Oregon Winter 2023

During spring break, my family decided to visit Newport, OR in the Pacific Northwest. My daughter Cami and I had been there before, but it was a new experience for my wife Cat and son Collin. I was excited to show them around and discover new places myself.

We chose to stay in the charming coastal city of Newport, nestled between rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. It offered a delightful mix of natural beauty, maritime history, and a vibrant seaside atmosphere.

The weather during our trip was typical for spring in the Pacific Northwest, with mostly rainy days and occasional sunshine. Despite the conditions, we made the most of it by exploring Newport's picturesque waterfront. The historic Bayfront district was bustling with shops, galleries, restaurants, and seafood markets.

Since it rained for most of our trip, we took advantage of the weather and dedicated a day to visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a popular attraction in Newport. This world-class facility showcased a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, otters, and colorful fish. It provided an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages, with exhibits highlighting the rich coastal ecosystems and the incredible variety of marine species.

The aquarium's Passages of the Deep exhibit was a highlight, offering an underwater journey through a simulated coastal environment. It featured walk-through tunnels and large viewing windows, allowing us to get up close and personal with marine animals such as sharks, rays, and colorful fish. The exhibit also taught us about the importance of the kelp forest in supporting marine life.

Another fascinating exhibit at the aquarium was the Rocky Shores, which recreated the rugged Oregon coast environment, complete with crashing waves and tide pools. We observed playful sea otters, watched puffins soar, and learned about the adaptations that enable coastal animals to thrive in this challenging habitat. Interactive displays allowed us to touch tide pool creatures and gain a deeper understanding of the coastal ecosystem.

We made the most of our time by exploring other attractions in town, including a visit to a custom kit store and enjoying a rain-free morning on the beach with our newly acquired kites. We also indulged in local ice cream and discovered many other interesting things in the area.

In addition to the aquarium, Newport is famous for its two iconic lighthouses. Yaquina Head Lighthouse, located just north of the city, is a picturesque historic landmark that offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and explore the surrounding headland, known for its abundant seabird colonies. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, situated within Yaquina Bay State Park, provides another opportunity to learn about Oregon's maritime history. Both lighthouses are definitely worth a visit and offer a cool experience.

During the rest of our stay, we explored several captivating attractions in the area. We made a trip south down the 101 to Seal Rock and enjoyed both a sunset and sunrise there. This scenic spot is named after the rocky outcroppings off the shore, which provide habitats for various marine creatures, including seals and sea lions.

The main draw of Seal Rock is its breathtaking rock formations emerging from the Pacific Ocean. These impressive seastacks create a dramatic and photogenic seascape, sculpted by the forces of wind and waves. Nature enthusiasts and photographers are treated to a stunning backdrop for their explorations.

Seal Rock offers ample opportunities to observe diverse marine wildlife. Seals and sea lions can often be seen lounging on the rocks or swimming in the nearby waters. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the abundant seabird population, which includes gulls, cormorants, and pelicans.

The beach at Seal Rock is a tranquil and picturesque stretch of sand, perfect for beachcombing, tide pooling, and leisurely walks. During low tide, visitors can venture into the intertidal zone, where they will discover a rich array of marine life, such as starfish, anemones, and crabs inhabiting the tide pools. The sound of crashing waves and the refreshing ocean breeze add to the serene atmosphere.

We hiked around the area twice and thoroughly explored its beauty. On our final evening, we were fortunate to experience a low tide, revealing a wide array of sealife. Despite the overcast and occasionally rainy weather, the beach provided us with a fantastic experience.

On another morning, we embarked on a longer journey to Sweet Creek Falls for a midday hike. Although it was quite a drive from Newport, the route offered stunning views of mountains, woodlands, and picturesque river scenes. Luckily, the weather held up for us during the hike, with minimal rain. The forest seemed to come alive with vibrant shades of green under the cloudy skies.

The Sweet Creek Falls trail is renowned for its natural beauty and breathtaking waterfalls. Located in the Siuslaw National Forest near Mapleton, this scenic trail promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Beginning at the Sweet Creek Trailhead parking lot, the trail follows the course of Sweet Creek. Along the way, hikers are treated to a delightful display of lush green foliage, moss-covered rocks, and crystal-clear water meandering alongside the path.

