I recently went for the second time ever and the first time post pandemic. It has changed from…read morewhat I remember but isn't totally terrible. The good: I like that they have designated smoking machines that help keep the majority of the floor clear and lower smoke. As someone with allergies, this is a HUGE improvement. I also like that they had free soft drinks and teas available at all times, I do not remember this being a feature at other casinos I've visited. Every staff member we interacted with was nice, polite, and helpful. We were there in the evening (11pm or so) and there were still plenty of options for food available. There were MANY machines to choose from, along with table games. The not so great: I hate that there is no buffet! I loved the old buffet they used to offer but it seems that went away during pandemic times. There was also not a lot of seating for the sit down dining options like the sandwich shop or taco bar. It would be helpful if there were cleaning supplies, even wet wipes, so that people can wipe down the tables before sitting down. We had to use water and napkins, which weren't the most sturdy but worked in a pinch.

My husband and I recently visited Chinook Winds Casino Resort for the first time while traveling…read morethrough the area on our way to medical appointments. The property itself is beautiful, and we were genuinely excited to experience everything it had to offer. Unfortunately, our interaction with one employee, the pit boss named Lolly, completely overshadowed what could have been a wonderful first visit. We were directed by the casino cage/cashier to speak with Lolly regarding guest incentives and whether any fees or promotional offers were available. We frequently visit casinos throughout the country and have received similar accommodations elsewhere, so we simply wanted to ask what was available. The cage staff specifically told us that Lolly was the person we needed to speak with. From the moment we approached her, she made it abundantly clear that she didn't want to talk to us. Rather than greeting us or taking a few moments to answer our questions, she appeared eager to rush us away and treated us as though we were an inconvenience. While I completely understand that every casino has different policies and that the answer to our request could have been "no," there is a respectful and professional way to communicate that. Unfortunately, that was not our experience. What was especially disappointing was hearing her describe Chinook Winds as "just a small tiny casino" that couldn't offer very much to guests. That statement diminished the very property she represents. This is a beautiful casino and resort, and its employees should be proud ambassadors for it, not leave guests with the impression that it has little to offer. I truly hope I never have another interaction with someone who feels entitled to treat people with the level of rudeness we experienced. I wouldn't send my worst enemy to engage with someone like Lolly. Her attitude created an unnecessarily negative experience and reflected poorly on an otherwise beautiful property. That said, I also believe exceptional employees deserve to be recognized, because several members of your staff completely restored our faith in the customer service at Chinook Winds. Danielle, who paid one of our jackpots, was absolutely wonderful. She was kind, thoughtful, personable, and made us feel genuinely welcomed. Heather was another standout employee. Her positive energy was contagious as she walked the casino floor. She cheered us on during bonuses and celebrated with other guests who were winning. You could tell she truly enjoys her job, and that enthusiasm made the casino more fun for everyone around her. I also want to recognize Dianna, who was working at the floor bar. She was incredibly warm, compassionate, and sincere from the very beginning--even before I shared that we were simply passing through on our way to medical appointments for my husband. After learning why we were traveling, every time we walked by she would smile and say she hoped everything went well with my husband's doctors and that we would win big that night. Those weren't rehearsed customer service comments--they felt genuine, caring, and heartfelt. Danielle, Heather, and Dianna are exactly the kind of employees every organization hopes to have. They went above and beyond simply doing their jobs--they made people feel welcomed, appreciated, and valued. They are outstanding representatives of Chinook Winds and the reason we left with at least some positive memories despite our unfortunate interaction with Lolly. I sincerely hope management recognizes the incredible work of Danielle, Heather, and Dianna while also addressing the level of customer service we experienced with Lolly. One employee should never have the ability to tarnish the reputation of an otherwise beautiful resort, especially when so many others are working so hard to create a welcoming experience.

Having now lived here 10 years, I still love it, especially on the days when the scent of the ocean…read moreand the roaring of the waves is calling me to walk on the beach. Now everyone wants to visit us!

It doesn't get much more coastal than this region…read more We were really fortunate to visit the Oregon Coast in November on a clear Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Nothing but sunshine greeted us. No rain, fog or clouds dampened our road trip. The weather this week where we visited: Coos Bay, Florence, Newport, Yachats, Depoe Bay forecasted rain and wind with even a gale warning in some parts. The Oregon Coast is so beautiful! Thor's Well in Yachats at high tide was amazing to see. At low tide we saw some brave folks walk down towards the edge of that gaping hole. In Florence we descended down 208-ft in an elevator to the Sea Lion Caves... we didn't get a chance to see any sea lions at the time but the cave was cool to see. In Newport was where we saw sea lions bask and roll about at the docks just below Clearwater Restaurant and Port Dock One in Historic Bayfront. FREE! No matter the season, the Oregon Coast is a rejuvenating getaway. We enjoyed visiting the coastal cities, admiring lighthouses, making footprints in the sand, dining on the coast, checking out unique souvenir shops, seeing miles and miles of public coastline that continue to be free and public... captivated by the beauty of the mighty Pacific Ocean. Let's go! Review #3262

D River State Park is a really convenient beach access point in Lincoln City. There is a spacious…read morepaved parking lot, and the park offers lots of great amenities like restrooms, mobility mats for easy beach access, and educational signage for visitors. There is a promenade of sorts with benches between the parking lot and the beach. There are a fair number of benches that offer a perfect opportunity for sitting and taking in the gorgeous views. We experienced one of the best sunsets ever from this convenient beach. D River has a fun history as once being listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the shortest river. There is a little debate over that fact now, but it doesn't take away from the novelty. Visitors can explore the short river, collect rocks, fly a kite or just take in the views. Everyone is likely to enjoy this delightful park!

