Tag: Oregon Coast

Trails and More: A Guide to Ecola State Park

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There’s no better way to enjoy some R&R than to plan a memorable but relaxing vacation. Booking your stay at Tolovana Inn is the perfect way to accomplish this. Our oceanfront resort is found just south of downtown Cannon Beach, making it the ideal home base for any getaway. No matter when you’re visiting, from colorful fall to the magic season of winter, there is no shortage of things to do and see. From picturesque trails to incredible scenery, there is plenty to discover in Ecola State Park.

When creating your itinerary of memorable adventures, checking out local state parks is a must. It only takes about 15 minutes to drive from our Cannon Beach hotel to this breathtaking state park. Whether you’re vacationing with kids or just the two of you, this Oregon park is a favorite amongst visitors of all ages.

  • One of the biggest things that draw people to the park is the stunning hiking trails. Make your way along the .6-mile Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Loop for an easy hike. Other popular paths include the Clatsop Loop Trail and Indian Beach Trail.
  • Take in the stunning views found all over the park. The entrance itself takes you through a lush Sitka spruce forest. Take photos of the sea stacks on the southern shoreline or the views from the grassy bluff.
  • Watch surfers try to catch waves from the sandy shores of Indian Beach. This secluded area is also an excellent spot for tidepooling and beach combing.
  • If you find yourself visiting in the winter or spring, be sure to head to the park to enjoy a bit of whale watching. Gray whales start their winter migration in mid-December and will begin traveling north again in late March. Some whales stay in Oregon’s waters year-round.
  • Whales are just one animal you can spot from Ecola State Park. The grounds are also home to other animals like deer, elk, and countless birds.

To enter the park, you must purchase a day-use parking permit.

Enjoy a Nature-Filled Oregon Getaway

If you’re looking to surround yourself with stunning Oregon scenery, head to Ecola State Park and hike along one of the trails. After a long day filled with memorable adventures, relax in comfort back at Tolovana Inn. Our resort, found on the sandy shores of Cannon Beach, has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing escape.

Our spacious accommodations are perfect for everyone, from families to couples. You will also find a number of amenities designed to enhance your stay like a fitness center and an indoor pool. Call 503-436-2211 to learn more about how to save on your stay or to book your accommodations.

 

Oregon Coast Scenery Provides Backdrop for New Disney Animated Film

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When you see “Far from the Tree,” a new Disney animated short film, you might notice the scenery looks familiar.

The film’s backdrop resembles the Oregon coast. Offshore, you’ll even see an animated image of Cannon Beach’s iconic Haystack Rock.

That’s because the seven-minute film was written and directed by Natali

e Nourigat, who grew up in Portland.  In creating the film, she drew inspiration from her own recollection of childhood visits to the Oregon coast.

In an interview with NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Nourigat, said “Far From the Tree” was “based on something really personal.  She recalled, “growing up in Oregon, going to the beach with my family and how special it was just to all be together.”

The story centers upon a parent and child raccoon who venture from their forest

home to explore a Pacific Northwest shoreline filled with new and engaging sights, smells, and sounds.

The child raccoon joyfully explores the beach, from tidepools and seashells to puffins and seagulls. Yet, while the child raccoon romps, the parent warns of the dangers amid the beauty.

After the shared adventures, including clam digging, the two return to their home in the woods. They reflect on the shared day over a treasured seashell brought home as a souvenir.

In that way, the story mirrors how so many people wind down after a memorable visit to the magical Oregon coast.

The charming film ends with a dedication  “to parents everywhere who are doing their very best….thank you.“

You can enjoy the film now in theatres or streaming on Disney+.

You can enjoy the Oregon coast and Haystack Rock in person anytime, especially from an oceanfront room at Tolovana Inn.

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach,OR

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Haystack Rock starfiish

Marine life from Haystack Rock

Travelers staying at Tolovana Inn are encouraged to discover new species at low tide during annual vacations to Cannon Beach Oregon through the act of tidepooling. Oregon has over 362 miles of coastline that are free for the public to explore, including Haystack Rock, a 235-foot rock formation that is home to a fascinating marine garden of sea creatures. Migratory shorebirds and magical marine life make this National Wildlife Refuge one of the top things to do in Cannon Beach as well as a local hot spot for tide pool viewing. Plan to avoid Haystack Rock parking clutter by arriving early to get a spot at one of the many public parking areas. 

