Today, I'm going to Nehalem Bay State Park in coastal northwest Oregon. I will be camping in a Yurt.
I will drive to Longview on Interstate 5, then drive west on WA4 to Naselle and then Chinook. I will detour off WA4 and drive around roads leading to Altoona, Pillar Rock, and Miller Point. Three rivers meet the Columbia River in this small Bay area: Grays River, Deep River, and Crooked Creek.
I plan to walk around Middle Village Station Camp on the Columbia River near Chinook. All of the islands in the Columbia River from Chinook to Skamokawa are part of the Lewis and Clark National Park and Wildlife Refuge. There are many historical sites in this area, like Middle Village.
Then, over the Megler-Astoria Bridge (4 miles long, built in 1966), then south on US Highway 101 to Nehalem Bay and the town of Manzanita. Yurt check in time of 3:30 pm.
A stop in Seaside at the Carousel Mall for Asian lunch and shell shopping.
Weather reports indicate this week's weather to be 45-50F, little wind, fog, low clouds, misting, drizzling rain, and intermittent light rain showers day and night. I am prepared for wet weather with suitable clothing, shoes, and gear. Weather was decent for a January Winter day!
Picture of me in rain gear for walking the shore pine forest trails, sand dunes, and intertidal seashore or just sitting at a picnic table or chair outdoors at Nehalem Bay State Park in the misty, drizzling, sprinkling wet world of coastal Manzanita.
The Tsunami warning has been lifted after last weeks volcanic eruption in the Pacific. More people probably came to the beach last week, to see some big waves, which never, thankfully, arrived.
The surf at Neahakanie Beach near Manzanita was mild at low tide this afternoon. Shorebreak waves 1-3' on the sandy seaside.
You can park along the road below Manzanita, elevated maybe 30' above the sea, and stare out your open car window as the mist, fog, and drizzling rain keeps everything wet wet wet.
North of Manzanita all the way to Seaside are forested higher mountains, hills, tight river valleys, and dramatic cliffside views from Highway 101. The dramatic rocky cliffs facing the pounding surf are memorable.
All photographs below were obtained from images on the Internet:
Chinook - Wikipedia Population 450. Images
Chinook: Travel Port Port-Estuary
Chinook: Baker's Bay Gray's Bay
Chinook Dock Boat Launch
Naselle: Naselle River Images Store Gas Inland from the Columbia River. The Naselle River flows into the south end of Willapa Bay
Naselle Library TRLS
Naselle is about six miles east of the junction of US101 and WA4. Junction of US101 and WA4. Johnston's Landing. Along the wide Naselle River valley, and near the bridge over the Naselle River. The Naselle River flows into the south end of Willapa Bay. Parking near the bridge. 62 miles east of Exit 39/I5.
Fort Columbia Historical State Park South of Naselle
Megler-Astoria Bridge South of Naselle
Chinook Village
Junction of US101 and WA4. Johnston's Landing. Along the
wide Naselle River valley, and near the bridge over the Naselle River.
The Naselle River flows into the south end of Willapa Bay. Parking
near the bridge. 62 miles east of Exit 39/I5.
Junction of WA4 and WA401. Head south on WA401 if you want to get to the Ilwaco/Astoria Bridge.
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