101 Things To Do Western Oregon

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There are few places in the world that can match the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. You can drive the coast from Brookings to Astoria and never cease to be amazed at the beauty around each corner. But if you would like to see that scenery from the next level, you can’t imagine the beauty when seeing it from an open cockpit biplane in the air. Cruise low along the beach, wave to the hikers and smell the surf. View the sea lions in the ocean and see them entering the famous Sea Lions Caves from over the ocean. Cruise past the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse as only the sailors of old have seen it. Smell the fragrant, fresh Oregon pines as you descend into a pristine valley and soar over one of Oregon’s serene lakes. View the historic Siuslaw River and see the relics of past fishing and logging industries and the historic Siuslaw River Bridge. Soar over the vast Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and wave to the dune buggies below. And do all of this in a meticulously restored 1944 Stearman open cockpit biplane. The classic Stearman was first designed in the 1930’s and was such a reliable and sturdy design that it was chosen to train their pilots for duties overseas in World War II. Nearly 10,000 total aircraft were built – with thousands having been restored and still flying today. Your highly experienced pilots come from impressive US Air Force careers followed by airline and flight test experience – and they will entertain you with interesting historical facts and land you safely and softly in the grass at the airport – the way Wilbur and Orville would have wanted it! There are several ride profiles available that will fit any budget – or just tell them where you want to fly. Come Fly With Us!

Aerolegends is located at the Florence Municipal Airport.

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For more details, contact Winette and Terry Tomeny at 541-991-3579

www.aerolegends.com

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Anyone interested in seeing an amazing one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon should take a trip to Sea Lion Caves, featuring the world’s largest sea cave. The cave was formed almost 25 million years ago and is now home to about 200 Steller sea lions. There is elevator access 208 feet down into the enormous cave. The cave is about 12 stories high and as wide as a football field. During the fall and winter months this amazing cave may be filled with fun-loving sea lions. The rock ledge below the lookout located just outside the cave is the sea lions’ home during the spring and summer, and is where they breed and bear their young. Great care is taken to maintain the cave as a natural habitat for the sea lions. Flash photography is not allowed in the cave. Sea Lion Caves is located 11 miles north of Florence.

WHERE:  91560 Hwy 101 North

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CALL:  (541) 547-3111

www.sealioncaves.com

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Visit Sandland Adventures for a day of fun at the Oregon Dunes. View an impressive natural wonder of endless shifting sand, unique tree islands, various wildlife and the spectacular Siuslaw River. Choose an exhilarating dune ride on their Sandrails or a more relaxing tour on one of their Giant Dune Buggies. Professional drivers will show you a great time while you travel across miles of dunes. The one hour dune tour also includes traveling down the Pacific Ocean beach. Large or small groups can be accommodated on either tour. After your dune ride, you can have fun bumping and splashing on the Bumper Boats, race on the Grand Prix style Go-Kart track, play the Miniature Golf Course or take a ride on the Cloverline Railroad. Sandland Aventures is located less than 1 mile south of Florence on the central Oregon Coast. Look for the sign on thewest side of Hwy 101. See ad on the inside front cover of this issue. For more information, call (541) 997-8087.

WHERE:  85366 Hwy 101 – 1 mile south of Florence on Hwy 101

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www.sandland.com

The Darlingtonia State Natural Site provides visitors with a very rare opportunity to see the Cobra Lily, a carnivorous plant. Though the Cobra Lily appears beautiful to humans, it is a treacherous predator for insects. The Cobra Lily’s magnificent reddish purple top leaves and sweet smelling nectar attract the bugs, but once inside the plant, life ends. The plant traps the insects, which slide down and get digested and absorbed by the plant. The 18-acre Botanical Park has a very nice boardwalk trail leading to the plants. It is also home to other lush vegetation and wildlife, and has a picnic area. It is free to use and located just five miles north of Florence off Hwy 101. For more information about the Darlingtonia State Natural Site and the carnivorous Cobra Lily, call (800) 551-6949.

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www.oregonstateparks.org/park_115.php

Antiques and antique stores abound on the Oregon Coast, and shopping for antiques in Florence is like taking a trip into the past, while you add to your collection. Whether you’re a casual collector, or a passionate lifetime antique enthusiast, there’s something for everyone, just waiting to be discovered in any of the fine dealers located in and around the Florence area. Start your hunt for that certain time piece, period furniture, jewelry or apparel that you’ve always wanted, but could never find. Talk to the friendly staff at any of the dealers about your quest, and if they don’t have it or can’t get it, they will lead you to another source.
For dealer locations, see the Florence Antique District Map above.

#1 Cindy Wobbe Estate Sales – 498 Hwy 101 – 541-999-0126 – www.cindywobbeestates.com
#2 Purple Pelican Antique Mall – 478 Hwy 101 – 541-997-2220 – antiques@peak.org
#3 Thrifty Threads – 168 Maple Street – 541-991-6196 – www.Facebook.com/TTSSG

Visitors are sure to find exciting things to do at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Over the years, winds have carved out the sand to form dunes of up to 500 feet above sea level. Located just south of Florence off Hwy 101, the dunes cover a 40-mile stretch of coast making it the largest coastal dune area in North America. Off-roading is allowed in three designated areas for ATVs and dune buggies. Visitors can take a self-guided tour by renting an ATV from Torex ATV Rentals (541) 997-5363, or by bringing their own. There are several companies in the area that offer tours, lead by experienced and knowledgeable guides, such as Sand Dunes Frontier at (541) 997-3544.  Hiking trails and camping areas abound in the area as well. Those looking for a change should check out sand camping in dispersed sand camping sites. Vehicles accessing campsites should be capable of off-highway travel over soft sand in a dune environment. For more information, call Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (541) 271-3611.

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www.torexatvrentals.com
www.sanddunesfrontier.com

Woahink Lake is a lovely place offering visitors a perfect place to relax, enjoy nature and have a lot of fun. The lake, just three miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and just south of Florence on Hwy 101, provides excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming and other outdoor activities. The area is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, so named because of the fantastic dunes that line the lake. Boats and a variety of watercraft are available for rent. The fishing is spectacular in Woahink Lake, and includes warm-water species such as yellow perch and largemouth bass, as well as cold-water species such as rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee. There is a large public swimming area. For the hiker, explore any of the trails in the bordering 522- acre Jesse M. Honeyman State Park. The shaded picnic areas adjacent to the lake are especially pleasant. For more information about any of the activities on Woahink Lake, call (541) 997-3338.

www.dunescity.com