Enjoy a leisurely exploration of two artistic beach towns tucked along Oregon's northern coastline, an area whose immense natural beauty has changed little over the centuries.
Depart from the pier and begin driving through downtown Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. After crossing Young's Bay Bridge, you'll pass near the site where the Lewis and Clark expedition wintered in 1805-1806 and then continue south in the shadow of the beautiful Oregon Coastal Range. The natural scenery, a forested wonderland of spruce, cedar and hemlock, is truly hypnotic as you travel on to Cannon Beach, a small, friendly town named for a schooner's cannon discovered just offshore in 1846.
The gorgeous setting and slow, easy pace of Cannon Beach have attracted a thriving artists' community of photographers, painters, glassblowers and ceramists. You'll have time to admire their work in the town's many galleries and boutiques while exploring on your own. The town's waterfront looks out over Haystack Rock, a basalt monolith that rises out of the surf 235 feet and has become an icon of northern Oregon.
A bit farther up the coast, you'll find Seaside, another charming coastal village located at the end of the Lewis & Clarke Trail that is a national landmark. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a guide from the local Chamber of Commerce who will introduce you to the town and what it has to offer. Then, you are free to walk the oceanfront promenade, browse the antique shops, or savor the local seafood at your own pace. This area is also synonymous with saltwater taffy, a locally made confection that comes in all sorts of exotic flavors from huckleberry to habanero. Following your time in Seaside, you'll reboard your bus and make the drive back to the pier in Astoria.
Please note: Walking on this tour is mainly at the guests' discretion during the stops and there may be some steps and uneven surfaces to negotiate. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the bus, and have an able-bodied companion to assist them. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Travel on this tour is via local school buses that are not air-conditioned.