Southern Oregon Coast...
|
|
As you leave the Newport area you can continue your drive south or cut inland, east, to Corvallis.
Mile 142 - You'll pass over the historic Yaquina Bay Bridge. This bridge was built in 1936 and is part of the Oregon State's Rec Sites. You'll notice it just on the northern portion of the bridge. You'll want to stop here, visit the museum and venture off onto the North Bay Scenic Loop.
The North Bay Scenic Loop follows the 1885 Oregon Pacific Railroad passage along the Yaquina River to Toledo. It's a 13-mile loop revealing estuary vistas, historical markers and scenic wonderlands. If you have a bicycle, park the car and venture off on the loop by bicycle.
Toledo, the small town along the loop, is one of the oldest in the area. In the past, timber was the thriving business for Toledo, today the town is a host of specialty shops, restaurants and a museum. It's deep water harbor provides adequate shelter for the fishing vessels.
Mile 142 - Hosts the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This is time well spent for all, the entire family. This is a world-class facility with an array of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Be sure to visit the "Passages of the Deep" exhibit.
Mile 143 - The Southern Oregon Coast welcomes you to South Beach State Park. This is an ideal place to camp with the open grassy areas. There are some 225 paved campsites and 20 some yurts. It's a great place to hang out and use as a base camp to explore the surrounding area.
Mile 149 - This marks for another great exploratory spot, Ona Beach State Park. The park is nestled along the estuary of Beaver Creek, a chance to participate in the kayaking tours, looking for animals and picnicking.
Mile 150 - Seal Rock is an upcoming resort town along the southern Oregon coast. You'll notice many amenities along the roadside and the appropriate time of year, you can engage in the popular whale watching events. There are local whales that live in these waters all throughout the summer months.
Mile 156 - Waldport is a small community along Alsea Bay providing fishing, crabbing, clamming and there's a free crabbing dock waiting for you. You'll notice the coastline in this area relatively flat; however, it still yields a scenic beauty.
Mile 159 - The camper at heart, here's another wonderful coastal campground, Beachside State Park. It's small with its some 79 paved campsites but extremely busy.
Mile 160 - Tillicum Beach Campground is operated by a concessionaire for the Forest Service. There are no reservations required and offers fishing, hiking and beach access. It's a small location with tent facilities and some 59 paved units.
Mile 164 - Yachats welcomes you...known as the "Gem of the Oregon Coast", this unique little village is nestled between the mountains and the sea. It's a secluded resort village beckoning people from all over the globe to participate in natures wonderlands along the southern Oregon coast.
This attractive place, yet popular, there is no tourist rustle and bustle. There is no easy access to bring the inland crowds, you have to travel along the coast to reach this little gem, it's secluded away from the week-enders. Folks come to Yachats to stroll along the rocky beaches, glare into the tide pools or hike along the woodland trails. During the winter months, it's a place to marvel at the Pacific storms as they dance offshore, crashing against the headlands.
The Yachats River is well known for a fishing river along the southern Oregon coast. It's a great place for cutthroat trout. Along the flat grassy area near the river, you can marvel in wonder as you watch the elk feed. Stop in at the visitors center, they'll fill you in with the details.
Mile 169 - Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is some 2700 areas of majestic lands with inspiring views along the southern Oregon Coast. You have 22 miles of looping trails to explore. To have access to the area you'll need a Northwest Forest Service Pass. You can also pay the entrance fee, at the time of this writing it's $5 or purchase the pass for $30. We have a pass because it gives us unlimited usage to several areas in Oregon and Washington.
Our staff is updating the remainder portion of the Southern Oregon Coast.
Do you have any information about the Southern Oregon Coast? Send it to us and we'll publish it.
Craig Dahl
Senior Editor
Return to Northwest Travel Tips
