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Five Best Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon, on a Cruise Visit

6/28/2018

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Astoria, Oregon, small beach on Columbia River
Astoria is a gorgeous waterfront city on the Columbia River. You can spot our cruise ship at the pier in the distance.
By John Roberts

I have to admit that I only briefly glanced at "Astoria, Oregon" when it appeared on the itinerary for my recent Alaska cruise on Regent Seven Seas Mariner. I was looking more intently at the ports in the ultimate destination to the north. Juneau, Sitka, Skagway and Ketchikan caught most of my attention. I really wanted to consider what adventures and activities I would be enjoying in these fascinating Alaska cruise ports.

Eventually, the date of our cruise was quickly approaching, and I revisited the schedule. "Hey, we have a port stop in Astoria on the way up north," I blurted out to Colleen. "What can we do there?"

Well, Colleen had been to this charming fishing port in Oregon before, and she insisted we would have a good time there, especially because we love craft beers.

She didn't lie.

Here are some of the cool things we discovered to do during a cruise port stop in Astoria, Oregon.
Astoria Bridge on the Columbia River
Astoria Bridge is an unmistakable landmark for the city.
Explore Via the Astoria Riverwalk
Our cruise ship docks right at the mouth of the Columbia River Gorge, and we immediately realize the charm of this area. The riverwalk is steps away from our gangway, and it leads straight past everything Astoria has to offer.

We jog the
 1.5 miles to reach downtown Astoria and eventually find our way into three craft breweries. (More on those soon.) But the first thing we note along the path is the massive Astoria Bridge, which serves as an iconic landmark for the town. The span connects Astoria to Megler, Washington. The four-mile-long bridge opened in 1966 as the longest continuous truss bridge in North America.

People enjoy walking, running and biking along the Astoria Riverwalk, which traces the trail of an old Burlington Northern Railroad tracks. The Astoria Riverwalk recreational trails were developed through the federal Rails to Trails program. We jog under Astoria Bridge, past Maritime Memorial Park (a pretty wall dedicated to those who work in seafaring professions) and toward downtown.

We make a brief stop at a viewing platform and climb into the tower for a view across the Columbia River. From there, it's past a host of waterside businesses before we reach the heart of Astoria's business area. A trolley also operates on the riverwalk, and you can grab a ride for $1.
Astoria, Oregon, Astoria Riverwalk
Astoria, Oregon, viewing spot on Columbia River
Visit the Craft Breweries
The city is well known for punching above its weight class when it comes to craft brews. In fact, it's becoming a rising destination for hops lovers. We are getting thirsty and a bit hungry after our morning run, and after wandering through downtown to get the lay of the land, we plop down at the bar at Astoria Brewing Co. Colleen digs into a big sourdough bowl chock full of seafood goodies, and I order up the meaty wings. We custom craft a flight, choosing a mix of five beers.

Then, we each order a pint to try another flavor, and the friendly bartender offers us a sample of the whisky barrel-aged milk stout when he hears us chatting about it. We could stay here all day, happily getting lost in the beer menu. But we have more places to try. We plan to get to three spots to sample brews today.
Picture
Astoria Brewing Co. in Astoria, Oregon
Quite the lineup. Our flight at Astoria Brewing Co.
We also hit up Buoy Beer Co., which has a wonderful spot right on the waterfront, and the sampler there features six flavors. Next, it's Fort George Brewery and Public House in its massive facility uptown.

We finally head back to the ship, cutting ourselves off mid-afternoon before we have to stagger back down the riverwalk and risk missing the all-aboard time for Regent Seven Seas Mariner.

If you like craft beers, you'll definitely enjoy a cruise port stop in Astoria, which features at least a dozen establishments.
Buoy Beer Co. in Astoria, Oregon
Fort George Brewery and Public House in Astoria, Oregon
Our final stop on our brewery tour was Fort George Brewery and Public House.
Cross the Bridge
After exploring Astoria, you might want to grab a taxi or ride share and take a quick trip over the famous Astoria Bridge and into Washington and back. Of course, you'll want to take a look around, stop for a coffee, see the views from that side of the river and learn about Lewis and Clark's history in Washington at Megler and Point Ellice at this point of their famous journey.
Get Out on the Columbia River
Eco tours depart from marina slips along the Astoria Riverwalk, and you can take half-day journeys that explore fascinating locations in the Columbia River and its connected estuaries and channels. You have the chance to spot bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons and Canada geese at Twilight Creek Eagle Sanctuary. Other highlights of a ride include the Coast Guard Station to witness the noisy sea lions putting on a show, as well as navigating past salmon nurseries and floating homes. Kayaking outings and fishing charters are also active options.

