Oregon’s Central Coast (Part 3)

Florence, OR

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint

Heceta Head Lighthouse

One of the most photographed lighthouses in Oregon, this icon sits 206 feet above sea level. Established in 1894, the 56 foot tower shines it’s light more than 21 nautical miles. The lighthouse keepers quarters have been completely refurbished with period appropriate pieces, and the upstairs is a now very exclusive bed and breakfast.

Cape Cove and Cape Creek Bridge

Just below the light station, Cape Cove is the access point for the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. It also gives an incredible view of Cape Creek Bridge. Opened in 1932 this deck arch bridge spans 220 feet long and was meant to evoke a Roman aqueduct feeling.

Lighthouse to Hobbit Beach Hike

Above the lighthouse is a trail that scales Heceta Head and goes all the way to Hobbit Beach. With excellent views, this trail traverses three different kinds of forests. We unfortunately, have to turn around at the high point in the trail due to rain and lack of visibility.

Sea Lion Cave

This privately owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary has the largest sea cave in U.S. history. It’s the equivalent of a twelve story building in height and the length of a football field. We’re lucky enough to be here during breeding season. So, hundreds of these Steller (Northern) Sea Lions are visible from one of the three viewing platforms (one in the cave, and two along the coastal shelves). We had an incredible time here and ended up with some really candid shots of these incredible creatures.

Inside the Cave

Sea Lion Point (North Overlook)

South Overlook

Avian Wildlife

Shoreline South

Pacific Ocean Vista Point

A small wayside on the side of Hwy 101 just south of Sea Lion Cave, this spot offers us an incredible view of the fog rolling in off the ocean.

Old Town Park

Right on the Siuslaw River, this small park in the heart of Florence’s Historic Old Town gives a great view of the Siuslaw River Bridge as well as some of the local wildlife. We come across it as we’re walking around Old Town after stopping for a dinner on the way home from a long day of exploring.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Beginning just north of Florence the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends over 40 miles south; but we only explore a small section around the Siltcoos River. It’s here we choose to hunker down and escape the crowds over the July 4th holiday weekend.

Lagoon Campground

Lagoon Campground is a small dry camping facility perched on the edge of a lagoon amongst Shorepine and Huckleberry trees. There are several hiking trails throughout the campground, as well as access to the beach, sand dunes and the Siltcoos River. In other words, something for everyone. Our site sits right on the edge of Oxbow Lake; which gives us easy access to the nature trail and the wildlife that visits.

Siltcoos River

At the end of Oxbow Lake; where it meets the road we find the Siltcoos River. We see kayakers on this river several times throughout our stay here and they always look like they’re having a wonderful time. Most of them have probably come from the rental outfit just east in Dunes City on Siltcoos Lake.

Siltcoos Beach

The beach south of here is designated as a protected zone for the Western Snowy Plover breeding season and is temporarily closed to all but foot traffic. To the north, you can ride bikes, drive vehicles, etc on the beach. At low tide you can go all the way to Florence via the beach.

Sand Dunes

We can hear the faint buzz of the vehicles playing on the dunes from camp; but we don’t actually see them until we climb to the top of the dunes protecting the beach and even then, they’re a long way off. They are extremely well hidden in the forest.

We travel back to camp via the remaining hiking trails we haven’t explored yet weaving in and out of the forests. It’s a lovely place to hide during a busy holiday weekend.

Next Stop… Oregon’s Southern Coast (Part 1)