Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, OR

 

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It was another scenic 45 mile drive north on 101 as we left California and made our way a short distance up the southern Oregon coast to Brookings. Since they have a Fred Meyer, a brewery and a state park, we decided to spend the night. How nice to be back in the land of under $4.00/gallon gas and no sales tax.

Harris Beach State Park is located on a bluff above the Pacific, and some of the prime campsites have great views of the ocean. Without a reservation it would take some really good luck to get one of those sites, but we are tucked in among the trees in a really nice private spot. Not inexpensive at $28/night for water and electric, but being less than 2 miles from Brookings is very convenient.

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There are several trails, so after our shopping spree at Fred Meyer (quite a store, by the way) we walked one of the trails to the coast. It was very windy and we got a bit sandblasted down on the beach but it was worth it.

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We can’t resist a brewery, so last night we went to dinner at Wild River Brewing and Pizza Company. We almost left as soon as we walked in the door, as the place has no atmosphere and was crowded with families and large groups. There is no wait service, so you just order at the counter and they call your number. We walked over to the bar to make sure they had some beers we thought we’d like, and the bartender gave us free samples of about five different beers. They were all really good, but we chose the IPA and Double Eagle Imperial Stout and decided to stay and get a pizza, which turned out to be excellent. A nice surprise.

Today we move on to try and find a place to spend the holiday weekend.

13 comments:

  1. Good luck in your quest to ride out the holiday weekend. I really like your pictures of the Oregon coast.

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  2. That's an area we really enjoy. Fred Meyer is a good store to go to, and there are several of them around the state of Oregon. When he established his first store in Portland, the concept really took off. Eventually making Mr. Fred Meyer one of the wealthiest men in Oregon. It's a big corporation now, and he's dead and gone. Some of the stores also have gas stations, and they are great to fill up at, since they usually have the lowest price around. Plus, if you use your Fred Meyer Rewards Visa card to make the purchase, you get an additional discount. You probably remember all that from your time spent in Oregon a few years ago. Welcome back, anyway.

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  3. We love Brookings and Harris Beach...beautiful area. Too bad you're not staying another day or two. So much to see in that area and some great places to eat. Hope you find a great spot for the holiday weekend.

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  4. Loved, loved, loved Harris Beach. If you're continuing up the coast spend a weekend in Pacific City. Pelican Restaurant and Brewery is right on the beach where you can watch the Dory Boats slide up onto the sand. Great place to spend time. Jack and I had a great day. http://tinyurl.com/lg6sodm

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    1. Those photos of Pacific City look awfully appealing.

      Jim

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    2. I tell you, we had the best time. The day we spent on the beach was perfect. Sunny, cool, and just so much fun between watching the dorys and the dunes. I couldn't imbibe because I was driving, but people told me the beer was good! There is SO much to do in that area. I think I spent about two weeks on my solo trip--and didn't want to leave then. http://tinyurl.com/lolwz95

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  5. Your photographs are just gorgeous. Another great spot you found. I'd be hard pressed to leave after one day but no doubt you'll come up with something terrific even on Memorial Day week-end. I just love all the suggestions you get. None of my readers seem to have much to say about Ohio or Michigan. LOL

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    1. Sherry, did you go to Apostle Islands? I'm looking forward to kayaking there. Might be a bit cold still.

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  6. We tried to stay at Harris Beach last year, but without a reservation, we were out of luck. We ended up staying just up the road at Alfred Loeb State Park. I'll second Jack's recommendation of Pacific City! We didn't stay there - we just visited for the day - but we would definitely go back to camp there if we're in the area again. And I'm still laughing over the "full moon" photo from a couple of posts ago - seriously funny!!

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  7. Another beautiful spot:) Glad you've had lots of sun.

    Isn't it interesting how holidays and weekends have taken on a very different meaning. Where I once counted down to them, they now have become such a pain in our lifestyle...haha! Hope you find something besides the Wal Mart!

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  8. Your amazing photos make me homesick for the Oregon Coast--I grew up in Lincoln City. We would love to follow your current trek in reverse--from her south to California. Thank you for your travel guide--Sunset's new issue is 'road trips'--they should include yours!

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  9. I remember having the same feeling about Wild River, no atmosphere. Aren't Fred Meyers great? We were fortunate to have one of those in Boise when we first got our RV and had to outfit it.

    BTW, we LOVED the Vista Pub for lunch in Brookings. Don't know how vegan friendly they are though...

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  10. Beautiful. We will be headed that way in June.

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