We actually hit the road at about 6:50am, but we only drove to the first scenic stop, which was not very far away. There is not much distance between attractions here on the Oregon coast!
We had our breakfast there, and then went for a short walk.
High tide is coming up.
Another beach.
Rocky shoreline.
Ruth, out exploring.
We continued on to Cape Perpetua. This is another one of those areas where you can spend a whole day. Lots of neat things to see on the shoreline, and lots of good hiking trails in the rain forests inland.
It was high tide right at the time we were there, and we had planned it that way because we had read that this is the best time to see the coastline attractions at this area.
The Spouting Horn.
Thor's Well.
Thor's Well is kind of interesting. The theory is that there's a big underground sea cave here, and at some point the roof caved in. At high tide, the water flows up and down into the cave, causing waterfalls when the waves come in. It's kind of difficult to get a photo of it though!
There, that's a little better.
Lots of waves crashing in!
Showers on and off yesterday, but not enough to affect our day.
We walked up to the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center and got some info about some hikes. We decided to do the 2.8 mile (4.5 km) hike to the overlook. It's a fairly busy overlook because you can also drive up there. And the trail is fairly steep, climbing 880 ft in 1.4 miles. It's rated a "difficult" hike, but we needed the exercise!
Ruth, at the Cape Perpetua Overlook.
We walked back down to Sherman, and including walking back and forth from where Sherman was parked, to the visitors center we had done 4 miles (6.5 kms) in total.
We had some lunch, and then continued south to the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Walking up to the lighthouse.
View back to the bridge and parking area.
The RV parking is on the other side of the bridge, so you can't see Sherman.
This is the view the lighthouse keeper had from his house.
Heceta Head Lighthouse.
The lighthouse keepers residence is now a bed and breakfast.
The Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Nice view from the bridge.
We continued on the the town of Florence where there is the Three Rivers Casino. I had read that they offer 1 night free RV parking, and if you want to stay additional nights you need to earn points gambling. We signed up for their free players card which included $10 each worth of free play, and we turned that $20 free play into $16.50 cold hard cash without ever touching any of our own money.
Free overnight parking, plus $16.50 USD ($21.50 CAD) cash.
And, a nice sunset to top it all off.
Yesterday's drive, 46 miles (74 kms).
Today, we plan to make it to Port Orford... but we'll see.
It looks like the weather gods are finally on our side. Check out the forecast for the Oregon coast over the next few days...
Sunny days ahead!
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And in Canada...
You have to try the Crazy Norwegian Fish and Chip shop in Port Orford. A real experience. Also free parking in Bandon.
ReplyDeleteWe honestly don't eat out much when we are in Canada or the USA. Most of the time we just don't find we are getting good value for our money, plus we love our own cooking. And after last month's unexpected costs to Sherman we are tightening up our pocketbook even more but thank you for the suggestion.
DeleteI've heard of friends driving down the west coast but don't remember seeing any pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a very scenic drive. Maybe next time someone says they have traveled down the coast you should ask them to show you their pictures. You will probably get to see some different places that we didn't stop to see.
DeleteThe harbor at Port Orford is interesting. Check it out
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly where we spent the night, looking out over the harbour and the ocean. It's a beautiful view and it was nice to hear the waves coming to shore.
DeleteRazor clam season opens there soon. Stick around for some good eating at the little diners. Breaded and fried like a piece of chicken ...delicious.
ReplyDeleteYour photos of the seaside are wonderful....ah the memories we have too, of the area. Thanks
Can't stick around, we have to make it to Mission, Texas by the end of the month and the rate we are going we won't arrive there until after that, lol!
DeleteWe are glad to be able to rekindle some good memories of your trip to this area. :-)
That hole with the water pouring in would be very tempting to get close for a picture. I wonder if anybody has been lost in there
ReplyDeleteAt low tide you would be able to walk out to it, but you do have to be careful in that area because some surprise waves could come along and sweep you out to sea. The wave action there is pretty strong.
DeleteWe got there as the tide was going out and got very close. It was awesome. Unfortunately, Sprouting Horn wasn't cooperating that day, so good to see your pictures.
DeleteWe were there, what a great trip. Thanks for posting the pics.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you were able to stop here on your USA/Canada trip Chris. It really is a gorgeous spot.
DeleteWe’ve been in these places! So sweet to relieve those memories...... thanks for the awesome pics as usual.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Lynnette, we are happy to let you relive some good memories of your trip here.
DeleteWe were docents at Heceta Head lighthouse for a month. It was a wonderful place and the photos bring back great memories.
ReplyDeleteWow, lucky you! We had a lovely lady there tell us all kinds of information on the lighthouse and the lighthouse keepers. Unfortunately they didn't have any electricity there that day so we weren't able to to in the lighthouse or to see the lens because they had it all covered up to protect it from the sun.
DeleteWhat a wonderful area to be able to hang around for a month at. I am sure you made the most of it. ;-)
We just left the Oregon and NorCal coastal areas -- love both areas and their wonderful scenic views! Many of us have been to Heceta Head -- indeed much of Oregon's coast. I hope the weather gods cooperate and you have stellar, sunny days!
ReplyDeleteYou are just leaving the northern California and we will just be entering the area, guess we will miss you then.
DeleteYes, the Oregon coast has definitely lived up to it's reputation of being very scenic. We have really enjoyed our trip along here, even if it was a little rushed. And, I think the weather gods have been pretty good to us along this section of our trip. :-)
We saw Thors Well at low tide...now we have to go back to see it at high tide. Stunning! So glad the weather gods are being good to you two. Continued safe travels down the coast!!
ReplyDeleteIt would have been nice to have seen Thor's Well at low tide as well but we didn't want to hang around all day, although we would not have had a problem keeping ourselves busy but we needed to start putting on some miles.
DeleteWe have been having decent weather along this section of coast. We are happy to see the sun. :-)
Cape Perpetua has a swell NFS campground I've stayed at several times. It's on the east
ReplyDeleteside of the highway in a little canyon, away from the wind and or rain if it's happening..
Probably now closed for the season, I wish they would leave these places open for all of us retired folks..
Upriverdavid
Yeah, the campground was closed and as we walked through it we said that it was a shame. It should be open, even if it is for dry camping with no services, meaning that the washroom buildings are closed.
DeleteA few nice hikes you git in , and love the free casino parking especially when you can get some free slow play and walkaway with money in your pocket.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful area for hiking. We would love to have done another hike but we really needed to put on some miles if we want to get to Mission, Texas by the end of the month.
DeleteWe won't say no to free play money if they are offering it at the casino. It is a fun way to spend an hour or so.