More to Do
You have your pick of several other things to do while in port in Astoria. The city has a handful of interesting museums. A top pick is the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which focuses on the marine history of the waterway and region and features exhibits about the U.S. Coast Guard and Columbia River Bar Pilots. Frommer's calls this one of the top museums in Oregon.

Other museums: Flavel Mansion (1885 Queen Anne-style home of a river bar pilot who was one of the city's first millionaires), Oregon Film Museum (looks at films made in the state, including "Goonies" which was partly filmed in Astoria), and the Museum of Whimsy (an assemblage of eclectic or downright bizarre items housed in a 1924 neoclassical bank building).

Want a taste of Astoria? Hit up a restaurant for a bowl of seafood chowder. Then, grab a cone at Frite and Scoop to enjoy on a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk back to your ship.

Sounds like a perfect day in beautiful Astoria, Oregon.

Have you been to Astoria? What are some other don't-miss activities and attractions that you would suggest?

Thanks for reading,
JR
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Driving Oregon's Waterfall Trail in a Buick Regal TourX

6/11/2018

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Bridal Veil Falls in Oregon's Willamette Valley at the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area
The stunning and serene Bridal Veil Falls was probably my favorite stop on my waterfalls tour in Oregon.
By John Roberts

I slide into the soft leather seat and size up the hi-tech interior of the vehicle I will use to explore the Willamette Valley during an overnight visit to Oregon.

The 2018 Buick Regal TourX is the first new car I have driven in many, many years. After I get used to the fact that I don't have to put a key into a slot at the side of my steering column (it's all push-button these days) and orient myself to the large screen that displays the GPS and back-up camera, I am ready to roll.

I pull away from the curb in the hip town of Eugene after a nice lunch to fuel myself for an afternoon of driving adventure. I am intent on seeing as much of this region as I can in the limited amount of time I have.

Buick has designed the Regal TourX for adventure, and the company offered me a chance to drive the sporty luxury wagon so I can tell you all about it. And because adventure and outdoor exploration is what we're all about here at In The Loop Travel, I was eager to hop behind the wheel to check out this amazingly beautiful part of America.

I punch in my coordinates for my destination: North to Mount Hood. I don't have a specific place I want to go to, I'm just out to enjoy the drive, get a feel for the car and definitely get a look at some of the natural wonders in Oregon.

It all starts with that snowcapped mountain, treacherous to climb and beautiful to gawk at. Oregonians are probably immune to its impressive stature over the valley, but I have never been to this portion of the state before, and when I first see the 11,250-feet-high giant looming in the distance as I drive north on I-5, I find myself gazing in wonder at its picturesque snowcapped majesty through the windshield of the Buick.
 2018 Buick Regal TourX
My ride in Oregon: the sleek 2018 Buick Regal TourX.
Great Outdoors in the Pacific Northwest

The Willamette Valley extends 150 miles and is hemmed in by three mountain ranges: the Cascades, the Oregon Coast Range and the Calapooya Mountains.

With the state's six largest cities, including Salem, Eugene and Portland, and more than 70 percent of the population, the valley is the heart and soul of Oregon. It also features a bounty of options for adventurous nature lovers. This is Oregon's "Wine Country."

I wanted to get out for some hiking amid the gorgeous waterfalls I had heard so much about.

(Check out a video of my day of driving at end of this post.)


Before my lunch in Eugene, though, the first stop of the morning is Silver Falls State Park. I drive along winding roads to reach the park. As the route gains a bit of elevation, I crack the window to smell the sweetness of the spring air. Up ahead, a field painted golden yellow with mustard seed plants beckons a photo stop.

At the edge of the park, I make another stop to find a vista of the valley. The sunshine is out, and I immediately wish I had a week or more to fully experience the region at a gentler pace. 
I push onward, though, as I get even more excited to get into the park for a look around before pushing on toward the north, the Columbia Gorge area and eventually Portland for the night.

Silver Falls State Park is located less than an hour from Salem and offers more than 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. You can also camp there. It's the largest state park in Oregon, and its standout feature is the South Falls, which has a 177-foot waterfall that you can hike behind as in thunders down from a ledge above the trail.

I spend about an hour in the immaculate park, which offers a 9-mile-long Canyon Trail (Trail of Ten Falls) that features 10 waterfalls and follows the path of Silver Creek.

