Southern Oregon Coast
As I headed down the dirt driveway and glimpsed back at the tiny home one last time, I thought about how so much has changed in one month. Not just in me, but the world. I have a greater perceptive for a new state, a deeper appreciation for nature, exhausted from a stressful election and hopeful with a new president, and battled another state lockdown as COVID grows worst and worst. But with the sad and unknown, came an amazing start to a new adventure. I’ll definitely be back Oregon.
Starting my trek back to California, I stayed overnight in Newport, OR at the cutest, historic hotel. The Sylvia Beach Hotel is a historic style building sitting atop windblown cliffs with undisturbed views of the beach below. The historic building has endured and held strong to many rough PNW storms, making the outside look like any well-loved book should, worn and faded. There are no TVs or phones or WIFI, only famous authors work lining the library and hidden in draws throughout the rooms. Each room is named after an author and furnished in a style either inspired by their work or by their own style. I stayed in the Jane Austen room and felt throwback back in time with the wallpaper and the flower details. All I need now is a Mr. Darcy to share the room with.
“If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.” —Northanger Abbey
The following morning, after a walk along the beach, I headed south to my next destination, Brookings, OR. My journey down to Brookings was filled with beach views, State Parks, exploring tide pools, and the perfect sunset to close out my time in Oregon. From Newport, I took a quick drive up to Devils Punchbowl. It’s a sea cave filled with tide pools, trails, and surf. Try to plan for a low-tide visit, then you can walk down and explore the cave.
From there I traveled south along the historic 101 with the windows down blasting Florence and the Machine, belting out the words to ‘Never Let Me Go. ’
And the arms of the ocean are carrying me
And all this devotion was rushing over me
And the questions I have for a sinner like me
But the arms of the ocean deliver me
Sitting on the edge of the Oregon coast is Thor’s Well, also known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific, this hole in the rock seems to drain the ocean away. Since I arrived during low tide I was able to explore the tide pools near the well. Don’t get too close, as the water washes violently over the rocks and could shoot straight up into your face. Crossing Connector Bridge, I attempted to go to Sea Lions Cave but unfortunately, due to COVID and Oregon shutting down the day before, it was closed. It’s America’s largest sea lion cave and plays home to thousands of sea lions during the winter months. I’m sure it’s a very peaceful place ;)
Now before the major part of the day begins, I made one last pitstop in Florence and found the west coast inspiration for Gilmore Girl. With a delicious cup of coffee in hand from River Roasters and a beautiful view, all I need is Milo Ventimiglia spinning me around in the gazebo.
With my fourth cup of coffee in hand, Golide and I headed out to explore the Cape Arago Beach Loop. The loop is 10 miles but took me nearly 2 hours to complete because of all the hiking and sightseeing.
First Stop: Bastendorff Beach - Expansive, quiet and filled with daring surfers to take on the cold waters.
Second Stop: Sunset Bay State Park - My favorite stop of the day! Situated in one of the most scenic areas on the Oregon coast, this little beach is situated comfortably between towering sea cliffs giving you an intimate feeling experience. Filled with families and solo adventurers, this beach plays host to all hobbies, even those who just want to sit and watch.
Third Stop: Cape Arago Lighthouse - Literally right around the corner from Sunset Bay, this small viewpoint provides a couple trails to see the Cape Arago Lighthouse. N…the picture below is not of the lighthouse, it was too far. Instead the picture below is of the sea cliffs on the other side.
Fourth Stop: Shore Acres State Park - Provides more than just a stroll along the beach. A lighthouse (can be explored when COVID is no more) sits atop the rugged cliffs overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, lush gardens with plants and flowers from all over the world, a Japanese-style formal garden, and trails to explore the surrounding beaches. One trail even leads you to the hidden Simpson Beach (second picture). Note: both gardens were closed because of COVID.
Fifth & Final Stop on the Cape Arago Beach Loop: Cape Arago State Park - Home to many seals and sea lions it was quite funny watching them impersonate the kids who were dancing about. Makes me excited to teach my nieces and nephews how to dance without a care in the world.
Just a reminder, this loop does not end on the 101, you will need to backtrack to where you started.
Even though we might the end of this leg of the journey, it’s really only the beginning for Goldie and I.
