The sweeping vista of the Pacific Coast viewed from Klamath Overlook in Redwood National Park is absolutely stunning. On a clear day you can see the Klamath River flowing into the ocean, the long sand spit at its mouth, and the spectacular coastline to the south. Along the south bank of the river you can see the remains of an old wagon road that ran from Arcata to Crescent City … [Read more...]
#15 – Crescent City Area Beaches
When you are in the Crescent City area, visiting the beautiful beaches is a must. Del Norte County boasts some real gems. Just south of Crescent City lies Enderts Beach. From Hwy 101 drive south on Enderts Beach Rd to an overlook some 500 feet above the sandy beach. This secluded paradise is just what the doctor ordered for collecting yourself and clearing your head. Crescent … [Read more...]
#21 – The Wild & Scenic Smith River
The Smith River waterway is the northernmost of California’s major rivers. Its mouth is about 5 miles south of the Oregon border and 10 miles north of Crescent City. It is the largest free-flowing river in the state, producing the largest steelhead and Chinook salmon. The untamed nature of this river, without a single dam along its entire length, makes it especially prized … [Read more...]
#25 – Chetco River
To see the rugged and wild side of nature, take a trip along the 55-mile long Chetco River. The upper 45 miles of the river, from its headwaters to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary, has been given the federal designation of wild and scenic river, with the last 9.5 miles from Eagle Creek a recreational segment. In the summer, visitors love to go fishing, … [Read more...]
#29 – Harris Beach & Chetco Point Park
Brookings is home to several beautiful beaches. Take an afternoon to explore them, picnic or walk the adjacent trails. Some of these beaches boast a treasure trove of shells and stones, while others provide a glimpse into marine life through tide pools. Camping accommodations can also be found. Harris Beach State Park, on the north side of Brookings, has an exceptional rocky … [Read more...]
#31 – Alfred A. Loeb State Park
Need to relax? Love the outdoors? Alfred A. Loeb State Park combines secluded relaxation with the natural wonders of Southern Oregon. The crisp fragrance of myrtlewood is the prevailing scent in the air; the park is nestled in groves of these marvelous 200-year-old trees. Just beyond the park, the Chetco River rushes toward the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the time of year, the … [Read more...]
#33 – Arch Rock
Positioned roughly halfway between Gold Beach and Brookings, Arch Rock is the most well-known and easily viewed of the wave-cut natural arches and “bridges” in the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor. The squat, flat-topped formation is about 500 feet offshore and lies next to another small island. Extending to the north are a series of sea stacks that make up Mack’s Reef, a part … [Read more...]
#34 – Natural Bridges & Thunder Rock Cove
Take the turnoff at milepost 346 to visit Natural Bridges, one of the most popular viewpoints in the entire scenic corridor. A wooden viewing platform, easily reached by a short trail from the parking area, overlooks a wave-cut natural bridge rock formation where you can watch the surf crash through the arches. Lesser trails branch off and descend more steeply to afford closer … [Read more...]
#35 – Whaleshead Beach
At a mile in length, and crossed by three streams, Whaleshead Beach is the longest stretch of open, sandy beach in the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor. The beach takes its name from Whaleshead Island, a large rock just offshore that shoots a water spout into the air when waves hit it at a certain angle. The beach is easily accessible from a parking lot at the milepost 349.1 … [Read more...]
#36 – Lone Ranch Beach
Located at the southern end of the spectacular 11-mile long Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor, Lone Ranch Beach is comprised of sandy beach, rocks, and close-in offshore sea stacks. At low tide, easily accessible tide pools form amid the rocks, providing the perfect opportunity for children (and grown-ups!) to safely explore these fascinating, miniature marine habitats. The area … [Read more...]
#37 – Glass Float Treasure Hunting
February through April is Treasure Hunting Season in Gold Beach! Each year thousands of colorful glass floats are “hidden” on the beach for visitors to find. Every week the floats are placed above the high surf line on the beach from just south of Kissing Rock wayside to a little north of the Rogue River north jetty (approximately 3 miles of beach). During the week of … [Read more...]
#41 – Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor
Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor offers gorgeous panoramic vistas. There are two parking areas that provide direct access to the overlooks. The first of them sits 200 feet above sea level and offers a view that can extend over 40 miles north. Mt. Humbug is a dominant part of this remarkable vista. The view to the south is even more amazing, spanning out for more than 50 … [Read more...]
#42 – Pistol River State Park
Pistol River State Park was the site of a fierce battle in the Rogue River Indian Wars of the 1850s, but today is known primarily for its beauty, its flora and fauna and the many recreational opportunities it offers. The Pistol River carves its way past fantastic rock formations, between towering sand dunes and finally into the ocean. It has repeatedly changed its course, and … [Read more...]
#43 – Pistol River Wave Bash
Every June some of the world’s best windsurfers come to Gold Beach for a high-powered tournament known as the Pistol River Wave Bash, a major event on the American Windsurfing Tour (AWT). It’s held in the surf off Meyers Beach in Pistol River State Park, just south of Gold Beach. The naturally occurring combination of wind and surf here make this area one of the world’s premier … [Read more...]
#48 – Cape Blanco State Park
Cape Blanco is located about 9 miles north of Port Orford along a mountainous stretch of Oregon coastline. Jutting out a mile and a half into the Pacific, it is a large and fairly level promontory about 200 feet above sea level, with white, chalky cliffs that face the ocean (hence its name) and jagged, rocky formations extending from its northern end. The Sixes River flows into … [Read more...]
#48 – Agness Lodging
The only way to truly experience the backcountry east of Gold Beach is to spend some time with the locals: eat, sleep, shop, see the sights and get your feet wet. Follow the Rogue River from the rugged Pacific Coast along what is called Jerry’s Flat Rd. inland to the little town called Agness and take a step back in time. Your 35-mile sojourn from the coast will take you … [Read more...]
#51 – Port Orford Heads State Park & Battle Rock Park
Port Orford Heads State Park is a beautiful expanse of coastal land running along the western edge of Port Orford, and Battle Rock Park another, running along the town’s southeastern shore. Both are rich in natural beauty, recreational opportunities sand historical significance. Port Orford Heads State Park has excellent hiking trails on the headlands affording dramatic views … [Read more...]
#52 – Humbug Mountain State Park
Rising majestically from the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean about 6 miles south of Port Orford, Humbug Mountain is a massive headland visible from miles away, both to the north and the south. Heavily forested (much of it old growth) and offering a variety of scenic hiking trails, it is the centerpiece of Humbug Mountain State Park and the tallest mountain directly on the … [Read more...]
#54 – Grayback Campground
Escape the hustle of modern life with a stay at Grayback Campground. Located 12 miles east of Cave Junction on Hwy 46 (Caves Hwy), Grayback offers 39 campsites (tent-sites) with picnic tables and fire pits, available on a first come, first served basis. Drinking water, vault toilets, garbage disposal and a campground host are available. There is a one-mile interpretive loop … [Read more...]
#58 – Illinois River Forks State Park
If you need a break from driving, or just some respite from the daily grind, check out one of the delightful picnic areas here where the east and west forks of the Illinois River meet. Stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. Keep your eyes peeled and explore the unique geological features and beautiful plant and animal life. There are many fantastic fishing holes and spots … [Read more...]
#83 – Lost Creek Lake & Marina
When looking for a fun time out on the water, there is no need to look any further than Lost Creek Lake and Marina. Lost Creek Lake is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, and with 3,430 acres of surface area it is the largest lake in the area. The lake is a popular wakeboarding and jetskiing area, and with sturdy afternoon winds it is a popular sailing, windsurfing and … [Read more...]
#86 – Avenue of the Boulders
The Avenue of the Boulders is located on Mill Creek Drive, the scenic road that parallels Hwy 62 into the quaint town of Prospect. At this location the Rouge River drops some 75 feet and creates truly spectacular water scenery as the water flows down and around these magnificent boulders. The Avenue can be viewed directly from the Mill Creek Drive Bridge where it crosses the … [Read more...]
#88 – Natural Bridge & Lava Tubes, Natural Bridge Falls
One of nature’s many wonders is found at the Natural Bridge. The mighty Wild & Scenic Rogue River disappears into a hole in volcanic rock, and emerges some 200 feet downstream. Your visit to the Natural Bridge provides unique opportunities for observing and interpreting one of this area’s most fascinating features. It’s hard to believe your eyes when you stand above the … [Read more...]
#89 – Rogue River Gorge Trail
See and hear the powerful, gushing waters of the Wild & Scenic Rogue River as it courses through a narrow channel – as little as 10 feet in places – of basalt lava at this breathtaking, awe-inspiring sight. The Rogue River Gorge, across Hwy 62 from Union Creek Resort, features cascading waterfalls at the head of the gorge and churning, rushing waters through ancient lava … [Read more...]
#90 – Crater Lake National Park
On a trip to Crater Lake, Oregon’s only National Park, you will be transported into a magical wonderland with an explosive volcanic past. The deep blue lake is surrounded by sheer cliffs almost 2,000 ft. high. Take a boat tour over the surface of this marvelous lake, or hike the rim of the gigantic crater that holds the water. There are trails that meander through the park’s … [Read more...]
#97 – Emigrant Lake
For a day of fun in the sun, head out to Emigrant Lake. With 1467 acres and 12 miles of lake frontage, this popular destination offers a ton of recreational activities. Take your pick of RV or tent camping, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, playing on the playground, or sliding down the exhilarating, 280-foot twin flume water slide … [Read more...]