Oregon Coast Trip - Central Region
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
From Newport south to the city of Florence
Below is a description of the second part of a travel itinerary along the Oregon coast.
For the first part of the trip click here
For the third part of the trip click here
This trip starts from the town of Lincoln City located in the north - southwest of Portland, and goes down to the town of Gold Beach in the south. The route length is about 325 km. Driving on this route is on Highway 101, which is close to the shore. On this trip, there are many stops at various attractions along the way, at beaches and towns, including short walking tours in some of the places.
It is recommended to dedicate about three days to such a route. One day for a trip in the Lincoln City area and up to Newport, a second day for a trip from Newport south to the sand dunes park near the town of Florence, and the third day for a trip in the town of Bandon and south to the town of Gold Beach.
The main points of interest along the coast from Newport southward are:
Yachats – State Park
Near the road is an excellent observation point over a beautiful bay, on one side of which many painters have positioned themselves, each trying in their own style to paint the unique view of the bay which is strewn with rocks. Opposite, on the other side of the bay, is a picturesque hill with houses that is often slightly covered in fog, adding to its beauty.
Cape Perpetua
In this location, there are bays and ravines that penetrate into the land, and when the sea is wavy, you can see beautiful crashes and water fountains emerging from holes in the rocks – Blow Holes. It is worth stopping at a park named Devil's Churns, where walking trails lead from its visitor center to the shore and the forest.
The trail leading to the shore is named after Captain Cook and is about two km long with a gentle descent to the beach. Those who arrive at the shore during low tide will see the pools left by the tide called Tide-Pools, where you can see fields of mussels, sea anemones, starfish, and more. Those who arrive at high tide when there are waves may see the impressive fountains and wave crashes on the rocks.
Heceta Head
Located here is a lighthouse with the strongest light on the Oregon coast. The building adjacent to the lighthouse has been turned into a B&B. The unique view of the place attracts couples to hold their weddings here.
Sea Lion Caves
Considered the largest sea caves in the world for viewing sea lions. Entry is for a fee. From inside the building at the top of the cliff, you descend in an elevator and reach sea level inside caves where sea lions have found a path to enter and find shelter and rest on the rocks scattered inside the cave. You can watch the lions densely covering the rocks in large numbers, jumping into the water, swimming, and playing. From the building at the top of the cliff, there is a short walking path leading to a good observation point over the rocks on the shore where dozens of sea lions lounge, their roars clearly heard in the vicinity.
Video about the sea lions:
The City of Florence
The city serves as a starting point for the sand parks located south of it. It is, of course, worth stopping here to eat as well. A popular restaurant in the area is Mo's seafood restaurant.
Sand Parks
Honeyman State Park
South of the city of Florence is a dune park with a lake adjacent to the dunes. High sand dunes are found here where vacationers slide down on a single board. Near the lake, many families often have picnics and bathe in the cool water. It is possible to rent pedal boats and kayaks and sail in the calm scenery.
South Jetty Dunes
This is a large sand park where you can ride ATVs and special larger vehicles for tourists, a type of large buggy, some of which are suitable for four, six, or even up to twenty people. The small ones are fast, while the large one is slower for seniors and those who are afraid of fast driving on steep hills – an experience reminiscent of a roller coaster. Protective goggles are provided to protect the eyes from the sand. During the ride in the dunes, you also stop at high observation points over the entire surroundings to take pictures. Cameras and cellular devices should be wrapped in a plastic bag for protection from the sand. One of the recommended companies for this trip is Sand Dunes Frontier.
Video about the dune parks: