Provincial Capitals of Canada
Victoria BC—provincial capital of British Columbia The Parliamentary grounds are so beautiful, they are well worth wandering. For more about the Parliamentary complex of Victoria, and more links for things to do/see, scroll down to the bottom of
Coming into Victoria via the Ferry from Port Angeles WA The Black Ball Ferry Line--430 Belleville St., Victoria BC V8V 1W9, Canada
Surrounding the Parliamentary Complex
Government Street north to Wharf St/Humboldt St intersection
Wharf St Sites to see going north along Wharf St from Government St (I didn't get to see all on first trip to Victoria)
Government Street north toward Chinatown
Chinatown While the Chinatown gate is at Fisgard & Government St, Victoria's Chinatown covers an area from at least Pandora Ave north to Herald St, and east on Fisgard to Douglas St. It's a delight to explore! Victoria Chinatown Museum-- 10 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria, BC V8W 1W3, Canada Open Thurs-Sun 11am-5pm, and all statutory Monday holidays. It wasn't open when I was there. Bucket List Chinatown Victoria CRD (Capital Regional District) Square—across from the Chinatown gate at Fisgard & Government St. Worth a stroll or a roll, with a statue of Dr Sun Yat-Sen & Bright Pearl “As the centrepiece between Centennial Square and historic Chinatown, the Bright Pearl honors the many people who immigrated here from the Pearl River Valley in China. The Bright Pearl welcomes citizens and visitors alike to this civic square, especially those from our twin cities around the world . . . added the finishing touch to the official opening of the Capital Regional District [CRD] Building.” Yen-Wo Tsung Tsin (Hakka) Society Bldg—w/mural on the side (Government St north of Chinatown gate)
Douglas St--I wheeled south on Douglas St, but my phone battery died ☹ Victoria Public Market at the Hudson on Douglas St between Fisgard & Herald, Victoria BC Beehive Wool Shop--1700 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2G7, Canada; yarn store at Fisgard & Douglas St Centennial Square Parkade--645 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R7, Canada
Miniature World—649 Humboldt St (just west of Douglas St), Victoria BC The Maritime Museum of British Columbia--744 Douglas St--or 634 Humboldt St, Victoria BC Mungo Martin House in Thunderbird Park-- 475 Belleville St., Victoria, BC V8V 2P8, Canada; Belleville & Douglas Thunderbird Park-- 638 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8V 2P8, Canada James Bay Inn--270 Government St, Victoria BC (a block west of Douglas St & Beacon Hill Park) Hotel, Suites, Cottages. Dating from 1911, “No air conditioning & no elevators. Access to a sunny verandah on floor 2 & 3. Art Deco Cafe & Restaurant and a friendly pub on site. No smoking, no pets.” Itinerary Ideas for 1-4 or so days in Victoria BC--choose what looks fun I suggest first going to see Confederation Fountain/Park at Belleville St & Menzies St, across from the Parliamentary campus. Next tour the Parliament buildings, or at least the grounds. After that, see the Royal BC Museum, and from there head north up Government St, past the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Stop for info at the Greater Victoria Visitor Center, and continue north on Government St as far as Chinatown. Return south on Wharf St (after crossing the Johnson St Bridge and seeing Songhees Park, if you like), check out the Fort Victoria National Historic Site and pass the Old Victoria Customs House, (optionally have lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish if that brings delight), see the Veteran Sailor Statue and the Homecoming Statue, and detour to walk along the Inner Habour Causeway. This could take a whole day, and if you have an electric wheelchair, may seriously deplete your battery. Return to Belleville St and head east to Thunderbird Park, then north again on Douglas St (aka Trans-Canada Hwy 1). See the Victoria