In April, Jason and I snuck away to Cannon Beach, Oregon. This was a trip we were to have taken a few years ago, but Covid and other family matters intervened at the time. We had been anxiously awaiting to use the coastal credit that had our name on it.
This was Jason’s first time to the Pacific Northwest. I was in Portland and Lake Oswego almost two decades ago but never out to the coast. We were both ready for a quiet, moody getaway, a weekend to recharge our batteries and do a little exploring together. The Stephanie Inn at Cannon Beach was our beautiful destination, and what a place it was to spend a little time.
We flew into Portland, rented a car, and drove west until the Pacific greeted us. The inland sun gave way to gray skies, misty air, and gusty winds in Cannon Beach. In sum, it was just as I pictured it would be. Jason and I came prepared with waterproof layers, hats, and gloves. Despite the weather, we made a beeline to the beach for a stroll.
The scenery is dramatic and stunning, truly like no place I have been. Dark black rocks jut out of the water, and the waves just boom against them. As soon as the water hits land, there is an outcropping of beach, before cliffs of enormous evergreens rise straight up. After a brisk walk along through the sand, we strolled through the quaint town (the buildings made for the most wonderful wind barriers, for which my ears were thankful) before checking into the Stephanie Inn.
The Inn is in a prime location, slightly away from the bustle of town, nestled into the shoreline, and boasting a clear view of the rocks. Upon arrival, we were greeted with blueberry bellinis and a warm fire in the library. Our room wasn’t quite ready, so we hunkered down and got out our books while sipping. I could have stayed there for the rest of the trip and been contented, but …
Our room was lovely and spacious, complete with a resident sea gull who kept coming back to see us each morning and evening.
We opted to stay at the inn for dinner on this first evening, and it was delicious. They offer a Prix-fixe menu with a couple of choices for each course. We had salmon and pork, asparagus and arugula salad, and lemon panna cotta. Yum.
The loveliest surprise greeted us after dinner- the sun. All of a sudden, the evening turned beautiful, and the coast was golden glowing. We decided to head out for a night walk.
We awoke to an equally beautiful morning and were ready for a hike. We headed a few minutes north to Ecola State Park and took the hike to Crescent Beach. We felt like the only humans on the planet. It was quiet, remote, and truly gorgeous. This was a special morning.
When we hiked back from the beach to the main parking lot of Ecola, the crowds had arrived. Many of them, however, were not there to hike. Instead, they were there to take in this view:
If you are a fan of the 80’s movie, The Goonies, you might recognize this spot. This is where the movie was shot. Jason adores the film, so this was extra fun.
After our visit to Ecola State Park (highly recommend), we were ready for lunch. We made our way into town for fish n’ chips and did some strolling and shopping. We spent a lazy afternoon reading out on our balcony before we made our way down the coast to a lovely little casual dinner spot in Manzanita. Our evening ended back on Cannon Beach in a most wonderful way: bonfire. Neither Jason nor I had ever enjoyed a fire beach side. We snuggled up with a blanket and sat out chatting until the stars shone. A memory made, to be sure.
On our last morning in Oregon, we savored a yummy breakfast at the Inn and then started out on another adventure that we had never experienced- a beach bike ride. So fun! The sand is so wet and compact, it is like riding on a smooth sidewalk. The beach cruisers have fatter tires than usual bikes, and we had a blast riding up and down before it was time to check out and say good bye.
Cannon Beach was a mystical place with views unlike other places we’d been. We felt recharged and rested, and The Stephanie Inn was a peaceful and thoughtful place to stay. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit.
Before heading back to the airport, Jason and I made one more stop-to the Portland Japanese Garden. It was beautiful and 100% worth a visit. It was built on former zoo grounds, so it is treed and undulating. Jason has a special place in his heart for all things Japan since living and teaching there. If you’re in the Portland area, this is a sweet little place.
Thank you for a wonderful weekend, Oregon. You are another reminder that the world is a magical place. To my husband, you are my favorite travel partner. I love you. Thank you for the memories.
P.S. Thank you to the wonderful grandparents who take care of our terrific kids while we are away. We appreciate you deeply. Thank you for giving us the time to recharge and slow down and for loving our kids as though they are yours.
