Into the Wild

Anybody who comes for a visit, usually receives the grand tour to Saddle Mountain Road. The Elk live there.

"The Natives Are Restless"

After several ”Hunting” expoditions (with the camera, of course) we have learned of their hiding spots behind large tufts of grass, enjoying a cool drink of water at the creek or grazing in the meadow. If at first you don’t spot one, look closely… you will usually spy a rack of fuzzy antlers sprouting behind a mound or a tree.

Here, we have witnessed salmon spawning up-river, soaring eagles, various wild-life and a beautiful waterfall, all within a short drive from town.

Many areas within the community are dog-friendly. When traveling with your pet, you just have to be creative with your outings, keep them on a leash, and of course be the responsible pet owner and bring along your biodegradable waste bags.

Nature's Playground

With long legs built for running and a bundle of hyperness, our Weimaraner needs plenty of space to exert her bottled up energy. When the rains cease and the tiniest glimmer of sunshine peeks through the clouds, we waste no time in getting down to the beach.

Many visitors may not know how close Astoria really is to the ocean & beaches, but within a short drive over the bridge to the west, you can access many sections of the beach in the Fort Stevens State Park vicinity, overseeing the mouth of the Columbia River.

Here, you can find many areas to hike and explore within their miles of paved nature trails that spider-web to various beaches, as well as Coffenbury Lake, which offers two swimming areas & is stocked full of fish. With camping, boating, fishing, clam-digging and touring the military battle grounds, you can have an amazing stay in the area and of course, your dog is welcome to come too!!

Some recommendations for some enjoyable fun on the beach:

1. Frisbee - The Hover Craft is a great one! It lasts a lot longer than the cheap plastic brands, and the material makes it easy for dogs to pick up in the sand. (Come in small & large)

2. Pull toy - The Gourdo is rubber, easy to clean, and it floats (for the smaller dog).

3. Bouncy balls - Orbee-Tuff (S) is buoyant & glows in the dark.

4. CHASE!! - Our personal favorite, the Chuck-it with rubber replacement balls. These guys can be "chucked" a very long distance with the amazing launch, and we have found that the rubber replacements are perfect for the wet, sandy beach!!

Now get out there & have some fun!

Long Runs on the Beach

I thouught it would be fun to post a little history of the area our shop is located in. It is a beautiful place, and if you should get the opportunity to travel to the farthest North West tip of Oregon this summer, there are some amazing sights to behold.

“Sleeping Beauty"

This shipwreck is truly awe-inspiring, especially for a Nature-seeking photographer like myself, the sunsets create a fairy tale effect. This is where I enjoy spending time in the evening, just taking it all in. Majestic colors transform with a slight turn of the sun, presenting a true wonderland for any photograph.

From Wikipedia: “The Peter Iredale was a four-masted steel barque sailing vessel that ran ashore October 25, 1906, on the Oregon coast en route to the Columbia River. It was abandoned on Clatsop Spit near Fort Stevens in Warrenton about four miles (6 km) south of the Columbia River channel. Wreckage is still visible, making it a popular tourist attraction as one of the most accessible shipwrecks of the Graveyard of the Pacific.”

Oh, and did I fail to mention the beaches here are dog-friendly? You can drive on them too. If you should find yourself in this part of the world, prepare to be amazed.