One of the highlights of the Sweet Creek Falls trail is its series of captivating waterfalls that cascade along the creek. Each waterfall possesses its unique size and character, creating a visually stunning and soothing ambiance. Notable falls along the trail include Sweet Creek Falls, Upper Sweet Creek Falls, and Wagon Road Falls.

The Sweet Creek Falls trail is a relatively easy hike, suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The well-maintained path winds through the forest, allowing ample opportunities to admire the surrounding plant and animal life. Wooden footbridges and scenic viewpoints along the trail provide perfect spots to appreciate the beauty of the waterfalls.

Besides the enchanting waterfalls, the Sweet Creek Falls trail also offers opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. The lush vegetation serves as a habitat for various bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

After our hike, we headed to a nearby town for a late lunch and then made our way to Heceta Head Lighthouse for the sunset. Along the way, we explored the coastal area around the lighthouse. Although I had initially hoped to capture a sunset photo at Thor's Well, the thick cloud cover and receding tide made it difficult to get a good shot. Nevertheless, the lighthouse proved to be a wonderful alternative.

Situated on the central coast near Florence, Heceta Head Lighthouse is a historic and iconic landmark renowned for its picturesque setting. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean.

Named after the Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta, the lighthouse has been guiding ships since its first illumination in 1894. Its distinctive white and red exterior, perched atop a rugged headland, adds to its charm and allure.

One notable aspect of Heceta Head Lighthouse is its impressive architectural design. Standing at 56 feet tall, the lighthouse is constructed using a combination of brick and iron, giving it a strong and enduring presence against the elements. The accompanying keeper's house, now a bed and breakfast, adds to the lighthouse's historical appeal.

A visit to Heceta Head Lighthouse allows you to explore the grounds and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. The rocky cliffs, crashing waves, and pristine beaches create a picturesque backdrop, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the nearby Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint offers excellent vantage points for admiring the lighthouse and the surrounding natural beauty.

We hiked about a mile to reach the lighthouse and then ventured up the hill directly behind it. From there, I discovered a fantastic vantage point for capturing sunset photos. The trails behind the lighthouse were not well-maintained, and the rainy conditions added an element of adventure, making it slightly thrilling.

During our trip, we also took time to explore various areas to the north of Newport along the 101. We made stops at roadside attractions and viewpoints, immersing ourselves in the scenic beauty of the region. On our final night, we watched the sunset and enjoyed dinner at Cape Kiwanda, which is perhaps my favorite beach in the central Oregon area.

Cape Kiwanda is a stunning coastal landmark located in the Pacific City area, renowned for its natural beauty. The cape boasts impressive sand dunes, rugged cliffs, and a wide sandy beach, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.

One of the standout features of Cape Kiwanda is the towering sandstone formation known as the "PAC" or "Haystack Rock." This colossal rock structure emerges dramatically from the ocean, creating a mesmerizing sight. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the beach or hike up the dunes for a panoramic perspective.

The beach at Cape Kiwanda offers a range of recreational activities. Surfing is popular here, thanks to the consistent waves generated by the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, visitors can experience the thrill of sandboarding, sliding down the steep sand dunes on a board.

Hiking enthusiasts can embark on the Cape Kiwanda Trail, which leads to the summit of the cape. The trail provides scenic vistas of the surrounding coastline, allowing hikers to fully appreciate the area's natural splendor. It is important to exercise caution and follow designated paths to protect the delicate coastal ecosystem. Safety should always be a priority, considering the potential instability of the cliffs and dunes, as well as the powerful waves and rip currents in the ocean. Visitors should stay within designated areas, respect posted warnings, and be mindful of their surroundings.

Two hours before sunset, we made the long journey to the top and back of the dunes, exploring an off-the-beaten-path location for sunset. It was a wonderful and somewhat exhilarating experience, capturing a few magnificent photos before a storm approached in the distance. Concerned about the lightning and the challenges of descending the wet dunes, we decided to leave before the actual sunset. Cape Kiwanda has now become a place on my bucket list to revisit.

Feeling cold and damp, we returned to our car and walked across the parking lot to the Pelican Brewing restaurant. This turned out to be the culinary highlight of our entire trip. The food was exceptional, as was the beer. Although Pelican Brewing has multiple locations, this particular one is considered the original.

Sadly, that was our last night, and the next day we had to pack up and head back to the airport for the long journey home. Overall, it was a wonderful trip and definitely one worth repeating.