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Escape To Seaside For A Beautiful Oregon Nature Scene

Seaside, Oregon, is a charming beach town known for its scenic views, outdoor recreation, and unique fusion of sea and sylvan life.

Published Mar 1, 2021

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

While Oregon is most-known for its majestic mountains, deep-blue lakes, and old-growth forests, our state also happens to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon, we really do have it all! Seaside, Oregon, is one of the most delightful little beach towns in The Beaver State, and it's the ultimate place to escape for a little R&R (or O&R, outdoor recreation, if you prefer!). Plan an escape to Seaside for a beautiful Oregon nature scene that will fill your heart and soul.

Seaside is a small beach town located in Northwest Oregon.

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Visit Seaside, Oregon/Facebook

The town is known for its resort vibes and quaint 1920s promenade, but the real attraction here is the beach.

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SKimchee/Flickr

Seaside Beach is one of the most underrated coastal Oregon destinations, and it offers some of the most sublime scenic views in the state.

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bobistraveling/Flickr

Hiking around Seaside is the best way to experience the immense beauty of the Oregon coastline.

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Jason Ross/AllTrails

And Tillamook Head National Recreation Trail is easily one of the most spectacular seaside hikes you'll ever take in the PNW.

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Jeff Lacey/AllTrails

Hikers on this picturesque path will be rewarded with a perfect view of one of Seaside's most iconic treasures: Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

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Anita Ritenour/Flickr

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in the state, but this beautiful beacon a tragic past.

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Other stunning hikes in the area include the trail at Ecola State Park.

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Jonathan Miske/Flickr

The trails of Ecola State Park wind through a lush, old-growth rainforest before ending with a grand reveal of the coastline.

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Oregon State Parks/Facebook

One of the most unique things about Seaside Beach is the fusion of sea and sylvan life.

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LBlev/TripAdvisor

It's not uncommon to see elk right on the beach, whales off the coast, or bald eagles flying overhead the forest.

Seaside, Oregon is the perfect place to get away from it all.

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Visit Seaside, Oregon/Facebook

Whether you choose to embark on an outdoor adventure, or simply camp out on the coast, you'll enjoy sublime Oregon scenery in this under-the-radar place.

Have you been to this beautiful beach town before? Will you be planning an escape to Seaside anytime soon? Let us know in the comments below! And if you can't get enough of Seaside, Oregon, you'll love looking at these vintage photos of this beautiful Oregon town.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

6 Epic Train Rides In Oregon That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

Discover six scenic train rides in Oregon offering unique experiences from historical reenactments to dinner excursions.

Updated Jul 30, 2024

Written by 

Tessa Metcalf

Have you ever wanted to take scenic train rides in Oregon? Passenger trains are a great way to experience the wonders of Oregon, whether it's a scenic outing, a dinner excursion, a historical reenactment, or an unforgettable Mother's Day brunch. These six beautiful train rides in Oregon will take you on a journey you'll never forget.

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1. Eagle Cap Train Rides

A train winds along a riverbank, surrounded by lush green hills and autumn foliage.
website/ Eagle Cap Train Rides

Experience the wonders of train rides in Oregon and see the Wallowas like never before by taking a ride on the amazing Eagle Cap Railroad. This wonderful railway offers fall colors expeditions, photography outings, train robbery reenactments, and more. Want to do something amazing this year for Mothers Day? Check out the Mother's Day Brunch train ride for an unforgettable outing.

2. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

A vintage pink and silver train engine parked beside a row of tank cars on a sunny day.
Facebook/Oregon Coast Scenic Railway

Experience the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Dinner Train, a scenic Oregon Coast train ride that will take you on a three-hour trip along the coast and serve you a delicious multi-course meal. Don't forget to take a ride on its signature ride – the Oregon Coastal Excursion, where guests will experience the gorgeous Tillamook Bay to Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. Be sure to bring your camera to capture memories to last a lifetime. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad continues to be one of the most fun train rides in Oregon.

3. Willamette Shore Trolley

A vintage red and cream train car sits on tracks near a tunnel, surrounded by lush greenery and graffiti.
facebook/Willamette Shore Trolley

Hop aboard this vintage trolley in Lake Oswego for a lovely excursion along the Willamette River. Willamette Shore Trolley

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takes riders along historic rails dating as far back as the 1800s! With special events like the Fireworks Trolley and the Oregon Electric Railway Museum, visitors can pack in a full day of excitement one of the most scenic train rides in Oregon that is also fun for the whole family.

4. Sumpter Valley Railroad

A vintage steam locomotive puffs smoke as it travels along a scenic railway surrounded by trees and mountains.
facebook/ Sumpter Valley Railroad

Sumpter Valley Railroad is especially unique in that it is run completely by volunteers. It's also "the only steam powered narrow-gauge heritage railway in Oregon." Journey through the beautiful Sumpter Valley on one of the most gorgeous steam trains in Oregon and be sure to take advantage of their special events, like the Fall Foliage Express, Halloween Express, Flea Market Weekends, and more.

