Tag: Oregon Coast

Trails and More: A Guide to Ecola State Park

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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 Natalie 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 ventures 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

Leave a comment
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.

Great Idea for Mom: A Gift Certificate to Tolovana Inn

Leave a comment

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 on 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.

Your Presence, not Presents

The solution for an ideal Mother’s Day gift is a Tolovana Inn gift card. Gift cards 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 oceanfront room, just steps to the sand?

There are 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. She will be enveloped by the fresh smell of salty sea air

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 Card, call the front desk, at 503 436-2211,

Tolovana Inn Showcased as an Ideal Destination for Groups

Leave a comment

 

All the things that make Cannon Beach an ideal destination for tourists also make it an ideal fit for groups and corporate gatherings, particularly in the off-season of October through May.

With new brew pubs, lots of dining options and dozens of notable galleries and shopping, there’s plenty for people to do in town year-round. 

Tolovana Inn, with ample meeting space and the largest number of guestrooms in Cannon Beach, is well-suited to many special events.

With 2,500 square feet of meeting space and a large adjacent foyer, Tolovana Inn offers flexible space that easily can host receptions up to 150 people, theater-seating up to 160, and dining for groups of 96.  More intimate gatherings can also be accommodated there. Additionally, a separate, executive board room comfortably seats 14.

Best of all, with its various lodging options, Tolovana Inn works out well for spouses and family members who want to attend and enjoy spacious, ocean-front rooms, balconies. and fireplaces, all steps from the sand.

Why not plan a memorable event at Tolovana Inn in Cannon Beach?

 

Father’s Day: Spend time together

Leave a comment

A walk with Dad along the beach.

Father’s Day was established to honor all fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have influenced your life.

Father’s Day is regularly observed on the third Sunday of June.

Sure, you can send a card, buy him tools, gadgets, or a new polo shirt, but you know that dad really wants is to spend time with you.

Why not surprise him with a trip to Cannon Beach and a stay in an oceanfront room at Tolovana Inn?   Reserve your room today, or order gift certificates for a future stay.

Father’s Day was first noted in June 1910 in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA.  Sonora Smart Dodd told her pastor she thought fathers should have a day of recognition like Mother’s did.   She was inspired by her own father who raised six children as a single parent.  Her pastor agreed as did his colleagues.  On the third Sunday in June 19, 1910, “sermons honoring fathers were presented throughout the city.”

Despite several initiatives, including merchant-driven efforts that were greeted with some cynicism, it took several decades for Father’s Day to be fully recognized.  President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, in 1966,  designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.    Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.

History aside, fathers are critical and spending time with the men in your life who matter is a great tradition to uphold.

 

Gift Certificates a Great Idea for Mother’s Day

Leave a comment

Mother's Day

Need an idea for Mother’s Day?  Why not a stay at Tolovana Inn? Cannon Beach is a favorite place to relax, nosh and browse around–all things most moms enjoy.

You can order gift certificates now that will arrive in plenty of time to delight your mom. Tolovana Inn gift certificates are also great for Father’s Day in June, for anniversary gifts, and for other special occasions.

To purchase a gift certificate, call the hotel. We’ll be happy to mail your order directly to you or to the recipient.

Ship Finder App Lets You Follow Offshore Vessels

Leave a comment
Ship Finder App lets you track vessels

Ship Finder App lets you track vessels

Ever been curious about the ships and yachts off the Oregon Coast?

Port pilots, dockworkers, ship spotters, and maritime enthusiasts rely on Ship Finder, an app that identifies commercial vessels and pleasure craft.

View the information online or on your smartphone.  Track a friend on a ship or boat, or just learn more about the vessels at sea.

Check out the Ship Finder App

The Ship Finder App can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.  The App picks up ship feeds used by commercial and pleasure vessels, transmitting the vessels’ name, position, and status.   Radio transmissions are sent to internet servers and uploaded onto live data coverage maps.  You might be surprised to see all the traffic on the water.  on the water.

If you have ever been curious about the ships from around the world or the yachts from afar that travel off the Oregon coast, to the Port of Astoria and up the Columbia River, Ship Finder is how you can learn more.

Spot Vessels at Sea from an oceanfront room at Tolovana Inn

Tolovana Inn’s oceanfront rooms are great for spotting vessels at sea.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Cannon Beach first among “10 Beaches That Are Better in the Off Season”

One comment

Accordinbeach fireg to a recent online article in The Huffington Post, Cannon Beach tops the list of the 10 Beaches That Are Better in the Off Season.    Key reasons cited are smaller crowds, empty swaths of sandy beaches and lower lodging rates in September and beyond.

Specifically, the article points out how Cannon Beach visitors can cozy up into the evening with a twilight bonfire and a fine bottle of wine to watch some of the year’s most incredible sunsets.    Unlike other beaches, there is no rule against alcohol on the Oregon coastline.

Exploring the tide pools at Haystack Rock was also highlighted.  And, it goes on to point out that the wildlife really comes out when the crowds disperse, with lots of bird watching along the shore and at neighboring Ecola State Park where visitors can watch for elk and migrating grey whales offshore.

Storm chasers are advised that that fall and winter’s unpredictable weather that can bring crashing waves, best enjoyed from an oceanfront hotel.   Fortunately, Tolovana Inn’s ocean front rooms and suites are perfect for that.

Other notable beaches highlighted in the article include  Moshup Beach,  Massachusetts, near Martha’s Vineyard, Kennebunk Beach, in Maine,  Sunset Beach, North Carolina and  Pfeiffer Beach, California’s Highway 1, near Big Sur.  Rounding out the list are Shi Shi Beach, in the Olympic National Park, WA; Mackinac Island, Michigan; Cove Beach, New Jersey and Malaquite Beach, Texas on the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Haystack Rock Tidepools part of National Wildlife Refuge

Leave a comment

 

Exploring the tide pools around nearby Haystack Rock is an inviting summer activity for guests of Tolovana Inn at Cannon Beach.

 An iconic natural landmark, Haystack Rock is actually designated a protected Marine Gardesb10068250tt-001n and National Wildlife Refuge.  And, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) provides both staff and volunteers daily throughout the summer to guide beachcombers and answer questions about the natural world.

HRPA is actually a stewardship and environmental education program whose mission is to protect Haystack Rock, and the intertidal and bird ecology surround it.   Each day, members set up an extensive interpretive program including signs and educational brochures, bird stations with spotting scopes and often times, microscopes too.

To be a good s6889142046_alternateteward, visitors are reminded that the intertidal areas around Haystack Rock are fragile ecosystems.  Guests are encouraged to tread lightly around the tide pools and stay on sand or small bare rock to avoid stepping on vulnerable animals like anemones and barnacles.    Be gentle as you observe wildlife in its natural state, being sure to leave the natural environment undisturbed.

Since its inception im1985, the HRPA has educated hundreds of thousand adults and children about this amazing island and the marine-related life around it, protecting it each day, and for generations to come.

Haystack Rock

Perfect place for exploring tidepools

1 2