Crystal Garden, The Maritime Museum of British Columbia at Victoria Conference Center, detour a half a block west on Humboldt St to see the Miniature World museum, before continuing north on Douglas St (half a block west on Courtney St is the Bug Zoo, half a block east on Broughton St is the Greater Victoria Public Library). St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, then Bay Center shopping mall are north on Douglas St, and Haunted Manor mini-golf & ping pong are just to the east on Yates St, as is Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas. Victoria City Hall is at the corner of Pandora Ave & Douglas St, and next north of it is Centennial Square with it’s fountain & plaza, and restrooms on the first floor of the Centennial Parkade. Victoria Public Market is between Fisgard & Herald streets on Douglas St. This could well take a 2nd day, but if not, head south as follows. Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre arena is on Blanshard St at Caledonia (next street north of Herald St), and you can return south along Blanshard, stopping at what appeals (Capitol 6 Theatres are nearly opposite the Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas at Yates St, and the Royal Theatre is at Broughton). An interesting detour east on Broughton is Pioneer Square, and south of that is Christ Church Cathedral, across from which is the Afghanistan Memorial. Returning to Blanshard on Burdette Ave is the Provincial Courthouse. Continue south on Blanshard St to St Ann’s Academy and Auditorium National Historic Site (enjoy the grounds of the complex), and if you have energy left, explore Beacon Hill Park, with it’s elegant gardens, ponds, bandshell, ball fields, pickleball, children’s farm (if open), sun clock, totem pole, etc (has restrooms). This could take a day or two as well. The long walk along the shore on Dallas Rd takes you past historic Holland Point Park, in view of The First Nations Breakwater Mural, and in sight of the Breakwater Lighthouse (a “massive white lighthouse, built in 1916, with scenic views at the end of a long breakwater walkway”, which the ferries pass, but I didn’t see). Continuing along Dallas Rd is the interactive Ogden Point Sundial, and eventually Fisherman’s Wharf/Fisherman’s Wharf Park (“Visitors can see seals & other marine life along this quaint floating pier with food kiosks & shops”). A few zigzags will get you back to Belleville St where you began. In all, there’s plenty here for 4-5 days, not even counting the sights of West Victoria, the famous Buchart Gardens, Craigdarroch & Hatley Castles, and so much else Vancouver Island has to offer! Holland Point https://beaconhillparkhistory.org/contents/appendix_C2.htm Ogden Point Breakwater Lighthouse (one of 4 active lighthouses listed for Victoria) https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=1202 Brochures & Maps from the Ferry--choose the map that makes most sense to you Butchart Gardens—13.5 mi NW of Victoria, travel by car, bus, tour, taxi, boat Sunken Garden, Rose garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garen, Mediterranean Garden; Visitor Centre, Gift Shop, Carousel, Wharf, places to eat Victoria Butterfly Gardens--1461 Benvenuto AVE Brentwood Bay BC V8M 1J5 (said to be 5 min from Butchart Gardens) Vancouver Island Vancouver Island Bucketlist British Columbia Grouse Mtn Resort—15 min drive north of downtown Vancouver BC 2024 Other than driving by car, you can travel by public transit, or take a free summer shuttle from downtown Vancouver (with the purchase of a roundtrip admission ticket). Photos courtesy Nicole Calvert Golden Ears Park--24480 Fern Crescent, Maple Ridge BC V4R 2S1, Canada (40 mi/2 hrs east of Vancouver BC)
Photos courtesy Nicole Calvert
