Pacific Northwest Road Trip-Day 3
May 2023
We ate a hearty breakfast at the lodge before heading out on our day’s journey. We finally encountered Pacific Northwest weather that morning. It was overcast with a light drizzle.
It took a less than an hour to drive to Hoquiam, WA via US-101 S.
We stopped in Hoquiam to get sandwiches to go for our lunch. We found the perfect place, The Jitter House. https://jitterhouse.com/
I had not planned on getting more coffee, but I wanted to try the Café Con Qzuquita at the Jitter House. You have to try one. So delicious. It’s a Cuban coffee the owner makes and isn’t available anywhere else around. My regret is not getting a larger size.
With our sandwiches in hand and my coffee, we headed to our first stop for the day.
1st Stop: Cape Disappointment State Park, WA
https://www.parks.wa.gov/486/Cape-Disappointment
It took a little over 1 ½ hour drive via US-101 S to arrive at Cape Disappointment State Park.
Cape Disappointment Park was not disappointing but a great place to visit with amazing vistas. Cape Disappointment is where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The area is unique in that it is the only location with two lighthouses within a 2 miles radius of each other.
The reason is the first lighthouse on Cape Disappointment did not extend far enough out to guide ships into the Columbia River which resulted in ships running aground. It became known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific” so in 1898 North Head lighthouse was built on the northwestern spur of Cape Disappointment.
We walked up to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. It’s an interesting museum that uses murals to walk you through the westward journey of the explorers who reached the mouth of the Columbia River in 1805.
From the Interpretive Center, we did a short walk, about ½ mile up to the lighthouse. The views along the walk are spectacular. We saw Deadman’s Cove from the Goonies movie. The lighthouse is no longer operational, but you can get a panoramic view of the Columbia River. It is the oldest lighthouse, 1862 of the Pacific Northwest.
After taking in the view from around the lighthouse, we walked back to our car, and drove approximately 2 miles to the second lighthouse, North Head Lighthouse. This lighthouse is still active. Even though there is no need for a lighthouse keeper since there is now an automated beacon, there is a volunteer who sits inside to share the history of the lighthouse.
Get your camera ready. You will have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River, and the northern Oregon Coast.
Tips:
- There are a lot of hikes to do at Cape Disappointment State Park. We couldn’t do them due to time constraints, but if you have time, check them out.
- The North Head Lighthouse is open 11 AM to 3 PM daily from May 1 through September 24th. Ages 18 & older admission is $3.
- The parking lot at the North Head Lighthouse will not allow RV parking.
2nd Stop: Astoria Oregon
It was a short drive (about 35 minutes) via US-101 S to Astoria.
To cross from Point Ellice, Washington to Astoria you will go over the Astoria-Megler Bridge which spans the mouth of the Columbia River. The bridge stretches a little over 4 miles.
Adventures:
- Astoria Column
Built in 1926, the tower is 125’ tall and has illustrations depicting the history of the Astoria area.
If you’re up to it, you can climb up to the top. Just take it slow since the staircase winds in a narrow column up 164 steps. Your reward is the observation deck at the top where you have a panoramic view of the Columbia River and the city. Very cool.
While in the park, we spotted two bald eagles soaring through the skies together. Check out the video posted below.
Tips:
- Visiting this park which is 30 acres and climbing the column is free. Parking is $5.
- Goonies House
We could not pass up see the Goonies House. We’re old Goonies groupies.
The house is difficult to find. We asked a local who showed us where it was located. On our way up the hill (Astoria is a very hilly town) an elderly lady stopped us and proudly told us she was an extra in the film.
- Kindergarten Cop schoolhouse
The local also showed us the school used in the movie Kindergarten Cop. Very close to the Goonies House.
Tips:
- Goonies House address; 368 38th
- You can view the house from the street outside the fence that surrounds it.
- Before you go, watch the movies, the Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. It adds to the experience.
Hotel Elliot in Astoria
1 night
Great location in Astoria’s historic downtown. Hotel Elliot, built in 1924 is a restored boutique hotel. It is located across the street from the famed Liberty Theater. The room and bed were comfortable.
The hotel has a rooftop with chairs to sit and enjoy the views of the city.
Tips:
- Astoria has cute Victorian homes but if you decide to walk around wear comfortable shoes since it’s hilly.
- Astoria was one of my favorite towns we visited. Try to include it in your travels.