Tag: Seven Wonders of Oregon

Oregon Coast | Neskowin Beach

Explore the Enigmatic Nestucca Valley and Its Secret Little Village

Along what’s nicknamed the “corridor of mystery” (really the Nestucca Valley)—that dark tract of steep, winding road and dense trees between Lincoln City and Pacific City in Oregon—sits a mystifying yet resplendent secret little village – Neskowin. This idyllic town along the Oregon Coast offers a captivating destination for couples and travelers seeking natural beauty and coastal charm.

Sunrise

Upon reaching this small Oregon coast town, we managed to catch the sunrise along with a number of picturesque reflections of dawn along the shore.

Proposal Rock

An Oregon Coast treasure, Proposal Rock beach is a bucket list item for many an explorer.

As you stroll down the sandy path following Hawk Creek, you’ll reach the mesmerizing sight of Proposal Rock. This tree-covered basalt sea stack rises majestically a hundred feet above the waves just offshore. Neskowin has both romantic and tragic stories associate with marriage proposals here over the last few centuries.

We took advantage of the low tide and made the scramble up Proposal Rock. This climb is not for the faint of heart, but then neither is the view! Here visitors can experience the awe-inspiring view from the top of Proposal Rock itself during low tide on a calm day, just as Charles Gage and Della did back in the 1800’s with an epic of marriage proposal. Not a bad spot to make out . . . if I do say so myself;)

It was from these heights that we looked down on the remnants of an ancient forest of trees thought to have been over 150 feet tall before they were destroyed by a natural disaster 1000’s of years ago.

Ghost Forest

If you look south along the coastline during low tide, a remarkable sight known as the “Ghost Forest” will be revealed. Ancient, dark stumps of Sitka spruce trees emerge from the sea, transporting you back in time to a primordial era. It is believed these stumps were once part of a higher plateau until the catastrophic Cascadia Zone earthquake over 2,000 years ago. Now, they stand as haunting remnants of a bygone era, submerged and revealed with each ebb and flow of the tide.

Plenty of Fish and Natural Splendor

Mostly, Neskowin is one giant beach, with sands running northward uninterrupted from the bottom of Cascade Head, through Winema Beach, to the edge of the Nestucca Bay — about five or six miles. The word “Neskowin” is tribal language for “plenty fish” because of the area’s abundance of marine life. This coastal haven promises a wealth of natural wonders, artistic inspiration, and a peaceful escape for couples and travelers seeking an unforgettable experience along the Oregon Coast.

So . . .

Discover the charm of Neskowin Beach on the Oregon Coast, where captivating landscapes, historic remnants, and hidden mysteries await. Plan your romantic getaway or tranquil retreat today and immerse yourself in the allure of this coastal gem.

by Categories: Eck Beach Life, Oregon Coast, PNW AdventuresTags: , , , 1 Comment

Florence, Oregon ~ Coast Trips from Eugene

Have you ever marveled at how many people have never seen the ocean? Growing up in Lane County, I had access to outdoor adventures from the ocean to the mountains with only about an hour of travel in any direction.

Did you know that Eugene – Oregon’s second largest city – is perfectly situated between the beautiful coastal town of Florence and the mountain oasis of McKenzie Bridge?

Florence, Oregon

If you’re looking for a quick beach getaway, Eugene is the place to be as it’s so centrally located. In just over an hour, you can drive over the Pacific Coast Range and find yourself at several family-friendly ocean waysides.

The North Jetty

The nearest shore to Eugene will be at the North Jetty and just a few miles more down Rhododendron Drive you’ll dead end at the more well-known Driftwood Shores hotel and wayside. I recall a lifetime of memories on this stretch of the Oregon beach. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun and feel the sand between your toes. Sometimes we’d drive an hour only to spend a few minutes wandering on this sandy shore before heading back home.

The South Jetty

Access to the South Jetty is just over the Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence proper and this is also your closest entrance to the dunes. It was this beach that first inspired our membership to 1000 Trails. With RV spots available year ‘round, it could not be more convenient just up the road from dune access and a long shoreline.

And if you’re spending the night in Florence, Oregon, be sure to make it to the beach before the sun rises for another spectacular view.

Heceta Head

If you’re looking for the quintessential Oregon Coast experience, look no further than Heceta Head. This iconic lighthouse is a must-see for any traveler along the coast. And if you’re driving from Eugene to Florence, this view is sure to let you know that you’ve arrived. Simply take HWY 126 and look for the second tunnel. Once you’re through (and have honked your horn a few times!) and you’ll find the entrance to Devil’s Elbow on your left along with a trail to lighthouse itself.

Carl Washburn State Park

Discover the hidden gem just north of Florence – Carl Washburne State Park. A lovely stretch of beach adjacent to Hobbit Beach and just around the corner from the iconic Heceta Head Light House. Whether it’s Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, walks along this shore are both beautiful and therapeutic. Witness the breathtaking landscapes during sunrise and sunset. Collect handfuls of lovely stones scattered everywhere, including agates. Take a break from your busy life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Carl Washburne State Park.

‘Stretching from the central Oregon Coast to the towering Cascade Mountains, anchored by Eugene and Springfield in the South Willamette Valley, this region is a place of happy contrasts.’

~ Travel Lane County

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Oregon Coast ~ Heceta Head Lighthouse

The Heceta Head is one of the most iconic lighthouse views along the Oregon Coast. If you’re traveling from Eugene to Florence, THIS is the view that assures a visitor that ‘you’ve arrived’ and will soon be feeling the sand between your toes. The entrance to Devil’s Elbow (i.e. Heceta Head beach) is the second tunnel on the journey along HWY 126. Once you get through the tunnel (and after honking your horn a few times!) you’ll see an immediate entrance to this Oregon Coast location on your left.

This was the beach that I walked on in my youth. I spent years trekking all over beach, the trails, the lighthouse, and the near-by Hobbit Beach finding agates and checking out the tide pools at low tide.

Despite my long-standing realtionship with this particular wedge of the Oregon Coast, I’d never actually captured a sunrise view of this Oregon Beach. But this year, from an empty pullout just up the highway, we caught an amazing rainbow of a morning of Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Check out the Heceta Head Lighthouse at dawn in this capture . . .

In my youth, I remember my long-pasted grandfather painting this lighthouse decades ago from a perch somewhere near Heceta Head Bed & Breakfast (pictured and glowing below and to the right).

Not to be surpassed, the views just kept coming on this particular morning. To our left, we caught sight of the moon rising along the horizon . . .

On mornings like this, it amazes me that even after a lifetime of looking at Heceta Head Lighthouse and playing on her beaches, I had yet to see her in all her glory. But on this morning . . . I saw it all:)

If you’re spending the night in Florence, Oregon, be sure to make it to the beach before the sun rises for these views.

#eckbeachlife #oregoncoast #florenceoregon #pnwcoast #tecklandscapes #meandmytabby #eckfamilyadventures

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Carl Washburne State Park | Florence | Oregon

Just north of Florence you’ll find this lovely stretch of beach adjacent to Hobbit Beach and just around the corner from the iconic Heceta Head Light House called Carl Washburne State Park.

Beach Walks

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall walks along this shore are both beautiful and therapeutic. We’ve caught both sunrises and sunsets here and the landscapes are truly breath-taking. Along the way, we’ve found lovely stones scattered everywhere just waiting to be picked up by the handfuls including a number of agates.

Picnics & Campfires

For day trips, the Yeti Hopper Flip is our go-to travel cooler so one chilly winter trip, we picked up all the makings for beach-side charcuterie board from Provisions Market complete with a bottle of port to enjoy around the campfire.

Sunsets

Because of the long flat beach in every direction, the sunsets are truly breathtaking from every angle . . . we just couldn’t stop taking pictures!

by Categories: Eck Beach Life, Oregon Coast, PNW AdventuresTags: , 1 Comment

Oregon Coast | Neskowin Beach

Explore the Enigmatic Nestucca Valley and Its Secret Little Village

Along what’s nicknamed the “corridor of mystery” (really the Nestucca Valley)—that dark tract of steep, winding road and dense trees between Lincoln City and Pacific City in Oregon—sits a mystifying yet resplendent secret little village – Neskowin. This idyllic town along the Oregon Coast offers a captivating destination for couples and travelers seeking natural beauty and coastal charm.

Sunrise

Upon reaching this small Oregon coast town, we managed to catch the sunrise along with a number of picturesque reflections of dawn along the shore.