What is Tidepooling?

Ocean-dwelling residents such as vibrant starfish, sea urchins, colorful anemone, scurrying crabs, and other aquatic life can be found in pooled waters left at Haystack Rock. Visitors can not only encounter unique critters in their natural habitat but also indulge in breathtaking views of the coastal shores. Outdoor enthusiasts may inspect the exposed sea life during low tide; however, it is not advised to touch or disturb the area since Haystack Rock is a protected landmark. It is prohibited to climb on the rocks as there are many living creatures such as mussels, barnacles, and sponges that make it hard to distinguish between rock and creature. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program provides safe, guided tours for excellent viewing opportunities.  

A Premier Cannon Beach Resort

Families from all over North America travel to Cannon Beach Oregon to explore the many nearby beaches, galleries, shops, and museums that surround Tolovana Inn. Our guests have the opportunity to enjoy an oceanfront stay with beautiful views of the shoreline from a private balcony. Ocean front suite at Tolovana InnSpace is vital when traveling with a group, so make sure to check out our large suites and rooms on the accommodations page before making a reservation. Please call 1-800-333-8890 to inquire about more information or to book your stay.

For Love of Mom, food & Fat Bikes

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The sun is shining in Cannon Beach. Come make memories in May, oceanfront at Tolovana Inn.

Spend some time with the miracle-worker who loves you more than anything in the world. Reserve an oceanfront room or suite and just watch Mom relax. Or purchase a gift certificate for a later stay. She won’t say so, but you’ll be her favorite. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12.

Welcome to Tolovana Inn
No. Coast Culinary Arts Fest

North Coast Culinary Arts Festival, May 10-12

Celebrate the original fine “foodie,” Oregon’s James Beard, during a weekend of culinary arts events crafted to benefit the Seaside High School Culinary Arts program. For instance, you can choose to attend any of 14 workshops around Cannon Beach. Like, classes from food and beverage pairs to a course on foraging. Learn more!


Fat Bikes

Fat Bike Festival May 17-19

Join in a sunset beach ride, a longer Saturday ride to Hug Point, and a poker ride/scavenger hunt around town. Or, on Friday night, join in the huge full moon bonfire next door at Tolovana State Park, with Fat Bike games and activities  Fat Bikes will be available for demo.  Find out more.

The extended forecast calls for many sunny days and evening cool downs ideal for beach bon fires.

Sunny and 70’s: Ideal weather forecast in Cannon Beach

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Stay cool at the coast

Sunny Days forecast for Tolovana Inn at Cannon Beach

The forecast for Cannon Beach looks ideal.

Next week, the Portland area and Willamette Valley area temperatures creep up in the 90’s, nearing triple digits.  Too hot for most folks.    But, you’ll find relief from the heat at the Oregon coast.

At the Tolovana Inn, in Cannon Beach, the forecast calls for sunny, bright days, approaching 70 degrees.   Wednesday might hit 85 degrees.  But the nights will be invitingly cool, perfect for resting with open windows and the sound of the surf to lull you to sleep.

 

Not too hot

Cannon Beach forecast

Long, sunny days underscored with fresh, salty sea air,  combine to create a refreshing atmosphere perfect for strolling the beach, bike riding, hiking and browsing around town.  Beautiful flowers are in bloom throughout the town,  both wild and those beautifully landscaped.   Clear skies lead to bright sunsets and starry nights.

Tuesday Farmer’s Market

On Tuesdays, between noon and 5 pm, be sure to stop by the Cannon Beach Farmers Market.  The Market is now open weekly, June 19  through August 28.  You’ll find fresh seafood, meats, produce, berries, and baked goods, along with live music.  It’s located in mid-town, at Gower Street.

Find something tasty and prepare it to your liking in the kitchen of a Tolovana Inn suite.   Add an local Oregon wine or ale, and enjoy your fresh feast on your private balcony, watching the sunset.  Can’t get any better than that!

Summer Special

 

 Book a stay between Sunday through Thursday, and you can take advantage of the final days of the special 3 nights for 2 offer, valid through Thursday, June 21.   That happens to be the first day of summer.

