We flew into Portland and spent a few days in the city. We also took a drive down the coast. I highly suggest going to the Tillamook cheese factory and finding a local diner for fresh seafood. We stopped at a local brewery and were pleasantly surprised with the flavors Pelican Brewery produces. Did you know that in 1905, Portland hosted the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition, which showcased the city’s progress and aspirations. The city’s planning emphasized parks, green spaces, and public transportation, leading to its reputation as a “City of Roses” with numerous parks and gardens.
I am a lighthouse enthusiast so a trip to coastline was in order. Cape Meares Lighthouse is situated on Cape Meares, a headland on the Oregon coast, approximately 10 miles west of Tillamook. The lighthouse was constructed in response to the need for safe navigation along the treacherous coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. Construction of the lighthouse began in 1888, and it was completed and lit for the first time on January 1, 1890. The lighthouse was built to aid ships navigating the waters near the entrance to Tillamook Bay and to warn them of the dangerous offshore rocks.
The Cape Meares Lighthouse is distinctive for its unique architectural style. It stands 38 feet tall and is made of bricks the shortest of Oregon’s lighthouses, with a black lantern room and a white exterior. The tower tapers as it rises, giving it an aesthetically pleasing and slightly conical appearance. The lighthouse’s design was chosen to make it more visible in the often misty and foggy coastal conditions. The lighthouse’s original Fresnel lens was a first-order lens, the largest size available, which helped project a powerful light visible from a significant distance. The light’s characteristic was a flashing white light every 30 seconds.
Here are some fun facts about this charming town:
- City of Bridges: Portland is often referred to as the “City of Bridges” due to its numerous bridges that span the Willamette River. There are over a dozen bridges, including the iconic St. Johns Bridge and the Burnside Bridge with its unique movable section.
- Food Truck Capital: Portland is famous for its vibrant food truck scene. The city has more than 500 food carts offering a diverse range of cuisines, making it a paradise for foodies.
- Keep Portland Weird: “Keep Portland Weird” is a popular slogan that celebrates the city’s quirky and unique culture. The city embraces individuality, creativity, and unconventional lifestyles.
- No Sales Tax: Oregon is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not have a sales tax. This means that the price you see on the price tag is the price you pay at the register.
- Forest Park: Forest Park, located within the city limits, is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. It offers a vast network of hiking and biking trails.
In May 18 of 1980 the eruption was triggered by a massive landslide and resulted in the destruction of the volcano’s north flank. It was one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history in the United States. The eruption caused the deaths of 57 people, destroyed over 200 homes, and caused extensive damage to the surrounding landscape. The eruption also created a massive debris avalanche and a lateral blast that flattened forests and caused devastation over a large area. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan designated a large area surrounding Mount St. Helens as the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This protected area provides opportunities for scientific research, recreation, and education.
Climbing Mt Saint Helens has been on my bucket list for a while. Read the permit rules and guidelines for hiking this beast. We went at the end of April which gave us the complete seasons this mountain has to offer. The Bivouac was closed due to a large snowstorm so we hiked another route so we went to June Lake. The views of the volcanic rocks, gives hikers a clear view. The hike started in the 70’s followed by rain all the way to snow. We hiked all the seasons in 1 day. We also stopped by Ape Cave. Bring a flash light or 7.
