Set along a woodsy slope along the central Oregon coast, Salishan Coastal Lodge is very much its own coastal neighborhood. Guests can golf, dine, shop, swim, hike and more all within the walkable confines of the property. And they can do so safely as the pandemic continues its own extended stay.
Originally established as the Salishan Lodge in 1965, the place looked to turn northwestern travelers’ attention to the tiny town of Gleneden Beach. It would go on to win a fair share of five-diamond AAA ratings. The most recent ownership took over in late 2017 and, to the resort’s credit, it has held on to much of the mid-Century charm.
The resort falls somewhere between ocean spa and high-end playground for adults. Paved trails and raised bridges connect many of the major buildings and several restaurants exist en route. Raised ceilings, stone fireplaces, wood paneling and windswept trees are the norm. There’s even an adventure team on hand to orchestrate things like aerial park treks and paddling tours.
The Attic Bar is the most intriguing restaurant of the bunch, an A-frame-inspired haunt with a cozy fireplace, airy layout and nice coastal accents. The kids menu is ample and the chowder is worth a bowl, hit with fried cockle and dill oil. The patatas bravas are a fantastic, drink-friendly snack while the salads are all subject to beach-y add-ons like local salmon or crab. The bar is a great spot for an evening cocktail or two, with standout options like a solid Pisco Sour, Western Meadows (a mix of citrus vodka, chamomile tea concentrate, lemon and more) and a stand-up Bloody Mary.
At the Dining Room, the atmosphere is a bit more buttoned-up. There are plenty of fresh seafood options along with dishes like slow braised short rib with cornbread mash, and venison Bolognese with baby zucchini. There’s a healthy wine list along with glass pours from an assortment of mostly Oregon producers, like Trisaetum, Montinore, Day Wines, Abacela and R. Stuart. For the decadent-fixated, there’s a seven-course tasting menu available at the Cellar, the resort’s private dining space.
Provisions market offers an all-day dining menu featuring healthy and fresh ingredients. Guests can order and then eat on the new outdoor patio or take to-go for al-fresco or in-room dining.
One of the best features is the trail leading to the beach, one that meanders between the golf course and Siletz Bay. The latter is teeming with birdlife and changes dramatically with the tide. The beach itself is quiet, with a combination of sand and dunes and view of Lincoln City to the north.
Because the resort resides just above the U.S. Highway 101, there is some noise. The busy coastal highway divides the property and the beach, but it’s pretty easy getting across thanks to a trail and tunnel system . The shops section of the resort is a more recent addition and affords a planned community sort of main street, if that’s your thing. Here, guests can sample beers at Beachcrest Brewing (which they appear to still be dialing in), pick up specialty items, grab coffee, workout at a gym or peruse a gallery or toy store.
Call the hotel for the latest in terms of what’s open. Presently, the golf course and aerial park are open and complimentary bikes are available daily (the resort just introduced a new pump track for you mountain bike enthusiasts out there). The spa treatments are a go Wednesday-Sunday and the pool is open to limited capacity.
Editor’s Note: Mark Stock visited Salishan Coastal Lodge just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the lodge and its many amenities remain open for your visit, please make sure to call the resort at 541-705-2419 for the latest updates.
