WATERFALLS, WILDFLOWERS, BEACHES, OH MY!
Here’s our PAWTRIP! We head for the Central Oregon Coast, taking the I-5 South to Corvallis, then the 34 west to Waldport, 101 South to Yachats; down the Oregon Coast as far as Bandon, back up to Florence, returning home along the Umpqua River Hwy 38 to the I-5 and North.
🎶“ Valdarai, Valdera,“ On this Early June, 2021 6-day Scenic Central Oregon Coast Loop PAWTRIP where we go in search of Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Beaches and a Mountaintop.
WE DO IT ALL: FROM DRIVING Up a Mountain, along rivers and the mighty Pacific Ocean; HIKING to the top of MARY’s PEAK; TREKKING to Waterfalls, on Beaches, Across a Sand Dune, and To a Lighthouse; WALKING the CIRCLES IN THE SAND Labryinth; EXPLORING Art in Old Town Bandon; Sea caves and Tide pools on the Beaches; and, SEEING an abundance of Wildflowers, Lilies (Cobra and Calla,) Sunsets, Lighthouses, and Elk; TO EATING at local restaurants…and WINETASTING!
DAY 1 Sunday – MARY’S PEAK, ALSEA FALLS, YACHATS, CAPE PERPETUA, Overnight at the FIRESIDE MOTEL Yachats
🎶”Today is Sunday, Today is Sunday, Sunday Travel Day… to Mary’s Peak we go! Taking the I-5 South, to the 34 West/MARYS PEAK SCENIC BYWAY, and up the FS3010 to Mary’s Peak Campground, where we hit the trail and hike to the summit.
It’s An unexpected surprise when we come across PARKER CREEK FALLS, a 30′ Segmented Falls, along the side of the FS3010 Road To Mary’s Peak…
And, even more of a surprise when we see a man with his llama taking in the view from a meadow along our drive.
🎶”If you’re Happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it!,..”
Everyone’s getting in on the LLAMA Act!
Eventually, we make it to the MARYS PEAK CAMPGROUND, and MEADOWS EDGE TRAILHEAD where we hike the 3.8 mile loop to Mary’s Peak and back.
NWFS, AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASSES or FEE REQUIRED (purchase in advance)
THE MAP BELOW SHOWS THE MARY’S PEAK TRAILS, with PAWPRINTS indicating THE TRAIL WE HIKED. (Note: there are longer and shorter hikes to the top)
🎶”We love to go a wandering along the mountain track,
And as We go We love to sing, our knapsacks on our backs.
Valdarai, Valdera, Valdari, Valdara Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha”
~ Friedrich W. Moller
We make Pawtracks through the Forest, and have a “SOUND OF MUSIC” MOMENT when we break out of the Trees into THE Highest Alpine Meadow and Peak at 4,097′ in the Coastal Mountain Range…
🎶“The hills are alive, with the Sound of Music”
🎶High on a hill is a HAPPY FLYNNIE…YODELAYHEEHOO!
From the Summit we take in the AMAZING 360 degree Views – looking out to the Pacific Ocean, Cascade Range and Mountaintops…
“…Alone with my wind and my sky,
I can dream the dreams that are mine, all mine,
Top o’ the world till I die!”
~ Leslie Varick Perkins
After lunch, we trek back down to our car, and drive back to the 34, where we continue West to the town of Alsea, taking a left off Main Street, and following the BLM South Fork Rd to ALSEA PARK and ALSEA FALLS.
Alsea Falls is a short .25 RT walk from the Parking Lot, and turns out to be a very popular spot on this Sunday afternoon!
(Note: For those interested, The trail here continues to Green Peak Falls, for a 2.4 miles RT with 295′ el gain)
NO FEE OR PASS REQUIRED.
Alsea Falls is a 20′ Gradual Cascade Falls
Alsea Falls Wildflowers – Iris, Honeysuckle
When we reach Yachats late afternoon, we’re just in time to check into THE FIRESIDE MOTEL, before visiting CAPE PERPETUA to see DEVIL’S CHURN, THOR’S WELL AND COOKS CHASM, at High Tide.
