Viking Fest in Poulsbo WA—May 2024 Looked so fun on the website! I didn't make it to the festival this year, but on my way to Victoria BC in Oct 2024 I had a chance to explore historic downtown Poulsbo. Scroll down at my post for Bremerton & Poulsbo.
Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, June 21-23, 2024 --Clatsop County Fair & Expo Center, 92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria, OR 97103 Inside the Venue--the Arena and the Exhibit Hall (more about the Venue in an upcoming post with Astoria) Vendors were set up in the Arena room; here are only a few . . . challenging, as always, to take pics of the vendors without lots of people between the camera and the booths. Kid Activities were set up in the Arena room as well . . . There were many more food vendors than I expected, and couldn't try them all, much as I wished I could. Here are a few . . . I was enthralled with the performers, took a lot of pictures (too many to include here), but again, wasn't able to catch them all . . . Ceremonies for the festival royalty, raising the pole, audience participation dancing, and tug o'wars . . . Beer Garden--I was looking for the horses, but they were not in the barn, the Beer Garden was. Icelandic Horses Costumes--I wasn't able to catch the parade as it moved through both the Arena and Exhibit Hall . . . there was a costume show explaining about the heirlooms (a good word, since as far as I remember all the women's costumes were hand woven and embroidered and handed down from generation to generation). Of course throughout the day were many winsome wearers. Viking Encampment & re-enactors The spokesman for the portrayals admitted that their armor and setting was not exactly authentic to the Vikings: for the sake of safety, they cordoned off a zone of action, and wore protective gear of a later date. Of course, they also had rules of engagement that were to prevent causing any actual wounds. It was still very entertaining, and he had us all enthusiastically cheering them on with pretended calls for bloody violence. Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival--June 21-23, 2024; news magazine sample content below. Astoria Nordic Heritage Park and the Finnish Brotherhood Hall in Astoria OR, and a couple other connections. Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest—June 28-29, 2024 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland OR Fogelbo house not open at the time; periodic tours are available. An interesting and informative article about Fogelbo Reconnoiter of the grounds of Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest Viking Encampment Activities Booths--outside & in Performers--principally an Estonian dance group, and Vasa Rosebuds dance local dance group for over 100 yrs. I wondered about Estonian dances at a Scandinavian or Nordic festival, but the announcer explained that Sweden ruled the area of Estonia for a long time, and some of the Swedish cultural influencees remained after they had gone. I took many more photos than these, entranced by the dancers and their costumes. As before, there was lots of delicious food on offer . . . At the Midsummer Pole Nordia House at Nordic Northwest--8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland OR A big screen just inside the door cycles through the frequent events & activities offered at Nordic Northwest, and photos of the Nordic Countries. Junction City Scandinavian Festival—2nd Thurs thru Sunday in August 195 W 5th Ave, Junction City OR Unfortunately, I had already made reservations for the Midsummer Renaissance Faire below, and couldn't go to both in 2024. Hope to go in future. Midsummer Renaissance Faire—5 weekends in July & Aug Vikings & Barbarians weekend: Aug 10-11 (I'm mostly only including the Viking pics here) 18601 Sky Meadows Lane, Snohomish WA 98290 Rainier’s NorseWest Viking Fest—Sept 11-12, 2024; cancelled for 2024 --Wilkowski Park in Rainier WA Norse West Viking Festival, one week in September; free 750 Mill Rd SE, Yelm WA Northwest Viking Alliance Viking Market—Oct 12-13, 2024 --Dragon’s Gate Brewery, 52288 Sunquist Rd, Milton-Freewater OR 97862
Viking Festivals Around the World Books and Links to Scandinavians & Vikings, and Nordic Influence
