Winter on the Oregon Coast

Here we are in the middle of February on the Oregon Coast. When I think, "Let's go to the beach!" February in Oregon isn't exactly laying in the sun and getting a tan. It's all about the weather and seeing Mother Nature in all her majestic glory. If you've ever wondered why the Oregon Coast is so beautiful in the summer, you should see how Mother Nature creates it in the winter. Winter is the low season for tourist travel to the Oregon Coast. Apparently, cold and wet isn't exactly what most people are escaping too. For you the intrepid traveller looking for something different, there are no crowds and lodging is down right cheap. If your looking for a cozy hotel where you can visit the winter attactions and have your choice of beverage by an open fire, I would recommend the Park Motel and Cabins. (However, I'm a bit biased with this choice.

Here's a few tips:

Dress for Cold and Wet - I know, it's shocking that the Oregon Coast would be wet in the winter. In a day you can see everything from a solid, soaking downpour to a beautiful, chilly sunny day.  Now that your dress properly, here's what you should see.

Thor's Well and Devils Churn - When the waves are big, which they are most of the winter, these two features are truly spectacular.

The Sea Lion Caves - The sea lions winter here. Yes, you can see one or two hanging around in the summer. In the winter they are huddled in mass in a cacophony of barks.

The Oregon Sand Dunes Recreation Area - There are hardly anyone out with their ATV's on the Dunes in Winter. It's fantastic. If you time your visit during the two or three times a year when it snows, it is an extordinary site to see the Dunes covered with an inch of snow right up to the waterline.