NWFS PASS, AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS or FEE REQUIRED
A short drive from downtown Yachats on the 101 S, a right turn into the parking lot, and we find ourselves at DEVIL’S CHURN. This evening, the CHURN is not very DEVILISH, but it is still a lovely walk down the path to this narrow inlet.
Then back in our car, we drive a little further south, pulling out when we see a row of cars parked along the road, which turns out to be the parking for COOK’S CHASM and THOR’S WELL. (Note: While there is a trail down to the beach, there is not a formal trail to either the Chasm or Well)
In the photo below on the left is the Boardwalk to Devil’s Churn, and on the right are photos of Cook’s Chasm from below and then above from the bridge…it’s pretty calm today!
We have a hard time spotting THOR’S WELL, but see a group of people in the distance, and decide to Brave the rocky terrain, and make our way out to what fortunately turns out to be THOR’S WELL.
FLYNN and Carole jump up on a boulder, to take these pictures…🎶”And, that’s what it’s all about” (clap, clap)
Give me a “D,” D
Give me an “I” I
Give me an “N” N
Give me an “N”N
Give me an “E” E
Give me an “R” R
What does it spell? DINNER,
What does it spell?
LUNA SEA FISH HOUSE in the heart of Yachats on Hwy 101, THE DOG FRIENDLY PLACE for dinner.
Three Cheers for dinner!
“One, Two, CHOW, CHOW, CHOW!”
Tonight’s Lodging is at THE FIRESIDE MOTEL on the Ocean, in Yachats. FLYNN gives The Fireside Motel A 4 PAWS UP!
And, From our deck , We watch the Sun Set, putting an EXCLAMATION POINT on a WONDERFUL DAY!
DAY 2 Monday/Memorial Day – YACHATS, 804 TRAIL, CIRCLES IN THE SAND, FACE ROCK, OLD TOWN BANDON, DRIFTWOOD SHORES FLORENCE
🎶”Oh what a Beautiful Morning, Oh what a Beautiful Day” …beginning with an early (6:30 a.m.) morning walk for the FLYNN DOG on the 804 Trail that runs behind our hotel! – Tree Tunnels, Vibrant Pink Seathrift, Sunlit Rock, what more could a DOG ask for?
…Wildflowers?
This morning’s MISSION is the DOG FRIENDLY “CIRCLES IN THE SAND” Labyrinth Walk which starts at 11 a.m., in Bandon, a 2.25 hour drive South from Yachats on the 101! So, NO DIDDLE DALLYING, for the FLYNN DOG and FRIENDS! It’s time to hit the road for FACE ROCK STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT.
Today’s “CIRCLES IN THE SAND” Labyrinth Walk mantra is “to share love, joy and kindness,” on this Memorial Day.
No FEE. DONATIONS online welcome.
NO FEE or PASS REQUIRED
(Another “√ ” off the FLYNN DOG’S OREGON BUCKET LIST)
..This is also the FLYNN DOGs First time on the Beach, and after the Labyrinth walk, he RUNS IN and OUT of the SURF, ZOOMING, SPINNING and JUMPING FOR JOY, bringing smiles to all of our faces! (Dog’s are allowed off-leash on this beach)
Exploring Tidepools
FACE ROCK – Young and Old, WIZARD’S HAT & FLYNN Looking in a SEA CAVE
…then we head for OLD TOWN BANDON...
…To Meet HENRY THE FISH from the Washed Ashore Gallery whose mission is to: “build and exhibit aesthetically powerful art to educate a global audience about plastic pollution in oceans and waterways and spark positive changes in consumer habits.”
At this writing, HENRY is Located next to BANDON COFFEE on 2nd Street.
“HENRY is made from debris that has landed on our beaches from near and far” giving new meaning to A FISH OUT OF WATER!
…then we stroll along the Coquille River Boardwalk “GARDENS UNDER THE SEA” 18TH ANNUAL ART EXHIBIT of Professional and Amateur artist’s works. (Note: This year the Exhibit runs from May 22 – Sept 20, 2021).
