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The curves of Highway 101 wind against rugged cliffs and present a dazzling showcase of spectacular Pacific Ocean views only a one-hour drive from Eugene. Now is a perfect time to take this day trip or weekend getaway.
To reach the city of Florence from Eugene, take Highway 126 west until it intersects with Highway 101. For thrill seekers, South Jetty, a mile south of the city, is the perfect location to speed through the sand dunes on dune buggies, wind surf or use the only two underwater dive parks in the state at North Jetty and Woahink Lake.
Old Town, on the bay front, has plenty of specialty shops and places to eat with clam chowder as the most popular request.
Oregon's busiest state park campground, Jessie Honeyman State Park, is open year round, but during the summer months it is recommended that campers make reservations. For history enthusiasts, Siuslaw Pioneer Museum displays Indian and pioneer artifacts.
Twenty-five miles north of Florence is the town of Yachats. The Indian name means "dark water at the foot of the mountain." One of the most enjoyable attractions is the Sea Lion Caves. An elevator built inside the cave takes visitors deep into the cave to view the wild sea lions that live there. Three miles south of Yachats is the highest point on the Oregon Coast, Cape Perpetua. Visitors can go to the visitors center and get information about the area and its numerous hiking trails.
The city of Newport is 25 miles north of Yachats. In this busy resort area is the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, two working lighthouses, Yaquina Head and Yaquina Bay, two working fishing canneries at the Historic Bay Front area, Nye Beach and six easy-to-find beach accesses.
"Newport is a great community for locals and visitors year-round. The main tourism season is June to October, but throughout the rest of the year it is great for a family weekend or romantic getaway," said T.C. Caldwell, tourism development director for the Newport Chamber of Commerce.
If gambling, waterfalls, shopping, hiking or beachcombing is of interest, travel 25 miles north from Newport to Lincoln City. The Chinook Winds Casino provides great views of the ocean, headliner entertainment as well as gambling for its guests. Drift Creek Falls, the newest trail in the city, leads hikers to a 150-foot suspension bridge beside a 100-foot waterfall. Also, the city has seven-and-a-half miles of accessible beach front. Other attractions are: numerous antique stores, a factory outlet mall, Roads End State Park and Siletz Bay, where a herd of harbor seals lounges on a sand bar.
For longer trips, travel north of Lincoln City, where numerous beaches are waiting exploration off of Highway 101. For more information, visit www.visittheoregoncoast.com, www.coastvisitor.com, www.us-101.com or call the Central Oregon Coast Association at (800) 767-2064.
Contact the online editor at marilynrice@dailyemerald.com. Her opinions do not necessarily represent those of the Emerald.
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