Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/992987
TRAVEL Shutterstock, Stocksy, Lost Mountain Lavender, Getty Images SUMMER 2018 BCA A .COM 13 on the US west coast). Check out the rustic 800-metre boardwalk, visit the World Kite Museum or gape at oddities in Marsh's Free Museum, like a half-man-half- alligator mummy. The Big Oh: Oregon The wide mouth of the Columbia River forms a natural border between Oregon and Washington. Reach the other side via the six-and-a-half-kilometre Astoria- Megler Bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. American explorers Lewis and Clark ended the westward portion of their legendary journey here, in 1805. Visit the nearby Lewis and Clark National Historical Park to learn more and see a replica of Fort Clatsop, where they hunkered down to wait out winter. While only some of the coast along the Washington and California sections of the PCH is public domain, all of Oregon's coast is. Oregon Highway 101 nudges right up to "the People's Coast," as it's known, keeping its fantastical rock formations and windswept beaches within view along nearly all 584 km. Your next destination should be Cannon Beach, a seaside culture hub packed with cozy galleries, theatres, cafés and artisan shops. It's also home to one of the region's most photographed landmarks: 72-metre-high Haystack Rock, the most accessible of the many basalt monoliths, or sea stacks, along the coast. After stretching your legs on the wide sand beach to burn pent-up energy, park the car and head to the pub at Pelican Brewing (no driving if you're drinking) to watch the sunset while sampling burgers and flights of craft beer (the Tsunami Stout is made with local Willamette hops). Then retire to one of many charming, oceanfront inns, like the homey Wayside or plush Stephanie. About an hour south of Cannon Beach is Tillamook, famed for its cheese. Pull off the highway for a tour and taste at the factory (try the Colby Jack and sharp cheddars) and then hit the café for your pick of seven grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers or Mac & Cheese. Finish with world-famous scoops from the ice cream counter, served in griddle-made waffle cones. (above) Lavender blooms by the bushel at Lost Mountain Lavender in Sequim; (left) the denizens of the Sea Lion Caves gather to bark and bask on the rocks.