Day 18 Seaside, Oregon

We left Portland around 9 heading for Astoria, but instead of going the direct route, we went over to the Washington side of the Columbia river and up route 5 and across to Astoria via a rural two lane route 4. I think it was a little more interesting, but a little longer too. Anyhow, it was only 135 miles and didn't add much. And, I really wanted to cross the 4 mile Astoria-Megler Bridge to Astoria and see the "Graveyard of the Pacific" the Columbia River Bar where over 2000 ships have sunk trying to cross the Columbia River. We stopped in Astoria and spent an hour in the Columbia River Maritime Museum which absolutely fascinated me with exhibits of life on the mouth of the Columbia River. It was really well done and shouldn't be passed up.

Of course we had to stop for lunch and a refreshment after such a trying museum experience. By luck, we just happened to stumble onto the Fort George Brewery and Public House. Sylvia coerced me into giving it a go, and I have to admit it was very good. I doubt I could have found a much better lunch spot. We had Seafood Chowder (razor clams, Albacore tuna, shrimp, salmon, and bacon), and a side of Fire roasted brussel sprouts with cranberries, hazelnut cheese, lemon etc. And, it came with beer and wine. I'd like to go back tonight because they had a great menu.

It rained the rest of the day so we just drove a short distance to Seaside and checked in at a Holiday Inn Express. It would have been a nice little town to walk around in, but it was raining way too hard. We weren't very hungry so we went to Finn's Fish House for something to do and ordered food anyhow. Sylvia got Salmon fish and chips. Neither of us ever had breaded and fried salmon, but it was good. I had a burger and it hit the spot. Nothing like a burger in a fish house. Tomorrow it's further down the coast.

Astoria, Oregon & Columbia River

Seaside, Oregon