Oregon Coast’s Nostalgic Bowling Alleys
Sand, surf, and suds aren’t the only draws at the Oregon Coast. There’s plenty of fun to be had indoors, too. Trade crashing waves for the sound of crashing pins at these midcentury bowling alleys for some nostalgia, family fun, and friendly competition.
Be a Goonie at Lower Columbia Bowl
Astoria
The staff at this Astoria landmark, originally built as a car dealership in 1946, would prefer you refrain from smashing your strawberry shake and pizza slice against the window like Chunk did in the first moments of The Goonies.
Avoid Gutterballs at Gearhart Bowl
Gearhart
The oversize light fixtures at this ’70s-era bowling alley wouldn’t feel out of place in the dream sequence in The Big Lebowski. If league night freezes you out, you’ll have to settle for some outlet shopping just down the road in Seaside.
It’s Fun to Play at the Y-M-C-A
Tillamook
Since the local YMCA chapter took over Tillamook Lanes in 2023 and absorbed the bowling alley into its Pastega Activity Center, expect a little less Oregon Lottery action (as in none) and a little more wholesome family fun.
Say Hi to a Cartoon Viking at Muggly’s
Toledo
Just inland from Newport in the mill town of Toledo, the old Westgate Lanes is now known as Muggly’s, sharing its name with a cartoonishly burly Viking-type fellow whose image is painted on the exterior. Alas, the person behind the counter who preps your burger bears no resemblance.
Get Out Your Pencil at Reedsport Lanes
Reedsport
Bowling alleys have used automatic scoring systems since the ’70s. But for three days last summer, Reedsport bowlers had to do things the old-fashioned way, on paper, until a computer glitch was resolved. “It was interesting, showing people how to do it again,” a staffer reports. “Some never have kept score.”
Aim for Perfection at North Bend Lanes
North Bend
At this community hub, where pictures of Coos Bay–born Steve Prefontaine sit under glass tabletops and drinkers gather for a monthly Redneck Wine Tasting, local bowler Rick Surprise scored a perfect 300 in 1963, the year he graduated from high school. Then he did again in 2005.
Share this content:
Author: Hey PDX
Hey PDX Team
Post Comment