Fall is finally here and if you’re anything like us, you’re already planning your weekend road trips and explorations. A favorite geography for us is the Pacific Northwest, so to give you some suggestions, we’re digging into our Fall/Winter Oregon lookbook and highlighting some of our favorite spots from our photo shoot. Keep scrolling for more.

1. ASTORIA, OREGON Astoria, Oregon – of Goonies fame – sits on a northwest corner of coastal Oregon, right across the water from Washington state where the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River meet. We enjoyed hanging around this seaside city – known for its nautical history, smoked fish, and great beer.

ASTORIA CHECKLIST

• “Goonies never say die!” Take the Goonies walking tour and check out locations from the film like the Goonies’ house and the county jail.
• Grab fish and chips from legendary Bowpicker Fish & Chips.
• Get your caffeine buzz going with cold brew from Street 14 Cafe – also a great breakfast and lunch option.
• Grab a cold one at Fort George Brewery and hunker down on a picnic table on their back patio.
• Cross the Columbia River via the 4-mile long Astoria-Megler Bridge.
• Wander the docks and take in the sea life on 5 miles of the Astoria Riverwalk.

2. OSWALD WEST STATE PARK If you like your beaches with a side of temperate rainforest and cliffs, then Oswald West State Park is the spot for you. Popular with local surfers and hikers, Oswald West offers a perfect cove for catching waves and miles of hiking trails that meander through the forest and down to the beach.

OSWALD WEST CHECKLIST

• Surf much? This beach is legendary. Bring your board and wet suit – this is the Pacific after all.
• Bring a football or frisbee. The sand stretches on for huge uninterrupted portions. Perfect for a game of pick-up flag football or ultimate frisbee.
• Go taste the local fare at Sand Dune Pub in nearby Manzanita. Get the calamari basket with cilantro lime sauce.
• Get in a day hike, like the trek up to Neah-kah-nie Mountain, which offers epic views of the coast.
• Explore the rain forest and pretend you’re on Endor.

3. HUG POINT STATE RECREATION SITE If epic coastline and cliffs and waterfalls are your thing, make a point of stopping at Hug Point State Recreation Site. The parking lot is right off of Highway 101 and access to the beach is only a matter of a short walk down. Ages of weathering have created caves and cliffs in the sandstone, making for fun opportunities to explore.

HUG POINT CHECKLIST

• Explore the tide pools and see what sea life occupies each nook and cranny.
• Enjoy the sunset from the comfort of a cave. There are a couple right on the point.
• Take your obligatory profile photo in front of one of the seasonal waterfalls.

4. FORT STEVENS STATE PARK This WWII-era military outpost-turned state park gets points for easy access and natural beauty. Just west of Astoria, the park occupies the furthest northwest point of Oregon and offers sandy beaches, long stretches of dune grass, and the opportunity to drive on the beach and explore shipwrecks. Park goers can enjoy biking the many miles of park roads, and campers have access both to tent sites and rustic cabins.

FORT STEVENS CHECKLIST

• Drive out on the beach and cruise the coast. Just pay attention to the tide!
• Climb the wreck of the Peter Iredale, a ship run-ashore more than a century ago.
• Drive out on the dunes and catch the sunset with friends. Bring a cooler of drinks for the show.
• Explore the remains of Battery Russell on this former military outpost.

Keep checking in to Downstream for more from our Oregon trip and our other Northwest Travels.