Adventures on Oregon Hwy. 101

After our wonderful visit to the Freed Estate Winery we headed for the Oregon coast and Hwy 101. We started our journey in Coos Bay and ended up in North Bend at the Mill Casino for the night.

Day 1

In the morning we headed north out of Coos Bay to our first lighthouse, the Umpqua River Lighthouse which is located just south of Reedsport. It was a very misty morning so pictures were hard to get.

Our journey was just beginning as we headed north and stopped at every overlook and of course took many pictures.

We then went over the bridge in Reedsport and off to more beautiful overlooks. There are so many places to pull over but if you have a big rig it might be a tight fit. Most of the overlooks are on the left so getting in and out might be a challenge if you travel northbound.

The weather was still overcast and rain showers were moving in so we decided to stop for the day just north of Florence at Sutton Campground. We were excited about startimg the next day. Day one has been a success.

Day 2:

First lighthouse of the day; The Hecca Head Lighthouse.

Just like yeaterday the day started out overcast but quickly turned to on and off rain showers.

We found out as we traveled north that we were on the Captain Cook trail. Since it was raining we could only get a few pictures from the overlook but the hikes to the blowhole and Devil’s Churn were a short distance.

Hoping that the weather clears up we jump in the rig and head for the next lighthouse.

On the way we stopped at a beautiful overlook that had a small forest on the edge of the beach.

We crossed the bridge entering Newport, OR and stopped at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse for some pictures.

It was getting late so we decided on Beverly Beach State Park campground.

Day 3

After a nice relaxing night at the campground and a hot cup of coffee we took a short walk to the beach before we went to the next lighthouse. It wasn’t far from the campground. This lighthouse was Yaquina Head lighthouse sitting high on the cliffs.

From this vantage point we saw whales and eagles as we looked out to the many huge rocks being bashed by the sea. So many places to stop along the way. Here are a few pictures from along the way.

It was getting late so we spent the night in Tillamook. Tomorrow we will investigate the city.

Day 4

We started out at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company. Such a bright and cheerful place to spend some time. Not only did they have fantastic cheese, but they also had a winery.

We tasted some wines and sampled the cheeses, dips and jams. Cha-ching there went the budget after buying wine, brie, jam, spices and fresh baked bread. Real bread and it was worth every penny. We got a glass of wine and went outside to walk the property to see all the vintage trucks and a small menagerie of animals.

Next stop was the Tillamook Creamery for some more samples. It was under construction and just our luck due to open the following week. The new facility looked very nice and able to handle the crowds. Next stop Cape Meares Lighthouse.

It is the shortest tower at 38 feet but is 217 feet above the sea. The view from there was breathtaking.

We hit the road north and skim the coast hitting Cannon beach with its famous “Goonies” rock. Sorry; not a Goonies fan but it is a beautiful beach.

We arrived at our site at Fort Stevens State Park.

Day 5

We got up early and explored Fort Stevens. There are many trails for hiking as well as a scenic drive. We saw one of many shipwrecks that dot the coast. This is the Peter Iredale that hit the coast during a severe storm, or what’s left of it.

We then drove to the mouth of the Columbia River. It is just amazing to think of the difficulty in getting into the Columbia from the Pacific.

We visited Fort Clatsop, the fort where Lewis and Clark spent the winter waiting for the journey back to the east to let President Jefferson know exactly what they had found in this new territory.

We are excited to see another part of the Lewis and Clark trail. We head for Astoria to resupply, just like the travellers of old. We have enjoyed our time along the Oregon Coast and hope to explore it again.