History of Scandinavia: Every Year—8 min video of how the map changed from 200 AD to present History of Scandianavia—7.5 min video (year by year, wider map) Where is Scandinavia? (Does it include Finland?)—3.5 min video discussion Is Finland a Scandinavian Country?—entertaining 14 min video with history & some geography, linguistics ... Lapland Nordic influence in Estonia Countries That Were Raided or Settled by the Vikings
Nordic influence on Modern Culture “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Frozen” films Hagar the Horrible comic strip Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is set in Denmark 100 famous Scandinavians
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Hwy 6 Hwy 26 west from Portland OR to the Coast/US Hwy 101 needs badly to be widened all the way. About 20 miles west of Portland, Hwy 6 is an exit to the left off Hwy 26. It's a beautiful ride out in the country (as is much of Hwy 26 once past the Portland metro area), until it starts uphill into the Coast Range. In the mountains the highway department has a real challenge with slope stabilization for a long way (rough road). As might be expected, there are trailheads & campgrounds along the way. Below are some places to go/see. John W. Blodgett Arboretum of Pacific University--Gales Creek in the Coast Range west of Glenwood OR Tillamook Burn historic marker—milepost 29.68 on Hwy 6
Tillamook Forestry Center-- 45500 Wilson River Highway (aka Hwy 6), east of Tillamook OR It's a one way drive through the parking lot of the forestry center. There's parking for regular vehicles and longer ones. There's a day-use area with restrooms a half mile east, in case it's after hours. Tillamook OR The beautiful forested Coast Range opens up to the beautiful flat farmland valley of Tillamook OR. Tillamook Air Museum--6030 Hangar Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141 Port of Tillamook & Officer’s Row--Blimp Blvd off Long Prairie Rd, Tillamook OR Port of Tillamook--4000 Blimp Blvd, Tillamook, OR 97141 Fairview Grange--5520 Third St, Tillamook OR Tillamook County Fairgrounds--4603 3rd St, Tillamook, OR 97141 Lillian A. Goodspeed Park & skate park--2800 3rd St, Tillamook, OR 97141 Tillamook City Tillamook County Pioneer Museum—2106 2nd St, Tillamook, OR 97141
Cape Meares Lighthouse--3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR 97141 One of my principal purposes for going to Tillamook was to see this lighthouse. By the time I arrived the fog was rolling in, so no clear views of the ocean, but I think still plenty of interesting and lovely views. I missed seeing the Octopus Tree, as it was unclear to me whether it was up the road .1 mi, or up the trail by the restroom. The person I asked didn't know (had only been there many years ago), and my wheelchair battery was dangerously low, so I didn't dare explore further with it. Too bad! It appears to have been up the trail by the restroom only .1 mi. Memaloose Point Boat Launch--1985 Bayocean Rd NW, Tillamook, OR 97141 Returning to Tillamook from the west North of Town Blue Heron French Cheese Co-- 2001 Blue Heron Rd A, Tillamook, OR 97141 Lattimer Quilt & Textile Center--2105 Wilson River Loop, Tillamook, OR 97141, an inconspicuous road/place Tillamook Creamery-- 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141 This was another principal objective of my trip to Tillamook. I arrived late in the day, which made it easier to take less obstructed photos. I'm including a pic of a truck from Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River OR. Bay City OR This little village has its charms. Al Griffin Memorial Park has a skate park, playground, tennis, and camping with restrooms & showers Between Bay City and Hobsonville OR there's a little pull-out with interesting info Garibaldi OR Port of Garibaldi proper--I'm so sorry I missed the cool looking US Coast Guard Station ☹ There's a public pier and a crabbing dock, as well as scenes pictured below. Capt Robert Gray Historical Marker at the north end of Garibaldi, next to Pirate's Cove Restaurant Barview OR If you turn as the sign on US Hwy 101 says to go to Barview Jetty County Park, and continue to the west end of that street (Cedar St), it looks like on Google Maps there's a little parking lot to a sheltered beach. If you turn north onto Jetty Park Rd toward the county campground, you'll be asked to pay a fee. Jetty Rd goes out to the point of the jetty, but I can't tell from the map if it's part of the fee-paying park. Rockaway Beach OR Rockaway Beach is a tantalizing place to go as a family. Lots of beach, shopping, eating, playground & train cars in the center of town . . .
