05/31/07
'Tis Season for Air Rides and Thrills on North Oregon Coast
Aerial views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, via Aviation Adventures(Seaside, Oregon) – How would you like to take an airplane ride over the famed Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, or see the Columbia River mouth and its many features from over 1,000 feet in the air? Or how would you like to hover over the top of Haystack Rock, Seaside’s cove area or the top of Tillamook Head in a helicopter?DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES
Two magnificent aerial joy rides await the tourist to the Oregon coast – both with different, startling angles on fun in the skies. Now that the clear weather months are here, you can find some unforgettable moments at the airplane ride Aviation Adventures or the helicopter extravaganza of Seaside Helicopters. They are both operating in full swing, showing off aerial views of landmarks you can’t see anywhere else or any other way in some cases.
Above the ocean in Seaside HelicoptersAboard Seaside Helicopters, pilot/owner Gary Turel zips you around the shores of Cannon Beach, the peaks of Tillamook Head and above the resort town of Seaside at about 100-plus miles an hour. Various plans take you to various places. They start at $35 per person for the Seaside tour, $69 per person for the Cannon Beach tour to a stunning Sunset tour for $175 per person. Other options include wildlife tours and other combinations. All flights have at least a two-person minimum.With a bubble window to the world below, you feel yourself ever so gently lift upwards, a sensation similar in some ways to easing up in an airplane, but in a helicopter there's definitely that spine-tingling feeling of rising faster. It's exhilarating to say the least, with the tilt of the aircraft pulling you against its quick upward ascension.
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Comfy robes, slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. http://www.seasidesuites.com/
Depending on the flight, in no time, you’re up over the back of Tillamook Head – a 1300-foot-high, forested headland. Gary points out its sheer cliffs from this side, spots where elk congregate and even the small bald spot on top of the mountain that is a Lewis & Clark monument. It was here – some two hundred years ago – that William Clark, Sacagawea and a few others hiked over the headland to catch sight of a beached whale in what would become Cannon Beach.
Seaside and the Turnaround from Seaside HelicoptersMost incredible is approaching the tip of Tillamook Head as Gary points out a rocky arch sitting offshore called "Goonies Rock," which was featured in the movie "Goonies." Remember that scene near the end where the kids took a key and matched it to a rock structure with a hole in it? That rock is now named after the movie, visible from Indian Beach. From there, you may swing around again, head north over Tillamook Head, and he’ll show you that rocky shoreline beneath the headland that can't be seen any other way. At this point, Seaside is in full view, as are the shores of southern Washington and hints of Astoria. Then it's back to the landing pad, with a zoom over the adjacent Seaside Family Fun Park and its numerous fun-tastic possibilities (www.seasidefamilyfunpark.com, 503-738-2076).
Goonie's Rock - from Seaside Helicopters
Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). http://www.archcaperentals.com/ 866-436-1607.
At Aviation Adventures, longtime Navy pilot Allen Sprague not only takes passengers on a whirlwind tour of the north Oregon coast, but he lets you take the wheel for a bit as well. That’s right. You briefly get to fly the aircraft.
Flights begin at $35 per person and run as long as 30 minutes in some cases. He even offers beginning flight instruction at $59 per session and intermediate flight instruction at $140 an hour.
Aviation Adventures gives you the option of flying around Seaside and up to the Columbia River; or south, around Cannon Beach and Nehalem Bay. He’ll ask you what you want to see and take you accordingly.
Above Haystack Rock in Aviation AdventuresOften, Sprague says, people take the northward tour, which takes people up beyond Astoria, to Dismal Nitch, Young’s Bay and then back to the beaches of Seaside, for a quick swing around Terrible Tilly – the legendary lighthouse that sits a mile offshore. Other tours involve extensive, detailed looks at the varied and nearly endless nooks and crannies in the cliffs and beaches of Cannon Beach, Hug Point, Arch Cape, Short Sand Beach, Cape Falcon, Neahkahnie Mountain and Manzanita. You also get extensive glimpses of the shoreline along six-mile long Tillamook Head – which are, of course, never visible to the average tourist.
Hidden sea caves visible around Manzanita, from Aviation Adventures
You’ll witness enormous sea caves you can’t see otherwise, or hidden cliffs and structures lurking around landmarks that are normally familiar to you, things unseen except from this vantage point. Especially remarkable is when Sprague swings around Tillamook Rock Lighthouse several times, and you can glimpse this ancient beauty – now a bird sanctuary and columbarium – from an unusual and unforgettable angle. You actually get a good look at details and features that generations of beachgoers have dreamed about when gazing at that mysterious figure in the distance.You can find Aviation Adventures at the Seaside Municipal Airport, on the northern border of town. 503-717-9393.
Both Seaside Helicopters and Aviation Adventures run seven days a week during the high season months, depending on clear weather.
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. http://www.dsandsmotel.com/. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com
Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.atcannonbeach.com/.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.theoceanlodge.com/
STARFISH POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks. Friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. http://www.starfishpoint.com/
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ASTORIAWhere the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history
SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches
CANNON BEACHA mysterious lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca
NEHALEM BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway
TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town
THREE CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City
DEPOE BAYA spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whales
NEWPORTTime-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged & upscale
FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes
