Oregon Coast Attractions

Clamber up the Column's 164 steps to the top of the world, Astoria style. Other than it providing the best vantage point for taking in all the Victorian houses dotting the surrounding hillsides, and for enjoying the junction of the Columbia River flowing into the Pacific, the column itself is a graphic depiction of Oregonian and American Indian history. But the kids are going to love the .75 cent, 4" balsam wood planes (sold at the adjacent gift shop) that they're allowed to launch from the top of the tower. An imbedded metal tip on the nose of the miniature plane allows for stellar gliding action. Grown kids love it, too.

Mike's Bike Shop provides "wheely" great fun for the whole family as you cycle on four surf-pounded miles of sand, while kites fly overhead and the iconic 235-foot Haystack Rock rises up from the sea. The recumbent Funcycle is great for ages 10-70, while Mini-Peels/Banana Peels are best for ages 3 to 9, Trail-a-Bikes for ages 3 to 6, and All-Terrain Strollers are available for infants.

The official maritime museum of Oregon, the CRMM boasts an extensive collection of nautical artifacts, a WWII Navy Destroyer and a floating lighthouse. Many of the exhibits are experiential: Learn how it feels to pilot a tugboat, see the pitch of a Coast Guard rescue craft during dramatic storms, learn how Bar Pilots steer their boats to safety. Knee-high Plexiglas exhibits allow even the youngest visitors a bird's eye—correction—a sea lion's eye—into the marine life below sea level.

Although migrating whales are most frequently seen during late December, mid-March, and early May, about 200 gray whales cruise the area around Depoe Bay year-round, and are spotted almost daily. One-to-two hour whale watching trips are available from the two charter boat companies referenced above. The Whale Watching Center can direct the family to the best local vantage points on land.

On the land:
Whale Watching Center
119 SW Highway 101
Depoe Bay, OR 97341
(541)765-3304

On the sea:
Tradewinds Charters
P.O. Box 123
Highway 101, Downtown
Depoe Bay, OR 97341
(800)445-8730 or (541)765-2345

Dockside Charters:
PO Box 1308
Depoe Bay, OR 97341
(800)733-8915 or (541)765-2545

Held daily in spring and summer by trained naturalists, Haystock Rock Awareness Program is an environmental educational program. Crowds gather near Haystack Rock to learn about the marine life in the multiple tidepools, as well as the birds who make their home on the Rock.

Take a ride on the wet side, on one of the first nationally-designated "Wild and Scenic" rivers in the nation. Jerry's Rogue Jets celebrate their 50th year in operation, offering a nature-based adventure trip, perfect for the youngest of kids to grandpa. The second choice, Rogue River Mail Boats, has been delivering the mail since 1895 to the more remote areas of the river. Both companies are family owned. The pilots are licensed, and the equipment is US Coast Guard certified. Tours operate from May 1 through September/October.

Jerry's Rogue Jets
PO Box 1011
Gold Beach, OR 97444
800.451.3645/541.247.4571

Jet Boat Excursions on the
Rogue River Mail Boats
PO Box 1165
Gold Beach, OR 97444
800.458.3511

Considered one of the "gnarliest" parks in the United States, this skateboard park has over 100 lines and a 9-foot bowl. The park's latest addition (enclosed to combat wintry weather) is an 8,600 square-foot, dome-shaped "Cradle" -- one of only four in the world. If the skater gets up to speed, he/she can actually skate upside down. Helmets, anyone?

Rather than merely observe, the family can experience a hands-on lesson in either blowing a glass float or making a paperweight. One recent visitor was enchanted by the fact that she could carry away a treasure that had her "granddaughter's breath inside it." The glass-blowing artisans recommend that the very youngest participants be at least 6 to 7 years old.

Considered one of the Top 10 aquariums in the U.S., its exhibit, "Oddwater," states "it's OK to be weird!" Oddwater examines some of the strangest looking creatures directly south of the sea level. Their popular sleepover program, "Sleep with the Sharks" is for kids 4 and older. It is held between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m., and takes place in sleepover tunnels surrounded on all sides by the aquarium. A pizza dinner and light breakfast is provided.

Ocean currents mixed with powerful winds have created a 32,000-acre wonderland called the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, stretching from Florence to North Bend. Though there's a number of companies that offer sand vehicle rentals. Between ATV's, two-seat and four-seat buggies, or larger guided tours, families can ride the sandy hills and valleys to their heart's content. This particular company specializes in safety first (helmets provided), tailoring its programs to suit all families, from infants to grandparents.

In this case, "hands-on" may mean some messy digits as the whole family participates in a cooking demonstration. Often specializing in Pacific Northwest cuisine, chefs participate from all over the world. With the Center's windows overlooking the ocean, not only do you learn while enjoying a fantastic view, but you get to enjoy the literal fruits of your labor. The chefs recommend that junior cooks be no younger than 6 to 7 years old.