Page 174 - WDT INTERACTIVE

Oregon offered me a lot.
Nearly half of that state is covered in various types
of forests, from those in the coastal range to the
Cascade Mountains to the drier areas of its eastern
parts.
I flew into Portland to find some. But first, I rented a
car and drove Highway 26 to head to Cannon Beach on
the coast. I had come for the last few days in October
and the first few days in November.
I was frankly amazed at the fall color along Highway
26. I hadn’t expected it, actually, so was really quite
thrilled by it. In Oregon, oaks turn orange; big leaf
maples, birch, ash, aspen and alders turn yellow;
dogwoods turn burgundy; vine maples and huckleber-
ries turn red; and tamaracks turn yellow, according to
the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.
Just about an hour and a half’s drive from Portland’s
airport, the Oregon Coast is a favorite destination for
good reason. Its beaches, big offshore rocks, and birds
beckon all those enthusiasts here. But there are also
many trails through those fabulous forests.
I parked myself at the Stephanie Inn in Cannon
Beach, where that coast’s most famous rock — Hay-
stack Rock — lies just offshore. Opened in 1993, the
Stephanie Inn, “a luxe coastal retreat,” is charming
and small, with rooms right on that shoreline looking
out at Haystack Rock. It includes a restaurant that is
considered one of the best on the coast, so you really
don’t have to leave. This is the kind of place people
return to over and over.
I strolled along that beach many times, marveling
at Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-high conical landmark
formed from lava flows millions of years ago. At low
tide, you can walk right up to it to find tidepools filled
with colorful sea creatures. Between May and Labor
Day, volunteers are on hand during low tides with
telescopes so you can view the splendid Tufted Puffins
that nest here then each year.
Seeking those forests, I drove to Ecola State Park
which lies immediately north of the engaging town of
Cannon Beach.
An 8-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail runs
through this state park, where cliffside views offer
coves, rocky seascapes, a long-abandoned lighthouse
and even migrating gray whales during winter and
spring. This trail also connects to the Clatsop Loop

174 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018