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Coming into Bremerton Puget Sound Naval Shipyard--1127 Charleston Beach Rd W, Bremerton WA 98312 (vehicle inspection gate) off Charleston Blvd (aka Hwy 304) Bug & Reptile Museum--1118 Charleston Beach Rd W, Bremerton, WA 98312; across from the Naval Yard Bremerton WA Boardwalk--at the east end of 2nd St; find parking before you get there (some ideas further on). USS Turner-Joy museum & gift shop In the vicinity of Bremerton Harbor Seattle-Bremerton Ferry--211 1st Street, Bremerton WA Follow the signs carefully, which if you don't want to go to the ferry can be awkward with all the one-way streets. Puget Sound Navy Museum--251 1st St, Bremerton WA 98337; free The Navy Museum can be seen from the ferry terminal, but walk along 1st St to Pacific Ave and cross the street to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza. Harborside Fountain Park--251 1st St, Bremerton WA 98337; near the ferries & Puget Sound Navy Museum Could be a pleasant place to picnic for lunch. Bremerton Fountains park--219 Pacific Ave, Bremerton WA 98337 (Burwell St, aka Hwy 304, to Farragut Ave) Just up the street from the entrance to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard And Intermediate Maintenance Facility (1400 Farragut Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337), this interesting art and history-filled park features cut & polished rock sculptures as well as restrooms, tables, & benches (google maps claims). A wider walk/drive around downtown Bremerton Discover Bremerton—links for history, facts, attractions & events, arts, recreation, sister city, transpo, etc PDF chart of parks & amenities, with addresses & map The Roxy Theatre-- 270 4th St, Bremerton, WA 98337; next to the Kitsap History Museum Kitsap History Museum--280 4th St, Bremerton, WA 98337; narrow one-way street, drop off only Seefilm Cinemas-- 655 4th St, Bremerton, WA 98337 Kitsap Regional Library--612 5th St, Bremerton WA 98337 Admiral Theatre--515 Pacific Ave, Bremerton WA 98337; 30 min parking in frontPacific Planetarium-- 817 Pacific Ave, Bremerton WA 98337 More sites that caught my eye around Bremerton Bremerton avenues are north-south, streets are east-west. Kiwanis Park--1701 5th St, Bremerton WA 98337; 2 hr street parking across the street. Blackberry festival at Kiwanis Park (360) 473-5305 Evergreen Rotary Park--1500 Park Ave, Bremerton WA 98337 Farmer’s Market Thur eves late Apr-Sept; (360) 473-5305 Warren Ave Bridge (north-south trending) connects east & west Bremerton over the Port Washington Narrows of Dyes Inlet (one of the waterways of Kitsap Peninsula), off the Puget Sound.
Olympic College--1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton WA 98337; off Warren Ave, aka Hwy 303 Sheridan Rd is north of the Warren Ave Bridge, in East Bremerton. The Sheridan neighborhood of Bremerton was an historic small town in the 1890s. The west end of Sheridan Rd meets into Lebo Blvd a little west of the inviting, family & friends friendly Lion's Park with its great amenities. I didn't know about it then, but now I do. Illahee State Park--3540 NE Sylvan Way, Bremerton WA 98310 Such a lovely place to spend the day or camp. U.S. Naval Undersea Museum--1 Garnett Way, Keyport WA 98345 I was traveling north toward Port Angeles (on my way to Victoria BC), so though I found this as part of Bremerton sights to see, it's actually north of Bremerton (at the south end of Liberty Bay off Port Orchard waterway--all part of the Kitsap Peninsula and the complex arm, elbow, and fingers of the Puget Sound). This museum seemed so apropos of the area, I just had to include it.
Poulsbo WA I saw something about the SEA Discovery Center aquarium in Poulsbo, so close to Bremerton, and thought it a good way to round out all the waterside explorations of my trip, so went to check it out. Wow! Although I didn't get to explore inside the center, I was so enamored with historic downtown Poulsbo, and it so befit my "Skoal Scandinavia!" post (see link below), that I was pretty ecstatic to have happened upon it (not quite by accident). Poulsbo is at the other end of Liberty Bay from Keyport.