FLYNN THE ARTHOUND
…followed by Lunch at BANDON COFFEE 365 2nd St SE, Bandon, OR 97411, before…
…driving back to Florence, Oregon and our Oceanfront Lodging at the DRIFTWOOD SHORES for the next 4 nights.
Below is this evening’s Sunset from our 2nd Floor Beach Front 3-Bedroom Suite in Florence, OR.
DAY 3 Tuesday – DRIFTWOOD SHORES, DARLINGTONIA WAYSIDE, HACETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE & BEACH, HOBBIT TRAIL & BEACH, DRIFTWOOD SHORES
Today we take it easy…
And, FLYNN and Carole take an early morning walk on the beach.
Then late morning we All pile in the car, DOG PILE, and drive 10-minutes North on Hwy 101 to the DARLINGTONIA WAYSIDE; turnoff is on the right. A MUST SEE if you’re in the area!
NO PERMIT OR FEE REQUIRED.
🎶”There creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether hooky …” The COBRA (LILY) FAMILY
~ Andrew Gold
.3 MILE loop walk on the raised boardwalk
…then 10 minutes further up the 101, a right turn, back under the highway, and we pull into the parking lot for HACETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE.
OREGON STATE PARK PASS OR FEE REQUIRED. Available for purchase at Ticket Machine.
From the Parking Area we hike uphill 1-mile RT to the Lighthouse and back.
Haceta Head Lighthouse, Lighthousekeepers Home
Wildflowers along the Trail
…then continue another 5 minutes north to the HOBBIT TRAIL, parking on the left along the 101 at the Trailhead Where We hike this 1-Mile RT Forest Trail that leads us through a Hobbit Hole…
…and out onto the secluded Hobbit Beach (dogs allowed off-leash)
(Note: there is also a trail from Haceta Head Lighthouse to the Hobbit Trail or visa versa)
DAY 4 Wednesday – DRIFTWOOD SHORES, SWEET CREEK FALLS, BEAVER CREEK FALLS, ICM, DRIFTWOOD SHORES
Today we take our early morning 3.5 mile RT walk on the beach to the Jetty and back in a Thick Fog!
“The Fog Comes on Little Cat Feet” ~ Carl Sandburg
…Then Late morning with FLYNN and Company in tow, we drive south on the 101, west on the 126 to Mapleton, turning right on the 5036/48, and continuing to the SWEET CREEK FALLS HOMESTEAD TRAILHEAD.
NO PASS OR FEE REQUIRED.
SWEET CREEK FALLS & BEAVER CREEK FALLS Trail Map Below
…where we hike this enchanting 2.4 mile RT TRAIL OF FALLS along SWEET CREEK.
…to SWEET CREEK FALLS that drops 70′ in four distinct tiers, with only the last 2 tiers visible from this trail.
These final 2 tiers of Sweet Creek Falls are pictured below from the base, with the upper viewing platform and tier above shown in the bottom left frame.
Wildflowers on this trail – Monkey Flower, Buttercup, Columbine, Iris…
Then, A Right turn out of the parking area, a few miles further up the road, and we reach the Wagon Road Trailhead, parking on the left, where we walk back across the bridge, then hike this 1 mile RT trail to BEAVER CREEK FALLS.
(Note: At The Wagon Road Trailhead there is also another trailhead for Sweet Creek, located across the road from the parking area. This trail will lead you along the other side of Sweet Creek for views of the upper tiers of Sweet Creek Falls)
NO FEE OR PASS REQUIRED
BEAVER CREEK FALLS, a 20′ Steep Segmented Cascade,
FLYNN Has A BALL Playing and Cooling Off in one of the Pools at the base of the Falls.
Tonight we meet our friends for Dinner at the DOG-FRIENDLY ICM RESTAURANT on the Siuslaw River at 1498 Bay St., in “Old Town Florence”, Oregon, OR 97439.
Map of Old Town Florence
“Hail, Hail, the Gangs All Here!”
