Posts Tagged With: Oregon Coast

Spring Break

Nothing beats the Oregon coast for a quick getaway.

For years we’ve eyed the handful of (nearly) oceanfront campsites at Harris Beach State Park, but reservations are competitive and we just aren’t that good at planning in advance…until this year. Reg lucked out and snagged site A-23, one of the better spots offering a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.

We packed our lunch and spent one day exploring Tolowa Dunes State Park in Crescent City. A beautiful, mostly flat trail starts from the parking area off Kellogg Road and meanders through grasslands and in and out of forests, eventually reaching the Smith River. We stopped just short of the river, choosing to enjoy the peace of the Yontocket Indian Village Memorial Cemetery before starting back.

We were hoping for a longer walk when we chose the Hiouchi Trail in Jedediah Smith State Park, but a stern warning put a stop to our connecting with the Mill Creek Trail. As it turned out, we had plenty of obstacles to contend with on our path, so there was no need to go looking for trouble where we didn’t belong. For the record, I think everyone else we saw continued up the trail passed the closed sign.

And then it was time to say goodbye to Harris Beach.

Categories: Oregon, Oregon Coast | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Up The Oregon Coast – A Look Back

We weren’t sure a travel trailer was the life for us, but after five years and well over 20,000 miles, it’s safe to say we’ve found our second home. The trailer has been particularly nice this year…pulling our home behinds us feels pretty safe.

Compared to most trailers on the road, ours might be described as cozy.

The decision to travel this summer was not one we made lightly. Our most recent Oregon coast trip is only our second trip of the year since March…we’ve cancelled more reservations than we’ve kept. These two weeks spent along the Pacific Coast have been relaxing and rejuvenating and filled with gorgeous scenery.

Looking north from the Otter Point State Recreation site, just north of Gold Beach, Oregon.

Even this late in the summer there is still much color to be found. Hike any trail into the forest and you’ll find yourself surrounded by green.

Coastal fog rolls in and out anytime of year, lending a mystical feeling to distant views. It often clears up in the blink of an eye.

Harris Beach State Park outside of Brookings, Oregon is popular with campers and a perfect spot to watch a summer sunset.

We’ve enjoyed many trips to the Oregon Coast and we’ve never failed to discover someplace new. From hidden trails to surprise picnic spots to a previously overlooked viewpoint, the coast never disappoints…but for now, it’s time to return home.

Until next time…
Categories: Oregon, Oregon Coast | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Walking The Amanda Trail

We parked along the ocean front, just south of downtown Yachats.

Look beyond the beauty of today’s Oregon Coast and some ugly historical truths emerge. Our hike along the Amanda Trail served double duty, reminding us of our unfortunate past while offering a gorgeous walk today.

Passing by the bear statue assured us we are on the right path.

The beautiful 3.5 mile hike through evergreen forests eventually connects with Cape Perpetua where, on a clear day, the views are stunning.
However, a stop at the the 2 mile mark presents a disturbing reminder of Oregon’s less glorious history. Storyboards tell the tale of the forced relocation of Native Americans to reservation land after the Rogue River Indian War of 1856. A statue pays tribute to Amanda, an elderly, blind Indian woman who was discovered and endured a grueling march as she was led to the reservation.

We continued across a short bridge to our lunch destination – the Cape Perpetua lookout. Here, the trail climbs relentlessly uphill until dropping down and crossing a small creek before the final up and down path to the top.

The fog drifted in and out as we ate and gazed down at Cape Perpetua State Park.
Categories: Oregon, Oregon Coast | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Packing up the Trailer

We recently spent 3 days camping with friends at Oregon’s Humbug Mountain State Park. In addition to the laughter and incredible meals, Reg and I took the opportunity to get a little uphill practice with our backpacks. We will soon be lacing up our boots for another trekking adventure, and Humbug Mountain is uphill all the way…a good check to see if we’ve still got what it takes! We were rewarded with a surprise view at the top where recently removed trees and brush had previously hidden the coastline.

We continued south, stopping to stretch our legs at the Gold Beach Harbor where Reg proved you’re never too old to enjoy a jet boat ride. I also snapped a photo of what’s left of the historic Mary D. Hume. She was built in 1881, working the Pacific for 97 years before eventually returning to live her life out not far from where she was originally built.

Harris Beach State Park has been our home for the last 3 days. Always a favorite, this time it was a real test for Reg as he expertly backed into what must be the most narrow site in the entire park. We’ll soon head home, packing up the trailer for the last time this summer. It’s always a little sad, but more adventure awaits!

Categories: Oregon Coast | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Readers Choice: There’s Still Time…

…to cast a vote for your favorite photo from our Top 10 list.

If you need to take another peek before deciding, click the link below and add your choice in the comments section. We’ll tally the votes and announce our Readers Choice winner Friday, December 21.

Vote now for the best photo.

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Cast Your Vote…

We want to hear from you.  Which of our top 10 photos is your favorite from 2018?  To cast your vote, choose your top pick from the photos below and enter the number in the comment section below.  

Deadline: Thursday, December 20.  We’ll publish results Friday.

Categories: Inspiration | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

#4 – Favorite Photo Countdown 2018

This scene, from Italy’s The Way of St. Francis, depicts an irresistible example of the simplicity and beauty we find when distance hiking.

Runner-up

This scene from Bandon, Oregon was a close second because…who doesn’t love a stroll on the beach under a clear blue sky?
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#5 – Favorite Photo Countdown 2018

An evening walk from our campsite at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park revealed a colorful view of this hardworking sliver of Oregon history.

Runner-up

 From atop the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, and after a 231-step climb, sightseers are rewarded with a birdseye view of Vatican City and Rome, Italy.
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#9 – Favorite Photo Countdown 2018

A morning walk in Bandon, Oregon led us to the Coquille River Lighthouse just as the fog was beginning to clear.

Runner-up

Bright sun and high clouds created an almost magical scene on the Bandon, Oregon beach.
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Discover The Cape Arago Beach Loop

Just a short detour from U.S. Highway 101 in Coos Bay lies a beautiful stretch of the Oregon Coast where three state parks await your discovery.  The parks are easily reached by car, but the best way to see the sights is by foot along the cliff top path, an 8.5 mile walk out and back.

Cape Arago State Park, located at the south end of the loop, provides picnic tables, views and hiking trails down to tide pools.  A highlight is the viewpoint overlooking a noisy colony of seals and sea lions.  We were lucky enough to see the occasional spout from a whale swimming about.  Be sure to bring your binoculars!

Simpson Beach, a secluded cove with a sandy shore, is breathtakingly beautiful and a perfect spot to wiggle your toes in the sand or dip them in the surf.

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Directly above the cove is Shore Acres State Park.  Originally home to timber baron Louis Simpson and his family, the estate home is long gone.  The remaining Gardener’s Cottage is surrounded by 5 acres of formal gardens, open to the public and well worth a stroll.   Be sure to stop and smell the roses!

Because we were lucky enough to have secured a campsite, our walk ended where it began…with our return to Sunset Bay State Park.  Make your reservations here early…this is a popular spot to escape the summer heat and, of course, to watch the sunset.

Categories: Oregon, Oregon Coast, Road Trips, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

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