SEA Discovery Center--18743 Front St NE, Poulsbo WA 98370 City of Poulsbo Waterfront Park--18809 Front St NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370 (aka Liberty Bay Waterfront Park) And the Port of Poulsbo. Parking was crowded even in October. Historic downtown Poulsbo WA Poulsbo Maritime Museum, Visitor Center and Gift Store--19010 Front St NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370 Bainbridge Island--east of the Port Orchard channel from Bremerton, east across the Agate Passage Bridge (Hwy 305) from Poulsbo; west of Seattle via the ferry across Puget Sound. Kitsap County
Gig Harbor, Olalla, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Suquamish, Kingston, Port Gamble, Hansville . . . Since a year ago when a friend and I toured Providence Academy, I was anxious to take my sister on that tour, and to see the enchanting Enchanted Rose with its vintage wares and decor. It was there we learned of the Spools & Stitches Quilt Shop Hop. We thought we might only be able to get to perhaps 4 shops, but as it turned out, we managed to make it to every one, beside a couple of Joann Fabrics and Crafts. The 6" square kits were free, it was $5 for the extensions that would make them into 12" blocks. We chose to do just the 6" squares, for the most part, but that doesn't mean we didn't spend quite a lot of money. 😉 Note: click on photos to enlarge and show captions. Click on the right to advance, left to reverse. The Enchanted Rose Emporium—inside the Historic Providence Academy, 400 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver WA The new main entrance to Providence Academy is at the back of the new parking lot off Evergreen Blvd. From that entrance one must wind around a bit to get to the quilt shop. Classes, vintage clothing repairs and alterations, etc. Fort Vancouver is just to the east: for more info about it, scroll down at the 2nd link below. Fiddlesticks--2701 NE 114th Ave, Vancouver WA 98684 A fun place for quilters, with fun quilter events. Paint Chip Challenge display & judging Sept 27-28, 2024 at Fiddlesticks Quilt Shop Kitten in a Pumpkin pattern for the Spools & Stitches Quilt Shop Hop from Fiddlesticks Quiltshop. Quilted Treasures--6400 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver WA 98665 (Hazel Dell) This shop is committed to accessibility (wide aisles), having an employee in a wheelchair. The shopping strip owner is not quite as committed to providing convenient handicapped parking. Just For Fun Quilting--1503 NE 78th St, Vancouver, WA 98665 (Hazel Dell) A dazzling array of samples, kits, and pattern books for embroidery machines is like a carnival of colors and seasons, and for every month of the year, events, and special occasions. JoAnn Fabric & Crafts--7907 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver, WA 98665 (Hazel Dell) Hwy 99 is a major commercial artery in Vancouver, as in other towns of the Pacific Northwest. Feather Your Nest Quilt Shop--130 N Main Ave, Gresham, OR 97030 This quilt shop is right in walkable, shoppable, historic downtown Gresham with lots of restaurants, lovely murals and sculptures, and the history museum. Parking can be at a premium at times; I have parked at the Main City Park before, which is not far. The Main City Park has a Japanese garden as well as playground, heroes memorial, skate park, as well as picnic tables, shelters, and ball park. Post about Gresham coming. My Quilting Loft--253 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060 Located in historic downtown Troutdale, down the street from the Depot Rail Museum & the Visitor Center with a small park along the Sandy River. Within a short walk to the west of the shop is the pleasant Mayor's Square City Park with its beautiful mural, picnic tables, fountain, and sculptures. All along the street are places to shop and eat. The Outlet Mall is off I-84 as you travel toward historic downtown, and driving west through town the Columbia River Hwy takes you past the Harlow House Museum, Glen Otto Community Park on the Sandy River, and across the Sandy River is the Lewis & Clark State Rec Park and access to the Sandy River for fishing and playing in the water. Just on the east of the bridge across the Sandy River is a pull-out with signs of early Oregon History. For more about those, scroll down at the 2nd link below. Sewlarium--3236 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217 Very interesting fabrics, personable owner. I didn't get a good pic of the quilting machine. There are a few parking spaces in the rear, including a handicapped one (though not enough room for my ramp to deploy when someone parked next to us). Mike's Drive In (burgers etc) is across the street, Goodwill 3 short blocks east. Sharon's Attic Quilt Shop--2950 SE Cornelius Pass Rd #100, Hillsboro, OR 97123 A large shop with a nice variety of fabrics, accessories, tools, patterns, and kits. I loved the way the fabrics were organized, by colors and themes (natural, holiday, etc). Road "improvements" have made this shop difficult to get to from certain directions. Joann Fabrics & Crafts--7270 NE Butler St, Hillsboro, OR 97124 Located at The Crossroads at Orenco Station, off NE Cornelius Pass Rd & NE Butler St, one of 40 places to shop, eat, explore. This is a huge store, not perhaps at its tidiest when we were there. Quilting Delights--14811 SE Webster Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97267 This quilt shop is indeed a delight. It’s at the intersection of SE Webster & Thiessen Rd among services for the surrounding large residential area. Next to the quilt shop is a little coffee shop, a Subway, and a Shell station. Across the way are Valvoline, Safeway, Starbucks, Papa Murphy’s, a salon, a nail place, dental clinic, State Farm and a laundromat. Cedar Ridge Quilts--19045 S Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City OR 97045 Far from historic downtown Oregon City, Berry Hill Shopping Center offers various businesses and services, restaurants, military recruiting, and Hobby Lobby, beside the quilt shop. Cedar Ridge Quilts has a lot of retro fabrics, as well as a nice variety of other tempting wares and samples. The minimum cut is 1/8th of a yard, but after that they let me add inch by inch, so that I could get just what I needed for 6 1/2" squares. Montavilla Sewing Center--429 1st St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (south of Portland) One of 4 locations on their website, this in the quaint walkable, shoppable historic downtown of Lake Oswego, with plenty of interesting places to eat. Lake Oswego city is along the Willamette River (check out Willamette Shore Trolley--311 N State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034), and includes Lakewood Bay as well as Oswego Lake. Lake Oswego offers intriguing parks. More Quilt Shop Hops & Quilt Shows, flyers & brochures
If the dates have passed, check online for next year.
British Columbia I don’t have much hope of exploring all the lighthouses of British Columbia, but here is a site to see or explore those sites: Washington Below are photos and links of the Lighthouses in Washington state, from north to south, around the Puget Sound/Salish Sea, and the Peninsula and Pacific coast. I haven't been to, or seen, all of them in person, but I'm still including them in the list, including links. Hope to see more in future.
Semiahomoo Harbor--Blaine WA, near the Canadian border. The lighthouse at Blaine WA was deactivated & torn down in 1944. Patos Island—Patos Island Marine State Park, off Orcas Island, northern San Juan Islands Turn Point/Prevost--next to Stuart Island Marine State Park, San Juan Islands WA Lime Kiln Point—Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan Island WA Across San Juan Island from Friday Harbor, I had hoped to see whales from here when I visited. But with limited time, and not knowing how wheelchair friendly the trails, I didn't try going solo all the way to the lighthouse. I did get a few photos of the park. The fourth link below has photos from that whole trip.
Cattle Point—south end of San Juan Island WA, near San Juan Island National Historical Park Burrows Island—Burrows Island Marine State Park, near Anacortes WA Only accessible by boat.
