Ask any knowledgeable bum in the ski community about the best place to hit up during the summer months and Mt. Hood will always be the answer. Park rats flock here at the beginning of every summer to prove their worth and hone their skills at Mt. Hood's Summer Ski Camp. Instead of heading straight to Mt. Hood this year, we decided to explore Oregon's Coast first... because there are some truly epic places to stop along the way.
Hotels are expensive, and we'd much rather spend our money on sweet gear. This hotel and hostel is located in the heart of Astoria and offers great rates. Plus, they have free wi-fi so you can stream all of the Newschoolers that your heart desires.
You won't want to waste any time making your way to Cannon Beach. We love the snow, but it's hard to deny the appeal of the ocean. Plus, for all you snowboarders who converted to skiing, there's some rad surfing here.
Once again, you Goonies fanatics will recognize Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park from the beach scenes at the end of the movie, and almost everyone has glimpsed a picture or two of the famed “Haystack Rock.”
Looking to quench our thirst with something that isn't water? Head to Pelican Brewing Company. Located right on the beach, Pelican Brewing combines awesome food, great beer, and fantastic views to create the perfect lunch or dinner experience. We may have overstayed our time here...
"Cape Kiwanda"
After our drinks, we felt a need to get to a new beach. We rolled on down to Cape Kiwanda to soak in the breeze and the water on this famously scenic beach. This place is fresher than that new astroturf setup in Kevin's yard.
As we left the coast to head inland for Mt. Hood, we passed through Salem and couldn't resist stopping at another Brewery: McMenamins Thompson Brewery & Public House. They also serve up locally roasted coffee for a different kind of buzz, along with beers and pub grub. We hung out here and chatted up the locals for a bit.
We couldn't resist stopping at one more brewery along the way... and at Wanker's Corner, the name truly says it all. Plenty of beer, great appetizers, and Steve seemed really fixated on the name...
Since we were driving so close to Portland, we decided we had to stop and see what all the fuss was about. Since we didn't have a ton of time, we headed to the International Rose Test Garden to check out the view of the city.
We decided to treat ourselves to a stay in the uber-cool Jupiter Hotel. The decor was super funky, and the log cabin-y, Twin Peaks-esque restaurant in the hotel, Doug Fir, was a perfect Oregon eatery.
Another must-stop along the way is Ratskeller, a sweet little hole-in-the-wall with more great food and beer. We needed something filling before the shred sesh tomorrow.
Crashing at the Huckleberry Inn was much needed. The sun and the beer had taken their toll. But that didn't stop us from a quick urban down the street.
"Mount Hood"
Hurrah! After an incredible trip, we finally made it to our destination. After a few days of sand and ocean, slushy snow never looked better.
Time to to put on that baggy sweatshirt your grandpa could fit in and ski til' your ankles break.