Posted by Rohn B. McKee on January 20, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Looking for some location ideas along the coast of Oregon, and in the interior. I'm traveling from Idaho in a truck. Interested in wildlife refuges, ocean environments, colorful boat docks, light houses. Thanks in advance. I'm traveling in February.
It all depends on how much time you have, and how far you are willing to drive, Rohn. A timeframe would make it much easier to suggest locations for your trip.
I know the coast much better than I know anything East of the Cascades, so I will offer a few suggestions there. If I had to pick only one place to go that has all of your above requirements, I'd go to Bandon. It has one of the best beaches in the state, a lighthouse, a small, but fairly photogenic harbor, and plenty of nearby sea life. There are also a ton of other places within a short drive from Bandon than might be of interest to you.
Another possibility, if you weren't going that far south, would be the area between Cannon Beach and maybe Pacific City. It's quite a bit more spread out, but there is a lot to see that is all pretty accessible.
I like to use Google Earth to scout out locations by viewing the photos that other people have posted on Panoramio. It helps to visualize the lay of the land and can be used for general directions, dining and camping options, and many other things. It's a great resource.
I hope this helps.
Posted by Ray Still on January 21, 2009 at 12:20 AM
+1 for Bandon. Again depends on time my In-laws live in Florence. I'm in Seattle. I usually hit Strawberry hill, Depoe Bay, Haceta Head, and the light house at Newport. For wildlife may wanna check out the Elk refuge just outside of Reedsport and Devils Churn there are a lot of awesome hiking trails on the non beach side of 101
Not sure what part of Idaho you're coming from, but the Malheur refuge south of Burns, OR may be worth checking into. The Tundra Swans should be showing up in Feb.
http://www.fws.gov/malheur/
You can stay in Burns, or at the Field Station at the refuge (if you really like rodents), or at the Frenchglen hotel:
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_3.php
-which puts you pretty close to Steens Mtn. If you have the time Steens is worth the trip. And if you go to Steens - heck, you're right next to the Alvord Desert! I think this is called 'trip bloat'.
Discussion
3 repliesI know the coast much better than I know anything East of the Cascades, so I will offer a few suggestions there. If I had to pick only one place to go that has all of your above requirements, I'd go to Bandon. It has one of the best beaches in the state, a lighthouse, a small, but fairly photogenic harbor, and plenty of nearby sea life. There are also a ton of other places within a short drive from Bandon than might be of interest to you.
Another possibility, if you weren't going that far south, would be the area between Cannon Beach and maybe Pacific City. It's quite a bit more spread out, but there is a lot to see that is all pretty accessible.
I like to use Google Earth to scout out locations by viewing the photos that other people have posted on Panoramio. It helps to visualize the lay of the land and can be used for general directions, dining and camping options, and many other things. It's a great resource.
I hope this helps.
Ray Still
http://www.fws.gov/malheur/
You can stay in Burns, or at the Field Station at the refuge (if you really like rodents), or at the Frenchglen hotel:
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_3.php
-which puts you pretty close to Steens Mtn. If you have the time Steens is worth the trip. And if you go to Steens - heck, you're right next to the Alvord Desert!