Smith Island--4 mi west of Whidbey Island WA (similar latitude to Oak Harbor) In 1989 the last remnants of the Smith Island Light Station fell off the western edge of the island. It was replaced with an automatic navigation light. Admiralty Head—Fort Casey Historical State Park, south end of Whidbey Island WA Bush Point—Whidbey Island, NW of Freeland WA, west across the water is Marrowstone Island Mukilteo--Mukilteo Lighthouse Park--609 Front St, Mukilteo, WA 98275 (next to Everett) It's no wonder this is a popular park, for the great amenities: beside the lighthouse, it has nice picnic facilities, playground & volleyball, restrooms, a beach with firepits, interpretive signs, the nearby ferry, train & transit stops, restaurants and accommodations, etc. Of course, I could not climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the lighthouse and the park. Parking can be paid by credit card, and that and the picnic and beach facilities are at a premium. I suggest going either early or evening. West Point—near Discovery Park, Ballard/Seattle WA Lightship Swiftsure—now in Historic Ships Warf at Lake Union Park, Seattle WA Alki Point—near Alki Beach Park--2665 Alki Ave SW, (West) Seattle, WA 98116 This is a very popular (often crowded) area, difficult to find parking even on a day with no events or sunshine. When I went in July 2023 it was during an art festival, and I couldn't find parking even up into the tight neighborhoods. But the skies were gloriously clear, so I could see the Olympic Mountains in the distance. When I was there in Aug 2024 the skies were overcast, but I could see more of the park. Point Robinson--3705 SW Pt Robinson Rd, Vashon, WA 98070 Located on Maury Island, connected to Vashon Island. Take the ferry from Seattle to Vashon Island, then drive to the lighthouse. Trails, picnic tables, rent the keeper’s quarters. Tours by appt. Brown’s Point—Browns Point Lighthouse Park, near Dash Point State Park, near Tacoma WA Such a delightful little park and keeper's cottage, which can be rented! One must travel through an industrial area, but persevere, and beyond that is the affluent (million dollar homes) community of Brown's Point, near Tacoma WA, west of Federal Way. Gig Harbor--7506 Goodman Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 (east side of the entrance to the harbor) I thought my best chance to see this little lighthouse would be from Old Ferry Landing or Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed, on the west side of the harbor.
Dofflemyer Point--Boston Harbor, north of Olympia WA On Google Maps I can hardly find the lighthouse. Boston Harbor is a marina from which, apparently, other folks have taken great photos of Mt Rainer and the Olympics from Boston Harbor.
Point No Point—9009 Point No Point Rd NE, Hansville WA 98340 Located in the Point No Point County Park near Port Gamble, north of Kingston WA on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula.
A page from Washington State Visitors' Guide--2024-25 Skunk Bay--5844 NE Twin Spits Rd, Hansville, WA 98340; not far from Point No Point Lighthouse Privately owned, no public access. Marrowstone Point—616 Marrowstone Point Rd, north of Nordland, WA 98358 Drive through Fort Flagler Historical State Park to get to Marrowstone Point. Called USGS Marrowstone Marine Field Station on the map, USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, Marrowstone Marine Station on the sign as well as No Trespassing, Restricted Area. I got a photo of the lighthouse campus, at least. And I was so excited to get pics of distant Mt Baker & the North Cascades, beside dim views of the more distant Mt Rainier.
Point Wilson--105 Harbor Defense Way, Port Townsend WA 98368 Beyond Fort Worden Historical State Park--200 Battery Way E, Port Townsend WA 98368. Fort Worden has been repurposed for guests, tourists, museums, performance venues, meeting/conference/event venues, a branch of Peninsula College, etc. Photo of this lighthouse Aug 2022 at the top of this post. For much more info & photos of camping and amenities near Point Wilson Lighthouse, Fort Worden, & Port Townsend, scroll down at New Dungeness Lighthouse—near Sequim WA