Proposal Rock

An Oregon Coast treasure, Proposal Rock beach is a bucket list item for many an explorer.

As you stroll down the sandy path following Hawk Creek, you’ll reach the mesmerizing sight of Proposal Rock. This tree-covered basalt sea stack rises majestically a hundred feet above the waves just offshore. Neskowin has both romantic and tragic stories associate with marriage proposals here over the last few centuries.

We took advantage of the low tide and made the scramble up Proposal Rock. This climb is not for the faint of heart, but then neither is the view! Here visitors can experience the awe-inspiring view from the top of Proposal Rock itself during low tide on a calm day, just as Charles Gage and Della did back in the 1800’s with an epic of marriage proposal. Not a bad spot to make out . . . if I do say so myself;)

It was from these heights that we looked down on the remnants of an ancient forest of trees thought to have been over 150 feet tall before they were destroyed by a natural disaster 1000’s of years ago.

Ghost Forest

If you look south along the coastline during low tide, a remarkable sight known as the “Ghost Forest” will be revealed. Ancient, dark stumps of Sitka spruce trees emerge from the sea, transporting you back in time to a primordial era. It is believed these stumps were once part of a higher plateau until the catastrophic Cascadia Zone earthquake over 2,000 years ago. Now, they stand as haunting remnants of a bygone era, submerged and revealed with each ebb and flow of the tide.

Plenty of Fish and Natural Splendor

Mostly, Neskowin is one giant beach, with sands running northward uninterrupted from the bottom of Cascade Head, through Winema Beach, to the edge of the Nestucca Bay — about five or six miles. The word “Neskowin” is tribal language for “plenty fish” because of the area’s abundance of marine life. This coastal haven promises a wealth of natural wonders, artistic inspiration, and a peaceful escape for couples and travelers seeking an unforgettable experience along the Oregon Coast.

So . . .

Discover the charm of Neskowin Beach on the Oregon Coast, where captivating landscapes, historic remnants, and hidden mysteries await. Plan your romantic getaway or tranquil retreat today and immerse yourself in the allure of this coastal gem.

by Categories: Eck Beach Life, Oregon Coast, PNW AdventuresTags: , , , Leave a comment

Smith Rock | Oregon

A bucket list item for every Oregonian, Smith Rock is an amazing natural wonder with layers of geological history and recreational opportunities to enjoy at the 650 acre park. As one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, visitors flock here during the summer, but the hiking trails are open year ‘round so no need to wait.

Sunset

Last summer, a spontaneous trip to eastern Oregon resulted in a memorable camping experience at this unique destination spot. Our first overnight at Smith Rock State Park, we had a front seat view of the most amazing sunset! With constantly evolving colors, we couldn’t stop taking pictures;)

Day Walks

There are a couple of day-walks through Smith Rock and along the Crooked River. Each end of the park will give you a different set of picturesque views but they are all connected so you can start anywhere. Not pictured here – the steep climb up Misery Ridge!

Not being rock climbers ourselves, we didn’t partake in any of the 1500 routes available at this rock climbing destination spot. That being said, we enjoyed watching the experts work their way up the steep faces from several viewing spots at the visiting area as well as from below as we walked along the Crooked River.

Sunrise

After such a colorful sunset the night before, we were treated to an unexpectedly gorgeous sunrise the next morning. The valley was clear giving us a picturesque view of the snowy mountains in the distance.

Campsites

Smith Rock has a nice camp ground for walk-in tent camping. The bathroom and showers are located near the parking and designated cooking area. Campfires are not an option but many folks utilized clever small propane set-ups and leveraged those awesome Yeti coolers for meals.

Campsites are not well defined though there are pretty obvious cleared spots all along the ledge and amongst the trees. That being said, it appeared you could just throw your tent out anywhere in those designated field areas and spend the night for $8 per person! Love the accessibility of our State Parks:)

Sunset

In fact, our two-day camping trip garnered us TWO lovely, but distinctly different, sunsets! On the second night, we were treated to a golden setting with a lingering purple hue as we settled in for the night.

Come again soon!

Not our first visit to Smith Rock and certainly not our last:) It’s been a few years since we did the challenging Misery Ridge hike and we’d like to camp again with a little more planning the next time. Already dreaming of summer and the opportunity to do this trip again.

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