After leaving Olympic National Park, we followed the coast south towards Astoria, Oregon.
Astoria is most often known for its connection to The Goonies movie as much of the movie was filmed in and around this town.
Before arriving in Astoria, Oregon, we visited Fort Clatsop, a replica of the winter camp built by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. The explorers stayed there during the winter of 1805-1806 after reaching the Pacific Ocean. They built the fort from logs to shelter themselves from the cold, rain, and wildlife while preparing for their journey back east.
We stopped at Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock, one of Oregon’s most famous landmarks and the backdrop for the treasure‑map scenes in The Goonies.
Haystack Rock is a 235‑foot pillar that stands just offshore. It is made of basalt which is a dark, fine‑grained volcanic rock formed 15–17 million years ago by ancient lava flows. Because basalt is harder and more resistant than the surrounding coastal rock, it stays standing even as waves carve away everything around it.
From Astoria we followed the Pacific Coast along Highway 101 to California.
We made a spontaneous stop at the Tillamook Creamery and arrived shortly before closing, with just enough time to tour the facility, enjoy some ice cream, and pick up a few groceries. The creamery produces many of Tillamook’s products, including cheese and ice cream.
Visitors can view parts of the production area from a second-floor observation deck overlooking the factory floor.
Downstairs, there is a market featuring Tillamook products and merchandise, several dining options, and an ice cream counter.
The boys voted it a top tier ice cream!
Some of the cows on the property at Tillamook.
Next stop: Redwoods National State Park.