Ediz Hook—Port Angeles WA One must drive right through the the McKinley Paper Co (1902 Marine Dr, Port Angeles WA 98363) to get onto Ediz Hook. There are a couple small parks on the hook, restrooms, a boat ramp, views of both the Olympic Mountains (when it's clear) and Vancouver Island (binoculars might be useful in scoping it out), the Port Angeles Pilot Station (to pilot ships to port), and the Coast Guard Station. If the Lighthouse is still there, it's part of the Coast Guard complex, which includes an air strip. Still, I thought it worth going. Slip Point--Clallam Bay Spit County Park, replaced 1951 by a beacon & fog signal on a 50’ tower Cape Flattery—west of Neah Bay, westernmost point of Washington Destruction Island—off-shore NW of Kalaloch WA More about the Pacific Coast, including Kalaloch at the 2nd link below. Grays Harbor—Westport Light State Park, west of Aberdeen WA Willapa Bay Lighthouse lost to shore erosion 1940 North Head—Cape Disappointment State Park, mouth of Columbia River, WA side More about Cape Disappointment State Park, the 2 lighthouses there, and the area at the 2nd link below. Cape Disappointment—Cape Disappointment State Park, mouth of Columbia River, WA side For more information about the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, see the 3rd link below. Oregon Willamette River--(1935 deactivated, 1955 destroyed by fire) A modern light operated by the Coast Guard is located off Kelly Point. Kelly Point Park
Warrior Rock—Sauvie Island, OR Boat from St Helens marina, or hike 3 mi from the northern tip of Sauvie Island. Owned by the Coast Guard, the grounds are open, but the tower closed. One may get a distant view from Dike Rd, west and south of Woodland WA. These photos are from Austin Point Park on Dike Rd, Woodland WA, Oct 2024. A better view might be had from the beach, but it's not drivable nor wheelchair accessible. Lightship Columbia WLV—docked at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria OR For more about the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the area, see 2nd link below. Point Adams—Ft Stevens, west of Astoria OR (1899 discontinued) In 1912 this lighthouse was burned down by the Lighthouse Service. It was located off Jetty Rd & Burma Rd, by Battery Russell. More about Ft Stevens at 2nd link below. Desdemona Sands—east of Columbia Beach (Jetty Rd), Warrenton or Hammond OR (demolished 1942) “The modern light that occupies the site is best seen by boat. The Fresnel lens used in Desdemona Sands lighthouse is on display at Mukilteo Lighthouse, and the station’s fog bell can be seen at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. The modern tower is owned by the Coast Guard.” Tillamook Rock—between Seaside & Cannon Beach (light turned off in 1957); view from Ecola State Park
Cape Meares--3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR 97141; abt 10 mi NW of town This light is located in an Oregon State Park: the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. It’s accessible, but a steep walk/roll down & back to the lighthouse itself from the parking lot. Several interpretive signs punctuate the way, as well as perch on the deck overlooking the ocean cliffs. There’s a great pavilion with pictures, maps, and information about both this and other Oregon lighthouses along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Fascinating.More about Tillamook OR at Yaquina Head--750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365 There's a great interpretive center on the way to the lighthouse.
Cleft of the Rock (Cape Perpetua)—south of Yachats WA “Cleft of the Rock Light is a privately owned lighthouse located on the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of Oregon, 1.8 miles south of Yachats on Cape Perpetua. It was built, in 1976, by former Tillamook Rock Light attendant and lighthouse historian James A. Gibbs who was active in preserving the lantern room of Smith Island Light.” (Wikipedia). Since it's on private land, photos must be taken with due caution from Hwy 101, the turnout near milepost 166, 1.8 miles south of Yachats. Gibbs was considered an authority, and has published works. I didn't see the lighthouse on my trip, but 2nd link below under Heceta Head includes Cape Perpetua. Heceta Head--—725 Summer St, (13 mi north of) Florence OR 97439 Such a picturesque place! Play at the beach, hike to the lighthouse, stay over or have a special event at the keeper's house, great views from a turn-out to the south . . .
