As we drove down the Olympic peninsula in Washington we encountered the third and final ecosystem in Olympic National Park – the rugged Pacific Coastline. We found a small park to stop at for a picnic lunch out of the back of our car. It was pretty but not the kind of beach you find in most places…very rocky and not for swimming or surfing.
After lunch we continued down the coast and crossed this bridge over the Columbia River into Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is a cute town we explored several years ago. It is the oldest city in Oregon and is located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
After driving another hour along the coast we arrived in Cannon Beach. A cute, walkable town with shops, restaurants, and wine and beer tasting rooms. It is know for its long stretch of beach and Haystack Rock.
Haystack Rock is home to many sea critters including puffins. We found out that it is one of the tallest “intertidal” (meaning it can be reached by land) rocks in the world. We walked out to it first thing in the morning during low tide (the only time you can reach it).
Next up, we drive down the coast with a few stops along the way.
I would like to see the puffins.