Oregon Coast, Newport - The Oregon Coast Aquarium

Our trip to the aquarium was largely inspired by the adorable commercials for the Big Bites exhibit.

The animation was really engaging, like in this one for the piranha:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glEhKPMuIIw

Also, I have always adored puffer fish.

They had the puffer, the piranha, and the parrotfish, but the exhibit did not have the charm of the commercials.

That was the problem overall. It's not that the aquarium was bad, but for the price and the drive I wanted it to be great. It was not great.

Not that jellyfish aren't always cool.

My favorite spot was the seabird aviary outside, which offered good views of a variety of birds.

I think that was the part they did best.

Otherwise, I have seen bigger aquariums with more variety, or aquariums with really great design values, or aquariums that create great perspective on the sea life. This one felt just okay.

http://aquarium.org/

The Oregon Coast, Florence - Sea Lion Caves

We visited the Sea Lion Caves in August. I had been there as a child but it had been a long time.

It is much improved. There is clearly identified auxiliary parking across the street and new artwork, which perhaps is more cosmetic.

My memories are long ago enough to be not completely clear, but it feels like the paths and access to the cave is improved as well.

That is not to say that the accessibility is perfect. There are steps in the building, and about 400 yards of walking on a somewhat steep grade. I just seem to remember it being worse before. They do still have to work with the grade of the land without disrupting the natural environment too much.

Most of all the experience within the cave is improved. There is more signage available and a short film that help you learn about the sea lions while you spend time with them.

This includes geological information as well as acknowledgment of the other species. We could see at least one Pigeon Guillemot inside the cave, but outside you can see other birds and whales. Staff is very knowledgeable about the local wildlife.

There is an outside viewing platform as well, as there are often sea lions on the rocks outside the cave.

A friend recently visited with her family. They asked, and the sea lions were not in the cave at that time. They did not go in, but also they did not have to pay and then be disappointed, and there were no hard feelings.

That can also raise a concern, as it is a long drive to take without seeing any sea lions. Considering the time of year makes sense, but it is also a nice drive along rocky coasts and forests, and a great view of the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

We enjoyed our trip, and we combined it with a stop in Newport, but we would have been disappointed if there weren't sea lions.

http://www.sealioncaves.com/

Portland - Willamette Jet Boat Excursions

Here is an activity that I definitely recommend for visitors.

You board at the dock behind OMSI.

We started worrying about dehydration, so bought some bottled water at OMSI's cafe. The jet boats sell water, and cheaper. We didn't know, but now you do.

One other thing to keep in mind...

This is not a great picture, but in addition to warning about quick stops and things, "You will get wet" and "You may get soaked" -- these are true statements.

It was a warm day and there were many other people enjoying the water. It was the day of the Big Float.

At first you head North up the river, passing under bridges and getting to see some of the working functions of our river, like ships loading grain. Our guide was very informative on Portland industry and history. That kept up as we turned around and headed South.

It gives you a better sense of where things are in relation to each other. We passed Clackamette Park, and places in Lake Oswego, and ended up in Oregon City.

It was interesting learning about the mills on each side, but the best part was seeing the falls. It can be hard to get a good view of them from land.

There were interesting and beautiful things to see all along the way.

Yes, there are times when you are going along really fast, and then do sudden turns (those are the moments you are most likely to get soaked, especially if you are not sitting in the middle of the boat), but there are also times when it is slower and you are being informed.

Six years ago I took a Portland Spirit cruise with some coworkers, and we were captivated by this house, but knew nothing about it. Going back with a guide, now I know that it has never been occupied, though there is a caretaker. Other facts were interesting, but there was a mystery solved too and that was very helpful.

My recommendation of this activity as perfect for visitors is the combination of information at fun.

Jet boat riders will get to see a lot of scenery, they will learn interesting things about the area, and also they will have a lot of fun.

They will get wet.

http://www.willamettejet.com/