Make your own summer memories at the Tolovana Inn in Cannon Beach.

 

Great Idea for Mom: A Gift Certificate to Tolovana Inn

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An ideal gift for your amazing mom.

Between work and home, the average mom works two full-time jobs each week.

All the more reason to make Mother’s Day extra special for your own amazing mom.  You know, the kindly woman who claims she never needs or wants anything but loves whenever you show the littlest amount of thought.

Or, treat your mother-in-law, because why stop trying to make a good impression with her?

Every Mother’s Day you can tell your mom how special she is with a unique gift that will warm her heart. But, please, not another candle or scarf.  This year, instead of more stuff, give her the gift of a memorable getaway to the magical Oregon coast.

The solution for an ideal Mother’s Day gift is a Tolovana gift certificate. Gift certificates don’t expire, so she can use them any time of the year    Like this upcoming sunny weekend, or any other time of year when she can get away.

Just think how much she’ll enjoy strolling along the sandy shoreline near Haystack rock. Or browsing through the distinctive shops and galleries in town.  Or sipping an Oregon wine or ale from the balcony of an ocean front room, just steps to the sand?

There’s plenty of fun things to do in and around Cannon Beach.  Or not to do.   With the pace she keeps, mom just might appreciate a chance to sleep in or catnap with the patio door open, enveloped by the fresh smell of salty sea air drifting into her cozy and comfy room.

Send mom off to the coast either alone, with dad or her BFFs.    All the better if you can join her.  Most Moms will tell you, it’s your presence, not presents she really wants.  This way you can give her both.

To purchase a Tolovana Inn Gift Certificate, call 800-333-8890.

Fat Tire Bike Fest at Cannon Beach, April 20-22

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1st Fat Bike Festival in Cannon Beach

1st Fat Bike Festival on the Oregon Coast, set for April 20-22.

The very first Fat Tire Bike Festival on the Oregon coast is set for April 20-22 in Cannon Beach, with iconic Haystack Rock as the backdrop.

Friday night kicks off with Fat Bike Festival skills competitions, obstacle course, and bonfire at Tolovana Beach, just steps from the Tolovana Inn.   Family-friendly,  participants and spectators will enjoy Fat Bike fun activities.  S’mores and local craft brews will be served.  Public Coast and Pelican Brewery will provide complimentary beverages.  All are welcome to attend this event, at no charge.

On Saturday,  morning, riders will meet for a 14-mile beach ride.  The Fat Bike Festival ride will start at Ecola Creek, past Haystack Rock, to Arch Cape and back.  Along the way, there will be several “poker stops” where riders will pick up a playing card and enjoy snacks.  Fat Bikes will be available to demo as well.

Riders will also learn about the local ecology.  Members of the Haystack Rock Awareness Program will share information and treat participants to Mo’s Famous Clam Chowder.

But, you don’t need a Fat Bike to participate.  

“Fat Bikes with four-inch tires cruise along the sand and leave less of a trail than a footprint,” according to Danielle Crowder of Oregon Bikes & Events.  “

Whatever bike people feel comfortable riding on the sand is fine.” 

Saturday will wind down at Public Coast Brewing where riders will gather to see who won prizes,  based on the poker hands they collected during the day.  Prizes include stays at the Tolovana Inn and other items provided by area businesses.

On Sunday, in honor of Earth Day, participants will be joining forces with Surfrider Foundation for a Fat Bike Festival Beach Clean-Up.   Certain plastics collected will be given to local artists to be made into jewelry.  The creations are sold to help fund stewardship and environmental educational programs.

The Fat Bike Festival is fairly affordable family-fun.  The cost to participate in the ride is only $12; $10 if you are a member of Oregon Bicycle Racing Association.

 

 

Easter Weekend at the Tolovana Inn

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Image result for easter egg at cannon beach

 

 

 

Partly Cloudy, partly sunny!  That’s an encouraging weekend weather forecast for guests of the Tolovana Inn this upcoming Easter weekend.

Make your plans to spend the weekend in Cannon Beach and  enjoy your Easter traditions on the coast!

