In pictures, a winter jaunt to the Oregon Coast

And why it's best visited in the winter months.

Friends,

There are few places in the world like the Oregon Coast. It’s where the great forests and mountains of the northwest dive into the steel blue water of the Pacific Ocean, a confluence that begets a sense foreboding power and old magic. Especially in the winter months, as the clouds linger in the trees and it’s hard to distinguish the sea salt spray from the ever-present Pacific Northwest mist. Powerful, yes, but also peaceful.

I’m biased, of course. I grew up coming to the Oregon Coast, so it will always hold the mythic stature conjured up in the mind of a seven-year-old boy. Even on some weekends in high school and on college breaks, I’d drive to the coast and spend the night in the back of my Jeep. But until a couple of weekends ago, it had been about eight years since I’d been back. So, on a whim we headed down for a quick night on the coast.

While other coastal towns are a bit more gruff, Cannon Beach has always had more charm, albeit at the expense of feeling more touristy. But in the winter you don’t have to deal with the crowds, only the stalwart sea dogs that are crazy enough to enjoy a beach when it’s 40 degrees and raining.

It's not so crazy, though - because while other coastlines try to coax you into serenity with warm sand and gentle waves, the Oregon Coast decidedly does not. Even during the summer, the water is cold enough to have you begging for mercy in a few minutes. So go during the winter, embrace it, and enjoy seeing the snow-capped hills descend and meet the looming obelisk that is Haystack Rock.

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My first and last stop whenever I get to a town on the Oregon Coast is to find some seafoam, a honeycomb candy covered in chocolate and sea salt. I don’t actually know if this is an Oregon specific creation, but I’ve looked long and hard to find seafoam (or similar) around the world and am usually left with some blank stares. So if you happen to find yourself in Cannon Beach, stop by Bruce’s Candy Kitchen and pick some up.

Thanks for reading.

Skylar