Rainy wet day looking for the elusive glass floats. I found this beautiful abalone shell that looks…read morelike a butterfly. This beach is great for a stroll or picnic on a warmer day. There have a decent amount of parking as well as benches to sit and gaze at the waves.

Oregon has more hiking trails than one could hike in a lifetime, so you can't hike them all. If I…read morehad to pick only ONE trail in the state to hike, I would pick Cascade Head. The trail starts at Knight Park, right on the estuary. After viewing the river, you hike through the old growth. The hike starts with some elevation, but the trees provide shade and lots of places to stop and rest. After crossing streams and bridges you come out to the grass field with a million dollar view of the Salmon River and Pacific Ocean. Bring a head lamp and stay for the view through sunset, it is incredible. The trail continues through the grass with more switchbacks to the upper viewpoint. While the Upper viewpoint is fantastic, if you are short on time, the lower viewpoint is fairly comparable (view wise) to upper. This hike is really the highlight of the Oregon Coast. The trail does not allow dogs (or pets) so plan accordingly.

Great trail...loads to see and a real workout in the process…read more We arrived at the trailhead at 8am to be the first in the lot on a Saturday. By the time we returned the lot was full. There's a decent amount of parking...spots for cars, RVs, and trucks with boat trailers. The pre-trail wanders in and out of the trees and road for a bit, but they have great signage to lead you to the actual head. The trail is great, as you get a smidge of everything you could ask for along the way...some shaded forest, wildlife, wildflowers, stunning coastal views, and a pretty butt-kicking workout to the top viewpoint. Keep in mind, we aren't young, and neither are our hips and knees. There are a good number of high clearance steps to climb that weren't the easiest for a gal with short legs and bad hips. Not to mention that the trail is pretty steep as you zig-zag your way up the non-shaded knoll to the second viewpoint at the top of the lower trail (where it meets the upper). The trail is narrow most of the way, especially on that hillside as you push your way through the tall grasses and flowers. You definitely need to watch your step constantly going up and down, as there are hidden steps, rocks, and uneven surfaces beneath the grasses. We almost ended our trip at the lower viewpoint, but after a bit of contemplation decided to push through and up the hillside to the top. I'm super glad we made the choice, but we definitely felt it! So much to see along the way. We got to watch the elk herd as it grazed the knoll at the first opening, so beautiful. Halfway down the hill from the top a fast moving fog bank came off the coast right at us, engulfing us and removing everything from sight for a minute, while providing us with much appreciated and FABulous cold air... a very cool experience for sure. I highly recommend this trail. Go early if you go on the weekend. And if you're now young ONLY at heart, be prepared for a decent workout if you plan to go to the top...but do it, it's worth it. :)

We stopped here on the way to go to a trail by Devil's Lake. The area, which was across the lake,…read morewas on fire so we stayed on the side of the lake and enjoyed the ducks. There is a nice playground for kids and in the ramada, some information about the ducks you can see on the lake. Some of the ducks were close to shore so we were able to see them up close. It was a nice spot to stop and with good information.

This place is giant!! Huge castle like wooden structure with tire swings, things to climb, etc…read more There is also an area up the hill with more modern play structures to spin on and swings. This playground will keep your kids busy for a while! The is a smaller parking lot that might get filled on warm summer days. Bathrooms are available in the parking lot.

There is public parking near the condo building just off the highway…read more I find the view here quite intriguing - the floating islands with trees on top create such a distinct look. There are quite some fallen wood away from the bank, and some are arranged to have a more artistic expression. The bank seems to have abundant purple varnish clams. May be a spot to go clamming easily when it's lower tide. It's not big, but it's cute.

Have been in town only a few days and have been here two times. A beautiful area, one day beautiful…read morethe other day chilly. Been on both sides of the river.

One my favourite hikes in the area. Best coastal views, very quick 3 hours round trip. Ample…read moreparking at the Knoll Loop trailhead. You have to take a detour from the loop to get to the Gods Thumb peak which adds about 1 mile to the 3 mile loop which is totally worth it. There are only 2 porta pottys at the parking.

Make sure to stop not only at Gods Thumb, but also The Knoll which offers an overlook of Lincoln…read moreCity. It is recommended not the summit the "Thumb" due to wear and tear to the trail and to preserve the beauty of the sight. You can see it very well from the grassy viewpoint. I did this as a loop which took roughly 5 miles and had 1138 ft elevation gain. Completed in under two hours. The trail is hilly and well traveled. Tree roots stick out where many people have walked. Heading up some of the steeper slopes can also be difficult due to loose dirt. Bring good hiking shoes.