DAY 5 THURSDAY – DRIFTWOOD SHORES, HONEYMAN STATE PARK, DRIFTWOOD SHORES
On this morning’s beach walk we run into our friends who are out for a dip in the ocean. FLYNN DOG joins in the Fun!
And, MAGIC LOOT, when a Seal pops it’s head out of the water nearby.
Later this morning Flynn rounds up the gang, and we head down the 101 highway to HONEYMAN STATE PARK, Cleawox Lake and Sand Dunes!
Below is a map of Honeyman State Park showing Cleawox Lake and Dunes Day Use Area.
STATE PARK PASS OR FEE REQUIRED. Available for purchase at Ticket Machine.
It feels like we’re hiking across the Sahara Desert, (Not that Any of us have any idea what that’s like) as we trudge Across the Sand dune above Cleawox Lake in search of the “Sullivan Book” trail with NO LUCK, the sun beating down on us…MAN OH MAN IT’S HOT OUT!
Notice The FLYNN DOG’s NO DUMMY, and takes refuge in the shade!
DAY 6 FRIDAY – UMPQUA LIGHTHOUSE, DEAN CREEK ELK VIEWING AREA, UMPQUA RIVER, BRANDBORG WINERY and HOME
🎶”So Long, Farewell”…we say goodbye to Florence…taking the 101 South to the UMPQUA LIGHTHOUSE
Umqua Lighthouse, and Flynnie Lynnie sees “Turkey Lurkey” at the Gift Shop
…then travel east on the Umpqua Hwy 38
…pulling into the parking lot when we see a sign for the DEAN CREEK ELK VIEWING AREA, Note: It’s DOG-FRIENDLY. (Pets on leash)
NO FEE OR PERMIT REQUIRED.
ELK lounging in the tall grass
…then continue along the highway following the scenic Umpqua River as it winds it’s way through the coastal mountain range.
Our last stop is at the Dog Friendly BRANDBORG WINERY on 1st Street in Elkton (Note: the winery is on the left as you head through town) for Wine Tasting and Lunch before making our way up the I-5 North to Lake Oswego.
(FYI: the winery gave us menus from nearby restaurants and invited us to order and bring our lunch back to enjoy with our wine…which we did!)
As our Central Oregon Coast Loop Adventure comes to an end,
A TOAST TO OUR FELLOW PAWTRIPPERS:
🎶”Oh may We go a-wandering, until the day We die,
And may We always laugh and sing
Beneath God’s clear blue sky!
Valdarai, Valdera, Valdari, Valdara Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha“
~ Friedrich W. Moller
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1 Sunday – Lake Oswego to Marys Peak, Alsea Falls, Cape Perpetua, Luna Sea Fish House, Fireside Motel Yachats
- I-5 South to Corvallis, 34 West/MARYS PEAK SCENIC BYWAY
- Right turn up the FS3010 to Mary’s Peak Campground
- MARY’S PEAK CAMPGROUND Meadows Edge Trail to Summit-NWFS PASS, AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS or FEE REQUIRED
- back to the 34 West to the town of Alsea. Take a left off Main Street, and follow the BLM South Fork Rd to ALSEA PARK and ALSEA FALLS
- 34 W to the 101 S to Yachats and FIRESIDE MOTEL –
- CAPE PERPETUA-
NWFS PASS, AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS or FEE REQUIRED - LUNA SEA FISH HOUSE – 153 US101, Yachats
- FIRESIDE MOTEL – 1881 HWY 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498
DAY 2 Monday/Memorial Day – Yachats, 804 Trail, Circles in the Sand, Face Rock, Old Town Bandon, Driftwood Shores Florence