Wheeler OR With lovely water and mountain views, this is one of the stops on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Nehalem Bay Boat Launch, Tillamook County Parks--13500 Tideland Rd, Nehalem OR 97131 Nehalem OR Nehalem Bay State Park OR--34600 Garey St, Nehalem ORNehalem, OR Lots of amenities, including accessible camping, yurts, flush restrooms & showers, and bike path. Manzanita OR--halfway between Tillamook and Seaside (25 mi each way) Manzanita (the "Little Apple") is west of US Hwy 101 where it bends toward Cannon Beach, only 14 mi north. In June of 2024 I didn't get to Manzanita from Tillamook 'til it was already dark, Quel dommage! How I hope to get back there . . . especially if I can use a "David's Chair" on the beach; see 3rd link below. Oswald West State Park—a bit north of Manzanita ![]() It’s 14 mi from Manzanita to Tolovana Beach and there are a lot of places to explore along US Hwy 101 on the map, many of which are not disabled-friendly. Oswald West State Park—a bit north of Manzanita, accessible restrooms Arch Cape Hug Point State Park Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site Silver Point Interpretive Overlook Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site--3288 Pacific Ave, Tolovana Park OR 97145 Photos below are from my trip there Sept 2023. Fresh Foods Market Place (3 locations, one in Cannon Beach/Tolovana OR)
Cannon Beach OR
It's a pretty drive through farm and forest, and the Coast Range (summit 1600'). In late Sept enjoy the beautiful fall colors of the deciduous trees amongst the conifers. Periodic passing lanes attempt to alleviate the volume of traffic that can lengthen the journey to a point of sincere frustration. Baker's General Store & Elderberry Inn--44573 Sunset Hwy, aka Hwy 26, east of Elsie OR 97138 Elsie OR--Hwy 26, half an hour (depending on traffic) east of Cannon Beach, over an hour NW of Portland OR The big lumberjack sign, ironically for a pizza place, is 23 mi east of Cannon Beach (4 mi east of Hwy 101). Camp 18: accessible restaurant, picnic places, including groups, interesting grounds & logging museum, on Hwy 26 Klootchy Creek County Park--Hwy 26 at mile post 2, from US Hwy 101 between Seaside & Cannon Beach OR Ecola Historical Marker just south of the Hwy 26 & Hwy 101 intersection, and Wayside Rest parking, and just north of the Logan Creek Bridge Cannon Beach itself--I went first to the museum, then wandered about town. Cannon Beach History Center & Museum--1387 S Spruce St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 I had wanted to check this out since I heard that it had info about Lewis & Clark, but of course it has Native American and local history that is so interesting to those of us who enjoy that sort of thing. Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce--207 N Spruce St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 There are public restrooms and parking across from the Chamber at 195 N Spruce St, Cannon Beach OR. City Park--244 N Spruce St, Cannon Beach OR 97110; near the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center Family friendly, community facilities & events, including a skate park off 2nd St. Near the City Park & Chamber of Commerce Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market/Cannon Beach Seafood--208 N Spruce St, Cannon Beach OR 97110 Chillin' at the Beach Ice Cream & Creperie--163 2nd St, Cannon Beach OR 97110 Crepe Neptune--175 W 2nd St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 Midtown on Hemlock south of 2nd Further south on Hemlock Larch St coming north to 2nd St The west end of 2nd St Ocean scenes near Webb's Scenic Surf hotel--255 N Larch St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 North of 2nd St on Hemlock Whale Park--288 N Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110; where Hemlock literally turns into 3rd Brochures & Pamphlets Ecola Sate Park—west at the coast, between Cannon Beach & Seaside Tillamook Lighthouse is west off the coast of Ecola “Offshore 1881 lighthouse, deactivated in 1957 due to the treacherous commute to maintain it.” Seaside OR I was meeting a niece in Seaside late Sept 2023, and had an opportunity to get some more photos, so I did, even though it was getting late in