Umpqua River--1020 Lighthouse Road, Winchester Bay, OR 97467 near Reedsport OR
Cape Arago—south of Charleston OR
Coquille River--Bullards Beach State Park, Bandon OR A small but interesting lighthouse. Can be accessed at the end of the road in Bullards Beach State Park (just north of Bandon) when open (see site to see when). Nice views from Bandon and the south jetty as well. Winter waves crashing the jetty make a good photo, but dress warm. Below are photos from different seasons and different years. I have visited Bandon several times; check them out on my Destinations page: Cape Blanco Lighthouse, only about 9 mi northwest of Port Orford OR, but apparently a 20 min drive I was anxious to see this lighthouse, but it was closed for a long time for COVID. It seemed like a long drive out to it, so I wondered if it would be worth it. Yes, most definitely it is! Take time to take a look at the history along the way, as well. California
Battery Point Lighthouse--parking at 235 Lighthouse Way, Crescent City, CA 95531
Parking & restrooms for visitors to the lighthouse are handy. B Street fishing pier is right there, as well as Beachfront Park (with a cool playground, among other things) all along the way between Battery St & Front St. Battery St also gives access to the beach. More about the area: Mt Hood & Mt Jefferson from Hwy 26 I thought Mt Hood would be uninteresting midsummer, sans snow cover, but actually it was interesting to see it with a lot of rock showing. Then I was excited to see what I took must be Mt Jefferson to the south of Hwy 26 east of the Cascades. More about Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson at
Warm Springs OR I was anxious to go to the Museum at Warm Springs, and I arrived during posted hours, but didin’t notice they close for lunch. Hopefully I can return with more time to visit the museum. I took some photos of the Casino and such, tried to find the resort (big signs saying it is now open). I didn't go down into the town itself. Museum at Warm Springs—2189 Hwy 26, Warm Springs OR Reasonable admission fee. Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort--6811 Hwy 8, Warm Springs, OR 97761 I followed the Google maps directions, but at last I came to a barricaded roadway. I thought maybe they had moved, but once back home I still couldn’t find satisfactory directions. Eagle Crossing, Deschutes (River) Crossing & Warm Springs Boat Ramp (aka Warm Springs State Rec Site)Warm Not far southeast of Warm Springs is Eagle Crossing restaurant and a few businesses nearby, and just after crossing the Deschutes River is the Warm Springs Boat Ramp, with vault toilets, picnic tables, access to the river, and labeled map signs of the river. The river is known for trout & steelhead fishing. Madras OR Madras is only 15 mi from Warm Springs. With such a long list of things I wanted to see in two days, I decided I must return to explore Madras. I was, however, excited to see what I took as Mt Jefferson, again. Madras Mountain Views Scenic Bikeway Culver OR Not knowing how far off the Hwy The Cove Palisades would be, I decided to try to see that another time as well. At my computer, it doesn’t look that far. The Cove Palisades State Park—west of Culver OR, has some fun events Cove Palisades Resort & Marina-- 5700 SW Marina Drive, Culver OR 97734 Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint—20 miles south of Madras, 7 mi north of Redmond, Hwy 97 I had heard of this place, and was anxious to see more of it, since when I drove home from Klamath Falls in April 2024 via Hwy 97 I didn’t have time or stamina (it was such a long day) to see this great view. In July of 2024 I made a point of it, and how glad I was--spectacular views! Note the mention of Peter Skene Ogden on the Oregon History sign in the pull-off at Mill Creek Bridge on Hwy 26 northwest of Warm Springs OR, as well as in Oregon City OR. Terrebonne OR I went looking for the mountains west of town, but in April it wasn't clear what I was looking at. By July I thought I had some better views, but I'm still missing some notable mountains I'd like to picture. Smith Rock State Park—east of town This was not what I expected, but I think I had it mixed up in my mind with another place. Keep driving past the bivouac camping to eventually reach the Visitor Info center (merely a yurt), which was closed when I arrived. It’s an interesting place, with some accessible features. It can be hot and dangerous hiking, so be prepared. There was a little shop with ice cream just before entering the park. Redmond OR Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint--7100 OR-126, Redmond, OR 97756 I googled how to get to Cline Falls, not realizing that that would be different than this viewpoint. Future goal. Petersen Rock Garden & Museum-- 7930 SW 77th St, Redmond, OR 97756 A bit in the toolies south of the city of Redmond. I got there after closing, low on gas and my phone camera overheating, but took what pictures I could of this fascinating place. Prineville OR--abt half an hour east of Redmond Sisters OR Because all the accommodations in Bend that might be suitable for me (that is, with ADA rooms) were so expensive, I made arrangements to stay in Sisters, surprisingly less expensive--I suppose because it was off ski season. It’s a quaint western themed town with about all any visitors or residents might need, for its size. I was able to wheel from my hotel all the way downtown along a nice widely paved walkway the evening I arrived.
I settled into my room, ate something from home, and had time to wheel around and down into town and back. It was getting dark when I returned. |