- 804 Trail behind Fireside Motel
- From Yachats, take the 101S to FACE ROCK STATE WAYSIDE, BANDON and CIRCLES IN THE SAND Labyrinth Walk
- OLD TOWN BANDON –
- HARRY THE FISH – next to Bandon Coffee,
- BOARDWALK ART EXHIBIT – 1st Street
- BANDON COFFEE – 365 2nd St SE, Bandon, OR 97411
- DRIFTWOOD SHORES, FLORENCE – 88416 1st Ave, Florene, OR 97439
DAY 3 Tuesday – Driftwood Shores Florence, Darlingtonia Wayside, Haceta Head Lighthouse & Beach, Hobbit Trail & Beach, Driftwood Shores Florence
- DRIFTWOOD SHORES, FLORENCE –
- DARLINGTONIA WAYSIDE
- HACETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE – STATE PARK PASS or FEE
- HOBBIT TRAIL & BEACH
- DRIFTWOOD SHORES
DAY 4 Wednesday – Driftwood Shores Florence, Sweet Creek Falls, Beaver Creek Falls, ICM, Driftwood Shores Florence
- DRIFTWOOD SHORES
- SWEET CREEK FALLS – Sweet Creek Road, Mapleton, OR
- BEAVER CREEK FALLS – Sweet Creek Road, Mapleton, OR
- ICM RESTAURANT – 1498 Bay St., “Old Town Florence”, Oregon, OR 97439
- DRIFTWOOD SHORES –
DAY 5 THURSDAY – Driftwood Shores Florence, Honeyman State Park, Driftwood Shores Florence
- DRIFTWOOD SHORES –
- HONEYMAN STATE PARK – 84505 Highway 101, Florence, OR 97439. STATE PARK PASS or FEE
- DRIFTWOOD SHORES
DAY 6 FRIDAY – Umpqua Lighthouse, Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, Umpqua River, Brandborg Winery, Lake Oswego
- DRIFTWOOD SHORES
- UMPQUA LIGHTHOUSE – 460 Lighthouse Rd, Reedsport, OR 97467
- DEAN CREEK ELK VIEWING AREA – Hwy 38
- BRANDBORG WINERY–345 1st St, Elkton, OR 97436
- LAKE OSWEGO
FIRESIDE MOTEL
www.firesidemotel.com
- 1881 HWY 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498
- 541-547-3636
- Dog-Friendly Ocean Ground Floor Room (Limited 2 Pets per room) Pet package with towels, sheet provided.
- Room Rate. Plus Pet Fee Per Night (2 pet maximum)
- Amenities: Free DVD Checkout; Complimentary Morning Coffee; High Speed Wifi; Flatscreen TV; Sundry Items; Microwave and convenience refrigerator.
DRIFTWOOD SHORES
www.driftwoodshores.com
- 88416 1st Ave, Florene, OR 97439
- 541-997-8263
- Dog-Friendly Ocean Front Suite 3 adjoining Rooms
- Room Rate. Plus Pet Fee Per Night
- Amenities: Ocean Front, Full Kitchen; Complimentary Morning Coffee; Wifi; Flatscreen TV; Sundry Items; Indoor Aquatic Center; Air Conditioning and Heater; Elevator
- Dog Relief Area
RESOURCES
TRAVEL OREGON
EUGENE CASCADES COAST
VISIT CORVALLIS
OREGON STATE PARKS
TIDE CHARTS FOR AREA AND DATE
UMPQUA VALLEY WINEGROWERS
SIUSLAW NATIONAL FOREST – Mary’s Peak, Cape Perpetua, Sweet Creek & Beaver Creek Falls
BLM – Alsea Falls
PINTEREST- Various posts
THAT OREGON LIFE
ONLY IN OREGON
ALLTRAILS
OREGON HIKERS
TRIPCHECK
OUTDOOR PROJECT
“100 HIKES on the OREGON COAST” – William Sullivan
“WATERFALL LOVER’s GUIDE TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST” – Gregory Plumb
”OREGON ROAD AND RECREATION ATLAS”
FLYNN’S PACKING LIST
Dog Food
Paw Butter
Mushers Secret
Towel
Toys
Kong Bone
Dog Treats
Brush
Dog Bowls
Canned Pumpkin
Sheet
Travel Dog Bed
Dog First Aid Kit
Bottled Water
Vest
Dog Boots
Leash
Dog Waste Bags
Safety Harness
Be First to Comment