It’s funny how when you live somewhere for a long time, you become just a little bit immune to the beauty. I guess it’s sort of a defense mechanism, because if you spent all your time admiring the view, you don’t really get much done. To remind myself of the beauty we live in, every day, I like to go somewhere close by, geographically, but far away atmospherically, if you know what I mean.
What I’m trying to say, I guess, is that the Pacific Northwest is full of gorgeousness. Yes, it’s usually overcast, and yes, sometimes (a lot of the time) there’s rain, but there’s a lush, deep, green earthiness to the PNW that you just don’t find anywhere else. I love it when Mike and I drive along tiny two lane roads, in between tall pines, with the fog creeping low. Even better is when we break through the forest and see the sea in all of its majestic silver blue gray glory.
The coastline here is rocky and ragged in some places, and smooth and expansive in others. There are tree filled cliffs and miles and miles of walkable beaches with sea stack rock formations. If you love storms, clouds, waves, or wind, you need to visit!
Mike and I went on a little PNW adventure last month, hitting up Seattle before eventually making our way to the ever popular tiny town of Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is home to the iconic Haystack Rock: a giant monolithic sea stack rock on the beach that, depending on time of day, is accessible during low tide. It also happens to be the rock in that 80s movie, The Goonies!
We love Cannon Beach with its vast, sandy, flat beach. Where the water comes in, it makes this hard packed sand that’s perfect for long walks while talking about anything and everything. It’s just the right bit of windy, which makes it perfect for flying kites, and when you’re tired out and hungry, you can have a little picnic and end with a beach bonfire.
We brought a bunch of stuff with us from Seattle and I had the best time making a fancy, totally bad and bougie little picnic spot complete with a wooden pig cutting board, little enamel trays and mustard spoons.
I was extra excited because we hit up Seawolf bakery for some of the most delicious sourdough I’ve ever had. We also brought along some Bota Box Mini Chardonnays for some wine with our charcuterie, which bumped up the luxury level just so. I love that it comes in a 100% recyclable kraft paper box. It was perfect for bringing down to the beach because it isn’t glass. Even though no one says so, I always feel like glass is a big no-no on the beach. Since the wine was so light, we loaded up on bonus food items.
We had: sourdough, red grapes, pear, fresh herbs, brie, salami, pate, nuts, olives, mustard (of course), and mini salami! I have to say, we were getting some jealous looks from passersby. I’m not sure if they were checking out our set up, the wine, or the mini salami. Maybe all three?
After our picnic, we had a little bonfire, complete with marshmallows, that I roasted and squished between chocolate chip cookies, as well as more bread, toasted over the fire. We finished off the wine too ;) SO GOOD.
As the sun went down, we got extra cozy with some blankets and chatted the night away. It almost felt like it was our own private little beach, with the stars shining down, the friendly shadow of Haystack Rock in the distance, and the crackling of the fire. Oh, and it was extra magical because the beach was showing off with bioluminescence! I was starring at the ocean when I noticed a shimmery blue neon glow. Mike and I got up immediately and walked toward the ocean and it was an intense iridescent cerulean. It doesn’t happen all the time, and we felt extra lucky to see it in real life – it was my first time.
I hope you guys get a chance to visit the Oregon Coast. It’s truly a beauty, even when it isn’t showing off. And when it is, watch out, you’ll fall in love.
Heading down with the family in August. Any suggestions on where to eat ? Always love your posts!!
ooh, we haven’t really tried many of the restaurants in/near cannon beach (we brought picnic food with us!) one place we did go to was public coast brewery, which was v family friendly and had good fries :)
Thanks for the advice !! Heading down this weekend . Looking forward to exploring .
You described the Pacific Northwest pretty spot on, although when Summer hits we do have some pretty awesome, sunny (and hot hot 100 degree) days. Lived here since I was 3 and although I honestly DO NOT like the rain, the benefits of this area are so incredible that I have always stayed. Of course Portland is an outrageous “foodie” place too. Thanks for the great post.