5. Santiam Excursion Trains

A vintage train with orange and black stripes parked on tracks near a station in Lebanon, surrounded by grass and trees.
facebook/ Santiam Excursion Trains

Climb aboard the Santiam Excursion Trains in Lebanon for a wonderful ride on a vintage train. Seasonal events include Mothers Day Brunch, Cheadle Lake Fireworks, Autumn Splendor, and more. In addition to their brunch and dinner train rides in Oregon, riders can also enjoy wine tasting, beer tasting, and fun family rides, too! This steam train is a fun time for everyone.

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6. Mt Hood Railroad

A colorful train labeled "Mt. Hood Railroad" crosses a bridge with a mountain in the background and lush greenery around.
facebook/Mt Hood Railroad

Take a ride through some of Oregon's most beautiful scenery on the lovely Mount Hood Railroad. This awesome railway

offers scenic rides beginning and ending in Hood River, including special outings like the seasonal Easter, Halloween, and Christmas trains. In addition, visitors can take a railbike tour through the Columbia River Gorge for epic views of beautiful valleys.

Oregon is a great state for discovering natural beauty and history by rail! Hop aboard one of the many scenic train rides in Oregon to see the state in a whole new way.

Have you ridden on any of these trains? What other railroads in Oregon offer awesome excursions? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

Looking for a scenic and affordable train ride through Oregon's Cascades? If yes, then this Amtrak ride may be perfect for you! And for even more one-of-a-kind adventures in Oregon, peruse the Airbnb experiences page.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

Visit The Friendliest Town In Oregon The Next Time You Need A Pick-Me-Up

Sisters, Oregon, is a charming and friendly small town known for its vibrant community, unique attractions, and picturesque landscape.

Updated Apr 15, 2024

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Oregon's big cities get all the buzz, but the heart and soul of the Beaver State truly is in its small towns. Once you have spent some time here, you will surely agree. Small towns in Oregon are the best small towns, full of bustling local businesses, unique attractions, and some of the friendliest folks around. One of our favorite towns is a place that's warm and welcoming, even on the dreariest PNW days. We're talking about Sisters, of course, the friendliest town in Oregon! Read up and then start planning your lovely trip!

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Sisters is a vibrant and artistic small town in Oregon named for the Three Sisters, a trio of nearby mountains that tower in the west.

A bronze statue of a rearing horse stands near a street sign and buildings under a blue sky with clouds.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

Sisters is located on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, bordered by Oregon's high-desert region. Known for its mild and sunny climate, Sisters is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, with the eponymous Three Sisters volcanic peaks and mountainous landscape providing the most picturesque playground.

Snow-capped mountain under a blue sky, surrounded by green trees and a field with a barn in the foreground.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

Unlike other "gateway" communities, however, Sisters is a destination in and of itself, a place worth stopping, staying, and enjoying.

A cozy lodge at night, illuminated warmly, surrounded by snow-covered ground and tall trees.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

The downtown of Sisters is charmingly old-fashioned, with 19th-century facades and storefronts housing some of the most delightful local businesses and restaurants.

A charming small town street lined with shops, trees, and mountains in the background on a sunny day.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

Small businesses abound in Sisters, Oregon, with the Sno-Cap Drive-In being a perennial town favorite.

A small drive-in restaurant named "Sno Cap" with a sign, featuring homemade ice cream, surrounded by trees.
Joey Paysinger/Google Local

Folks have been raving about this place since it opened its doors in 1954. And, really, how can you *not* be happy when enjoying an ice cream cone this massive?

A person excitedly looks at a large ice cream cone held in front of them, with a playful expression.
Sno Cap Drive-In - Sisters, OR/Facebook

For nearly five decades, Sisters has hosted the world's largest outdoor quilt show that draws thousands of visitors. It's certainly an incredible event, but really, there are so many reasons to visit Sisters, and not simply this acclaimed festival.

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A group of firefighters and community members pose in front of a fire truck and a mural on a building.
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show/Facebook

You should visit Sisters because it's the kind of place that embraces its quirky side, with residents proudly displaying all sorts of delightful lawn art!

Colorful metal sculptures of roosters and sheep in a grassy area, with a fence and buildings in the background.
Amy Meredith/Flickr

Visit Sisters because it's the kind of place with a bustling downtown that's always hosting some sort of festival or community event.

A banner for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, featuring colorful flowers and mountains under a blue sky.
Austin Brown/Google User Reviews

Come to Sisters because it's the kind of place outdoor-loving folks choose to raise a family.

Santa Claus waves from a decorated sleigh, surrounded by excited children and a festive crowd in a winter setting.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

It's the kind of place where children still believe in Christmas magic, where Santa comes each year to spread holiday cheer.

Sisters is so friendly and picture-perfect that it almost doesn't seem real.

A large, two-story building with a wooden facade and stone accents, surrounded by greenery and a paved walkway.
Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce/Google Local

But luckily for us, Sisters is as real as it gets...

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...and for that, we are forever grateful.

A vibrant rainbow arcs over a cloudy sky, with trees and houses visible in the foreground.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

When was the last time you visited Sisters? When it comes to friendly places in Oregon, it's one of the best! It's sure to leave you feeling warm and happy feelings. If you're planning a fun trip to this nice town, you'll find some great options for places to stay on Vrbo. Whether you're looking to go with your significant other or a big group of family and friends, you will find fitting accommodations.

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