the day. It seems I never tire of watching the water, yet it was getting too chilly to enjoy, and sprizzly rain started to fall. I also enjoyed looking at the bronze statues from every angle, as each side has more to learn. It was much easier to get unobstructed views so late in the year, due to the popularity of the place. For content from previous trips to Seaside, see For more about the Corps of Discovery (Lewis & Clark, Sacajawea, York, etc) scroll way down at "Installed in 1990, the bronze End of the Trail statue commemorating Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark 4,000-mile, 18-month journey was created by Stanley Wanlass. It stands at the Turnaround in Seaside, Oregon, where Broadway Street ends at the historic Seaside Promenade, a 1.5-mile stretch of paved walkway along the Pacific Ocean that was built in 1920." https://www.nps.gov/places/end-of-the-trail.htm Seaside Oregon 2024 Travel Guide--although 2024 is past, this pamphlet can still provide ideas for the future. Gearhart OR—at the north end of Seaside Warrenton OR--next to Astoria Surely Warrenton warrants further investigation. I hope to explore the historic center of town one day. Astoria OR I looped up from Tillamook for the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, June 21-23, 2024. For travels from the past, see Coming into Astoria OR from the west, US Hwy 101 Wandering about Astoria OR, loving the historic architecture, the views of the Columbia, the parks, museums . . . A couple other parks in the general vicinity look interesting from Google Maps: McClure Park—7th & Franklin, Astoria OR Fred Lindstrom Memorial Park—6th & Niagara Ave, Astoria OR Bowline Hotel--One 9th St, Astoria OR 97103 I stayed here for the Scandinavia Festival. It couldn't be a more excellent location, though there's essentially no parking at the hotel (except a couple handicapped spots). The ADA room had some issues for me, so hopefully they are able to make some adjustments. I had breakfast at the Scandinavian Festival, after I had to recharge my phone in the car, as the room didn't have enough outlets by the bed to do so. Astoria Nordic Heritage Park--1590 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103 and vicinity Columbia River Maritime Museum--1792 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103 Photos following are nearly all from 2019. I took more, but I did manage to shave a few off. There are interactive exhibits, models & full-size boats and gear, media, info about waves and weather and war, navies and Natives . . . salmon, and canning it (salmon canning capital of the world) . . . how to be knotty nicely . . . lots of beautiful and cool things for buy and buy . . . Up the hill, Astoria OR South a ways from Clatsop Community College is the sizeable Shively Park . . . "Wooded park offering a community hall & biking/hiking trails, plus a playground & picnic shelters . . . Dogs allowed". 1530 Shively Park Rd, Astoria OR 97103 On the way to the Fairgrounds, which are over the hill and back down, south of town. Tapiola Park is on the north side of Young's Bay, at 900 W Marine Dr, Astoria OR 97103. Turn west from 7th St on Olney Ave. It's described as a "Large, grassy neighborhood park with softball fields, a playground, a skate park & picnic tables . . . basketball, restrooms . . . dogs allowed." Clatsop County Fair and Expo Center--92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria OR 97103 Clatsop County Fair was to be July 30-Aug 3rd in 2024. I assume it was. Astoria OR Scandinavian Midsummer Festival 2024 and more: A couple parting shots at the east end of Astoria OR Pamphlets & Brochures for Astoria OR--although dated, no doubt there will always be something similar
June 2024 Update Ever since I was in Estacada in 2020 I have been sorry I missed investigating Timber Park. I had an opportunity to go back in June of 2024, and was able to explore more of Estacada, as well as check out Bonnie Lure State Rec Area, and the Carver OR . . . In the general "neighborhood" are the Philip Foster Farm, the Baker Cabin, and Barton on the Oregon Trail. For more about those, scroll down at A few more pics of historic downtown Estacada . . . with a few more murals, but not all, by any means! |