I hop back into the car and find my way back out of the hills and onto I-5. I expect to reach the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area in about two hours and then hike a few trails and see the sights before sunset.

About 45 minutes into my drive, I am thankful for the clear skies and ideal weather as Mount Hood comes into sight for the first time. I'm definitely heading in the right direction.
Field of mustard plants in Oregon
Oregon Willamette Valley
Historic Columbia River Highway bridge
The Columbia River Gorge

I make my way out of afternoon traffic on I-5 and onto the much more remote Historic Columbia River Highway. This serene scenic byway is a National Historic Landmark, and I am glad to be in the Regal TourX, which holds well and handles the turns on the twisty narrow road that follows the edge of a cliff, leading past dozens of historic tunnels and viaducts. And the waterfalls, of course.

I get out at three different points to hike along the Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls (the highest in the state at 60 feet). Each falls area features well-maintained trails, paths or viewing bridges with incredible views of the falls.

At least nine more waterfalls can be viewed on a drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway. You can do the Waterfall Tour Loop, which also will include Horsetail Falls, Punchbowl Falls and Wahkeena Falls. The areas all have hiking trails and parking areas. Plus, many also have picnic spots so you can fully enjoy your visit along the gorge while exploring these gems of nature.
Ninkasi beer at Tilt restaurant in Portland
A Nightcap in Portland

With the sun going down, I reluctantly rise from a quiet park bench where I have been hypnotized by the rush of water flowing over the sun-dappled Latourell Falls. I get back into the Buick Regal TourX and make the drive toward Portland, where I will have a night to wander the city during my first visit there.

I check into the upscale boutique Dossier Hotel on Alder Street downtown, drop off my bag, take a quick shower and put on fresh clothes and head out to find a place to have a bite to eat and a craft brew.

A good meal and a beer will be the perfect capper for my 24 hours in Oregon. I land on Tilt, a restaurant in the Pearl District. I like its austere setting in a repurposed warehouse and the cafeteria-style dining setup. The menu is loaded with great-looking burgers and hand-carved sammies, but I go for the spinach honey bacon salad. (I already had a loaded burger for lunch.) I snag an Easy Way IPA (Ninkasi Brewing Co., Eugene, Oregon) from the bar and sit back to chow down, watch the baseball game and reflect on an amazing day driving through the Willamette Valley.

Have you been to this part of the country? What top destinations do you recommend when visiting Oregon?

Thanks for reading,
JR
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A Perfect Day in the Charming Coastal Town of Astoria, Oregon

5/26/2018

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Astoria Brewing Co. in Astoria, Oregon
Our tasty flight at Astoria Brewing Co., a great place for craft brews and hearty lunches.
​Day 4
Astoria, Oregon
Highlight: We went for a two-mile run into town. The ship docked right at the edge of the River Walk and we enjoyed a run with few other people around as we were able to enjoy the scenic waterside views, including the impressive Megler Bridge, which spans the lower Columbia River between Astoria and Megler, Washington. The River Walk travels alongside a trolley rail line and is a mix of pavement and wooden pier planking.

The highlight really was the end of the run when we arrived in the charming town to find all kinds of shops selling vintage goods and small restaurants and businesses. Astoria also boasts several craft breweries, and we made it to three of them. Astoria Brewing Co. stood out for its flavorful varieties (including a barrel-aged milk stout with a smooth whisky-infused flavor) as well as its generous portion sizes from its lunch menu. Colleen absolutely loved the seafood chowder in a sourdough bowl, and I had the largest chicken wings and tastiest homemade chips (fries) I can remember.

We also had a flight at Buoy Brewing, which is located right on the River Walk and has amazing views of the river and a glass section in its floor so you can peep the sea lions wallowing below the waterfront building. We had just enough time to hustle over to Fort George Brewery and Public House on Duane Street to check out that impressive operation and grab a pint of IPA before it was time to get back on our ship.
​
What else: We took our first dip in the Regent Seven Seas Mariner's hot tub to soothe our legs and feet from days of running and walking. Later onboard, we had dinner with amazing service at Sette Mari and checked out the magic/comedy show in the ship's main theater. We were impressed by the magician who pulled off illusions and stunts that I cannot fathom how they are done.
This is part of the Trip Report for our Alaska Cruise on Regent Seven Seas Mariner. Our trip reports aim to show you how you might enjoy a similar travel experience. Happy travels! John
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