Oct 3 - Oregon northern coast--Three Cove Scenic Byway

   It was spitting rain, or raining, this morning, so we went into the little town of Pacific City to the coffee shop right on the road overlooking the beach, to use their fast WiFi.  We spent the morning, and by that time, the rain had mostly stopped.
  We wandered across the street to the Cape Kiwanda beach area.  This overlooks the huge Haystack Rock, jutting out from the water, with a little side arch protruding from it.  It is very impressive.  Also, there were a bunch of people surfing the waves.  It looked really cold to me (they were all in wetsuits).  But what a beautiful beach cove.  With the mountain side ending right into the ocean.  Actually, the mountain was a huge sand dune, with people walking up to the top of it.  They call it the Kiwanda Sand dunes.
   We started up the Three Cove Scenic Byway.  This part of the route went from Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City up to Cape Meares.  Our first stop was at Sitka Sedge.  The is an estuary pond, with lots of birds, and a nice trail around it.  The trail also led out to the beach.  A very nice hike.  Of course, it started drizzling again as we approached the car, after the walk.
  Next stop on the Three Cove Scenic Byway was Cape Lookout viewpoint and Cape Lookout State Park.  The viewpoint was at the top of the mountain scenic drive, overlooking the long peninsula that separates the ocean from the Netarts Bay.  Very dramatic view.  Then we drove down to the State Park, and the ocean beach.  The ocean today was very active--lots of wind, lots of waves braking, lots of white water.
  Next stop was Oceanside Beach, with its mountain ending right at the beach, with the side sliced off, so you can see all of the layers.  Every stop at the beach today is amazing--with the high, active waves, and the rain clouds hovering over the water, or floating around the mountain tops. 
  Last stop was at Cape Meares Viewpoint and Lighthouse.  This had a short walk down to the lighthouse, which was built in the late 1800's, but is now automated.  Very exciting views of ocean and rocks.  By the time we walked back to the car, it was raining again.  But, not for long.  It seems that the weather in Oregon is very localized.  It may be raining in this town, but not that one.  Or by the ocean, but not in the mountains.  Or raining now, but not 10 minutes from now. 
  Great sightseeing day, in spite of the weather.

Cape Kiwanda beach photos:

Sitka Sedge photos:

Cape Lookout Viewpoint and State Park photos:

Oceanside State Park photos:

 Cape Meares Viewpoint and Lighthouse photos: