Yachats 101s » 101 Things To Do Western Oregon

# 39 See Seascape Views & Hike in a Rainforest

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Apr 162018

photo by Ken Gagne

The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is part of the 630,000-acre Siuslaw National Forest. This forest is actually a temperate rainforest that has more dense vegetation than the Amazon jungle. A good place to start is to take the steep road up to the Cape Perpetua Visitor and Interpretative Center, located two miles south of Yachats off Hwy 101. There are many guided hikes and educational programs available, or set out on your own. Hiking trails lead through the forest and allow for encounters with spotted owls, marbled murrelets, deer and elk. Follow the Giant Spruce Trail, which leads past trees as large as 10 feet in diameter, and at low tide, check out the marine garden. Visitors who take the Overlook Road to the West Shelter, just north of the Visitor Center, will be rewarded with arguably the most stunning view along the Oregon coast. For more information, call (541) 547-3289.

www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/recreation/tripplanning/capeperpetua

# 42 Discover the Little Log Church Museum

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Apr 132018

Over the years, the cross-shaped Little Log Church and Museum has become a source of pride for the residents. It was built from local timber and was dedicated for church use in 1930. The building now houses a museum and exhibits items of historical interest as well as traveling art exhibits. There is a framed map that shows the state of Oregon and the Washington Territory, which was printed around 1880. The museum also houses a 48-star flag that was used at the church before Alaska and Hawaii became states. There are also many other interesting items, such as books and artworks donated by local residents, which commemorate Yachats and the surrounding area. Anyone who is intrigued by history and heritage should definitely visit the Little Log Church and Museum at 328 West 3rd Street in Yachats. For more information, call (541) 547-3976.

www.ci.yachats.or.us/Little%20Log%20Church.htm

# 43 Take a Hike Along the Yachats 804 Trail

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Apr 122018

Take an easy hike along the coastline on the historic Yachats 804 Trail and view expansive ocean vistas beginning at Smelt Sands State Wayside south to the Yachats River. There are benches and picnic tables along the trail, so pack a snack and enjoy a sunset or watch the waves crash on the rocks. Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine forest, oceanfront meadows, riparian wetland areas and a small pebble beach can all be found along the trail. The Yachats State Recreation Area, located at the west end of 2nd Street in downtown Yachats, offers an excellent view of Cape Perpetua, the big mouth of the little Yachats River and the beautiful Yachats bay. The park includes a viewing platform for tidepools and other sea life, including gray whales during their migration period, as well as a grassy picnic area. Portions of the trail are wheelchair accessible. Pick up a copy of the Yachats Trails brochure at the Yachats Chamber of Commerce, located at 241 Hwy.101, or call (541) 547-3530 for more information.

www.yachats.org

# 44 Cross a Covered Bridge

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Apr 112018

(photo by Ken Gagne)

Enjoy a beautiful drive off the beaten path to the North Fork Yachats Covered Bridge. The covered bridge was built in 1938. It was the last covered bridge constructed by veteran bridge builder, Otis Hamer. The Yachats Covered
Bridge is one of the shortest in Oregon, measuring only 42 feet in length. It was rebuilt and rededicated in December of 1989. Though the bridge is open to vehicles, it is closed to large RVs and trucks. The weight limit is 15 tons.

www.yachats.org/historic.html

# 45 Enjoy a Fungi Feast at the Mushroom Fest

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Apr 102018

Enjoy wild forest mushroom cuisine, expert-led mushroom walks, talks and exhibits, culinary and fungi arts workshops, culinary mushroom markets, wine tasting, and live entertainment at the Annual Yachats Village Mushroom Fest, held each October. This scrumptious and informative three-day festival has something for everyone. Friday night kicks off with the famous Fungi Feast featuring wild forest mushroom cuisine. There are usually five or six courses featuring multiple offerings – all hitting the heights of gourmet cuisine – showcasing the talents of local restaurant chefs. Mushroom lovers will find all the information, equipment and hands-on experience that they could ever hope for in their quest to uncover, cook and consume that perfect mushroom.

For more information, call (800) 929-0477.

www.yachats.org

# 46 Go Camping at Cummins Creek

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Apr 092018

Cummins Creek Wilderness Area is a 9,100-acre spot that features the only remaining old-growth Sitka spruce forest on the Oregon coast. While heavily forested, the area still offers stunning views, scenery and wildlife. The Cummins Creek Wilderness Area ranges in elevation from 100 to 2,400 feet above sea level. The dramatic elevation changes allow the area to show off many different kinds of vegetation and animal life. Camping allows for longer stays and more exploration. The 6.5 mile long Cummins Ridge Trail bisects the wilderness, and is the only trail in the wilderness area. It passes through magnificent stands of western hemlock, Sitka spruce and Douglas fir. In the spring and summer, the wilderness area springs forth with the color of rhododendron, elderberry, salmonberry, salal and thousands of wildflowers. The Cummins Creek Wilderness Area is located in the Siuslaw National Forest just north of Florence off Hwy 101. For more information, call (541) 750-7000.

www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw