachcombers and surfers alike.

The next stop to the north, Cape Lookout, is a rugged headland featuring rainforest, wildflowers, and wildlife. More than eight miles of hiking and walking trails loop around the state park. Be sure to look up to see hangliders and paragliders!

The third cape, Cape Meares State Park and Lighthouse, is perhaps the best known. Positioned high atop a dramatic cliff, the 35-foot tall lighthouse hosts tours April through October. A short distance away is the fantastic, must-see “Octopus Tree” – a unique clustering of Sitka Spruce trees from one trunk.

All this exploring is bound to work up an appetite – the perfect time to visit the Tillamook County Creamery Association Visitors Center, the home of famed Tillamook cheese. Located just north of downtown Tillamook, the facility houses an observation area, sampling counter, gift shops (cheese and gourmet foods), fudge counter, ice cream counter, and the Farmhouse Cafe.

Whether you just want to relax at a coastal getaway or get out and explore, Pacific City is an ideal year-round destination. For more information, call (800) 205-0606.