Submitted by Rob Levy
This past weekend I did what I often do, I went to the Oregon coast for the weekend.  But today I was daydreaming and thinking how lucky I am that I live in Portland, Oregon and can be on the beach within 90 mintues of leaving my home or office.
 
The North Oregon coast is one of the most gorgeous places on the planet and starting from north to south consists of the cities of Astoria, Gearhart, Seaside, Cannon Beach and Manzanita.  All of these can be accessed from the Portland area by either highway 26 (Sunset Highway) or for Astoria also Highway 30.  Let alone though is the coast beautiful in its own right but the drive there is over the coast range and is a gorgeous drive through NW rainforest, over the summit and then following fast flowing streams on their way just like me to the pacific ocean.
 
Things to do on the coast include salmon fishing, whale watching, walking for miles on empty sand beaches, camping and hiking at areas like Ft Stevens state park, or playing tourist in the cities like the Astor Column.
 
As a Portland resident, you need to make sure you go to the coast at least once during each season, they are all different.  Being on the beach on a hot east wind day in the summer is just as delightful as storm watching in the middle of January.  Again, its just one more reason I am so happy I live here.