Here’s a photo of Bert last month at Haystack Rock (yes, that’s my finger on the right); this popular spot, located in Cannon Beach, is a perfect day trip from Portland — about 80 miles each way.
Not in a hurry to get back to town? After wiping the sand from your feet, make tracks to Ecola Seafoods for fresh salmon, crab, shrimp and more.
So, what’s your favorite spot on the coast — or your must-do regional day trip?
Mike Houck, an urban naturalist with the Audubon Society of Portland, stands before Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, located just minutes from downtown. Photo: humanemetropolis.org
The Oregonian recently ran an inspiring profile of our friend Mike Houck, describing the urban naturalist’s role in shaping (ahem) Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
Without giving too much away, let’s just say the article shows how Portland’s DIY culture isn’t necessarily a recent phenomenon.
Or, to put it another way: Any creation story involving “a hammer, a ladder and a fifth of Jim Beam” is a tale worth telling. And the result is worth visiting, whether you’re looking to stretch your legs or stir your soul. Oaks Bottom is, hands-down, one of my favorite spots in the city.
My pal Christian — an Indiana native and fellow fan of The Deadliest Catch — flew to town last Saturday. His mid-morning arrival left plenty of time for AJ and me to take him out to Wheeler for an afternoon of crabbing on Nehalem Bay.
The happy result: In the three-hour run-up to high tide, we spotted a bald eagle, enjoyed the fall sunshine and pulled in six Dungeness keepers (or, as my brother would say, “sweet, sweet sea meat”).
It’s about a two-hour drive from Portland to Wheeler, which has become one of my favorite spots on the coast, thanks in large part to Jim Neilson, the kind owner of Wheeler Marina. In the years I’ve been going to Wheeler, Jim has freely dispensed encouragement, insider’s tips and straight-shooting assessments of weather and crabbing conditions.
Jim’s boat rentals include all the gear and bait you’ll need. He’ll send you out with a license, and send you home with a great memory — and, with any luck, a few Dungies.
Reservations and conditions: 503.368.5780.
Directions: From Portland, go west on Hwy. 26, then south on either Hwy. 53 (a bit narrow and curvy) or Hwy. 101 (a bit more spectacular, right along the coast).
