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What to do on the People's Coast

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  • Alsea River

    Waldport, Oregon 97394

    Proximity to Corvallis and other southern Willamette Valley towns makes the Alsea a popular spot for anglers seeking fall chinook and winter steelhead. The Alsea is paralleled along much of its path to the Pacific by Oregon Highway 34; over 20 public and commercial boat ramps make it easy to get on the river. Alsea Bay, where the river enters the ocean at Waldport, is one of Oregon\'s top five crabbing venues.

  • Cape Arago Lighthouse

    Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

    Cape Arago is located 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay and North Bend off Hwy 101. It stands 100 feet above the ocean on an islet just off Gregory Point. The light atop the 44-foot-high tower was first illuminated in 1934 and is easily noticeable due to its distinct fog horn. Although newest in terms of service, earlier structures were built on this site in 1866 and 1908, both succumbing to weather and erosion. Hidden behind a guarded fence, Cape Arago is not open to the public.

  • Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

    US 101, 14 miles N of Florence, Oregon 97439
    541-997-3641

    Washburne is located on the east side of Highway 101 with a buffer of native plants between you and the highway. The campsites are spacious. There are several trails of varying difficulty leading from the campsites to the beach, wildlife viewing areas and second-growth forests. A walking trail leads you under the highway to a five mile sandy beach and a day-use area, where you\'ll find space to watch whales, hunt agates, beachcombing and picnic.

  • Heceta Head Lighthouse

    Hwy 101 S
    Florence, Oregon 97439

    Named after Don Bruno de Heceta, a Spanish explorer, Heceta Head lighthouse is located north of Florence. This 56-foot tower was first lit in 1894. This lighthouse is 205 feet above the ocean and the light sits at the top of the 56' tower illuminated in 1894. A half-mile hike will lead visitors to this lighthouse, in addition to seabird nesting sites and nearby Bed and Breakfasts located in the assistant keeper's home. The short 1/2 mile hike to the top of the lighthouse from the parking lot is well worth the effort. The spectacular view makes it a great place to share a kiss or for a picnic. Open daily, May-September and Friday-Monday during March, April and October for tours.

  • Umpqua River Lighthouse

    Reedsport, Oregon 97467
    541-271-4631

    This lighthouse has a 65-foot tower, which started in 1890. It is located near Reedsport and Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. First illuminated in 1894, Umpqua River lighthouse gives off very distinct red and white flashes. Visitors can check out the inside of the lighthouse, nearby park, or Lake Marie.

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Brought to you by OCVA in association with Travel Oregon & Wildernet