 

Easter Egg Hunt

BYOB. That’s bring you own basket to the annual Easter egg hunt  Saturday at the Sea Ranch RV Park Resort at 11 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult and will be divided into three age groups:  1-4 years-old; 5-7 years-old and 8-10 years-old.  There’s a good chance you’ll see real bunnies hopping around resort. Hundreds of eggs hidden will be hidden on the grounds, with special prizes for kids who find special golden eggs.

Easter Services 

This year, the  traditional 6:30  Easter Sunrise Service  will be held on the Beach and not at Ecola State Park.  Recent closures and dangerous roads prompted the relocation.  All are welcome to join members of the Cannon Beach Community Church for the special outdoor service which will take place in “the dunes” at the corner of Ocean and West Washington Street (one block west of the church.).  In case of heavy rains or winds, the service will be moved into the Community Church Sanctuary.

The Cannon Beach Community Church also has a contemporary worship service in the church at 9:00am and a traditional service at 10:45am.  Other Easter Sunday services in the community are at the Cannon Beach Bible Church at 10.45am and Mass at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Arch Cape 9:00am Easter morning.

So hop over to Tolovana Inn to make Easter memories!

 

 

 

Haystack Holiday Events Make the Season Bright!

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ncoast_ysholiday_1b

Haystack Holidays is a collection of delightful special events in Cannon Beach, each providing seasonal fun for all ages.  Make your holiday season bright!

Here’s a few ways to get in the mood!

Cannon Beach in Lights  &  ‘Name that Tune’ Window Display Contest  

Local shops and galleries engage in a spirited competition  featuring stunning and sparkling holiday displays.  Visit participating retailers for a chance to win a holiday gift basket, submit correct ‘name that tune’ play cards for a chance to win.  Voting open through December 16th.   Awards will be announced at the Coaster Theatre Play on the 17th. Click here to download a Voting Form or vote online Here

Pictures with Santa – Saturday,  December 10th

Santa Claus is coming to town.  Come support the Cannon Beach Library and get your picture with Santa.  Located at the Cannon Beach Library, Saturday December 10th at 1 to 4PM.  For information please call (503) 436-2623.   Ho Ho Ho!

Holiday Foods Around the World   Monday,  December 26 – Friday December 30

Just when you’ve had enough traditional turkey and ham, nine Cannon Beach restaurants come to the rescue, providing unique menu and beverage specials for the last week of the year.  You can dine on traditional foods from Poland, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Thailand and more at locations all around town.  Special menus are complemented with great wine and beers.  Make plans and reservations today!   Click for menu details.

Showtimes at The Coaster Theater

Catch a holiday performance at the Coaster Theatre Playhouse.   This year, from November 18 through December 23, the theater presents an adaptation of the 1940s Frank Capra classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  Then at the Playhouse on December 28, the premier  a cappella crooners, The Coats, come perform a laugh-filled holiday concert.

For information and tickets click here or please call (503) 436-2623 – Coaster Theatre, 7PM

 

 

Meet at the Tolovana Wayside for the Solve Beach Cleanup, Sept 24.

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solve

Since 1984, Oregonians have gathered for the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, an important, family-friendly event designed to keep our coastline healthy.

Why not be part of the solution?

As in the past, volunteers will gather on Saturday, September 24 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the adjacent Tolovana Wayside where beach captains will direct the cleanup effort.  This wayside is one of are 46 clean-up areas along the Oregon coast.

Guests of Tolovana Inn who join the Solve clean-up will be eligible for a discount for the September 23-25 weekend.   Ask about the special pricing when you call for reservations.

The SOLVE Beach & Riverside Cleanup is part of an annual worldwide effort to reduce the impacts of litter on marine life. In 2015, the International Coastal Cleanup mobilized 560,000 volunteers in 91 countries to collect more than 16 million pounds of trash along beaches and inland waterways. It’s a monumental effort.

SOLVE will provide bags and gloves, but would prefer volunteers bring your own reusable garden gloves. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own reusable bucket/bag and reusable water bottles to help reduce plastic waste.   You can also use an old colander or kitty litter scoop to sift the sand for tiny bits of plastics and cigarette butts, which are extremely harmful to shorebirds and marine life.

Hauling, disposal and recycling services donated by Recology Western Oregon.

Contact Solve for more details.

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