The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1904-05-24
POPULAR OCEAN BEACH
Many From the Interior Planning to
Spend Their Vacation at
the Sea Side.

Hundreds from Eastern Oregon and
Washington spent their vacation at
North (Long) Beach, Washington, last
summer, and it is safe to say that this
popular resort OF the North Pacific
Coast will be visited by many more this
year than ever within its history. The
change from high and dry interior al
titude to the sea level Is most beneficial.
The trip on the Willamette and Col
umbia rivers, out Of Portland, is one
long to be remembered, the usual heat
of summer afternoon being tempered
with gentle breeze freighted with the
aroma of pine trees and seasoned with
salt sea air. The scenery includes much
that is beautiful. Leaving Portland on
one of the Oregon Railroad & Naviga-
ton Company's palatial river steamers,
(the T. j. Potter being queen of river
fyers) the excursionist is carried through
its harbor where fly the flags of many
nations. The IL miles of the Willamette
river are quickly made, and after salut-
ing the government lighthouse, making
the junction of the two rivers, the boat
swings into the Columbia for the trip
down stream. The morning is clear
generally so from June until Septem-
ber) and a magnificent and inspiring
sight meets the eye as the sweep around
the bend is made-five snowcapped
peaks, Mount Hood, Mount Adams,
Mount Saint Helen, Mount Rainier and
Mount Jefferson, looming into view-a
sight worth travelling thousands of miles
to see. On down the picturesque river,
past villages, .sawmills, fishing fleets, sal
mon canneries, perpendicular basaltic
bluffs, and pretty side-hill farms, the
boat pursues its way. The majestic
sweep of the river is awe-inspiring
Gradually the shores grow farther apart
and, scarcely realizing that the five
hours have been consumed in making
the trip, the boat steams alongside the
wharf at Astoria.
One hour from Astoria through the
famous fishing waters of the Columbia,
past scores of salmon traps and nets and
as many white winged fish boats, lands
the passengers at Ilwaco, on Bakers
Bay, where connection fol beach points
is made with trains Of the Ilwaco Rail
way q Navigation company, whose cars
stand on the wharf awaiting the steamer.
North Beach, where the surf bathing is
unexcelled, at low tide is from 200 to 400
feet wide, twenty-three miles long and
SO compact that carriage or wagon
scarcely leaves trace upon it. Scatter
ed along the beach are hundreds of cot
tages and hotels in which summer life is
an unceasing round Of pleasure from the
opening until the close of the season.
The much dreaded "Resort Mosqu to"
is unknown, and no venemous snakes or
insects are found, The thermometer
rarely goes above 80 degrees in July or
August, but light overcoats, fires morn
ing and evening and blankets at night
are comfortable during the season.
Rates for accommodations at North
Beach points are reasonable and vary to
suit the visitor. At European hotels and
lodging houses rooms range from 20 cts,
to vi day; at restaurants meals run
from 25 cents to 80 cents; and at the
American plan hotels, the charges range
from 81 day to $2 and upward.
Dozens of delightful side trips may be
taken from the beach into a country of
wild and picturesque beauty, quiet and
secluded among hills and forest, with
hunting and fishing In native haunts; to
the United States Life Saving stations
and lighthouses, cranberry farms, oyster
beds, salmon fishing grounds and can
neries.
For particulars about the trip North
Beach ask the nearest 0. II. & N. agent,
or send two cents in stamps to A. l..
Craig, general passenger agent, Port
land, for "Restful Recreation Resorts"
which tells all about the Columbia river
summering places.