Astoria Oregon

After a day of driving up the coast we made a beeline to Astoria where we'd spend our last night in Oregon. Along the way we stopped at Cannon Beach to view Haystack Rock. It was worth the detour. Visitors were wandering around the beach exploring at low tide. We could walk right up to the massive 235 foot basalt sea stack which is believed to be one of the tallest intertidal structures in the world. The ecosystem includes sea stars, anemone and octopus as well as several varieties of birds including the puffin along the tidal pools. Haystack Rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge which gives it a protected status. Removing anything within 300 yards of Haystack Rock is strictly prohibited. Visitors are also forbidden to climb above the barnacle line in order to protect the wildlife that lives there. Visitors are encouraged to walk on sand and bare rock only.

Haystack Rock

View from the neighborhood

Walking down to beach access

View looking south of Haystack Rock

After getting settled at our hotel along the Columbia River, we took a walk along the Riverwalk. We heard noises across the river and realized it was coming from sea lions. Hundreds of bellowing bodies covered the long commercial piers and docks. There was no way the docks could be used by boats. The sea lions were so loud it sounded as though they were arguing and fussing with each other. We read that they are considered a nuisance to the town and docks but they were a delight for us to see. 

The Sea Lions of Astoria Video

Columbia River view from our hotel

Columbia River Sunset

Sea lions covering the commercial docks

There were hundreds of them

Unhappy campers!

Wonder if they have assigned spots?

The Riverwalk path led us to the Rogue Brewery Tap Room where we stopped for a nice cold Nitro Oatmeal Stout. They closed at 9:00 but let us stay til 9:15. We walked home in the dark commenting on what a lovely place Astoria seemed to be and what an awesome day this was!

Rogue Brewery sits on a pier

Brigantine boat alongside Rogue

Rogue tap list

Nitro Oatmeal Stout

We woke often overnight to the sea lion wails. They would quiet down a bit then yelp loudly in protest. We imagined them complaining to each other as they tried to establish their own spot on the docks. We giggled over what they might be saying to one another, "move over, stop touching me, who smells like fish!"

They look kinda harmless here!

Astoria is a cool place, often referred to as "Hollywood North". Lots of movies were filmed here including Goonies, Free Willy and Short Circuit. We would have liked to stay longer but it was time to move on to Washington State, excited to see what life has in store for us there.