One of the most beautiful coastlines in the world can be viewed along Oregon’s Highway 101. The amazing variety of sights include broad, sandy beaches, high, sheer cliffs, craggy shoreline rock outcroppings, historical lighthouses, majestic forests and gigantic sand dunes, all connected by architecturally impressive bridges.
State and private parks abound for RVers and campers, or hotels, motels, condos, and bed & breakfast establishments for those who don’t care to haul equipment. Over the years, we have visited most of the coastal parks and have our favorites. On our last trip, we concentrated on Oregon’s Central Coast which stretches 60 miles from Lincoln City to Yachats with Depoe Bay, Newport, and Waldport in between.
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We camped north of Newport at Beverly Beach State Park where getting to the beach is a breeze. An attractive arched walkway leads visitors under the highway and onto a wide, sandy beach stretching from the Yaquina Head Lighthouse to the headlands of Otter Rock. Brave souls surf; beach combers find their treasures along a shoreline known for its fossils.
The park’s interpretive programs and the displays found along nature trails teach visitors about bats, beavers, cocoons and salmon migration. Close by, whale watching is popular at several spots including Depot Bay, Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint and Yaquina Head.
Stopping at a Visitor Center is worthwhile for tips on what to see and do in the area, to purchase books or souvenirs, or talk to the knowledgeable people behind the counter.
We like to make a State Park our headquarters and branch out from there to explore. The seaside towns are fun and we spent time in several. Newport is one of our favorite places and is home to the famous Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center. Each unique little town offers its specialty and the drive between them is always spectacular with ocean views.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse, visible to the south of Beverly Beach State Park, is a must-visit. Its 93-foot tower is the tallest on the Oregon coast and stands 162 feet above sea level. Completed in 1873, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse beacon is visible 19 miles out to sea, flashing its unique pattern of 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off, 2 seconds on, 14 seconds off. The adjacent Yaquina Head Interpretive Center helps visitors appreciate the rich history of the area.
The town of Florence, Oregon, south of the park and situated on the bend of the Suslaw River, is the gateway to the spectacular Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The area is popular among off-road-vehicle riders, but also has areas closed to all but foot traffic.
Five bridges cross channels along Highway 101: Yaquina Bay in Newport, Alsea Bay in Waldport, Siuslaw River in Florence, Umpqua River in Reedsport, and Coos Bay in North Bend. Four of the five bridges were built in 1936 and were designed by Conde B. McCullough, Oregon’s master bridge builder. The bridge McCullough designed for Alsea Bay had to be replaced in 1991, but the new bridge pays tribute to McCullough by incorporating an arch, which was a hallmark of his bridge designs. An impressive little free museum, Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center in Waldport, offers good information on Oregon’s McCullough bridges.
The Oregon Coast is a satisfying, exciting destination, whatever your preferred lodging might be. Oregon’s coastline is often referred to by North, Central and South Coast. Each is unique and beckons, “Come, stay awhile.”
Thanks for reminding me of this National treasure, the Oregon coast.
Mary, this sounds like a wonderful vacation! The Oregon coast is definitely a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!