Oregon Pacific Highway

START:  Coos Bay, OR    TODAY:      072 Miles
END:     St. Paul , OR      TOTAL:   4,907  Miles

Although sorry to leave Sunset Bay State Park, after only a short drive we were once again treated to a cliff-top view of the Oregon coast.  Seeing and hearing the waves crash over the huge slabs of rock was a wonderful way to start the day.  

We stood at Shoreacres, once the home of Captain Asa Meade Simpson, who came west for the gold rush in 1888 then made his fortune as the founder of West Coast Lumber.  Although mesmerized by the waves crashing on the ragged coastline, we tore ourselves away so we could walk through the botanical gardens on the lands donated to the state.  

Highway 101 ran a mile inland from the coast for a 40 mile stretch from Coos Bay to Florence where the Oregon Dunes replace the rocks – it is the largest expanse of sand dunes in North America.    

                              

                                      Realizing the importance of the fishing industry in this area, we felt it important to support the local economy.  Our grilled oysters were huge and the halibut and crab melt sandwiches were excellent.  We walked the marina area and shopped for fresh fruit at the farmers’ market before leaving.  

We had been told to take the time to see the sea lion caves a few miles north of Florence so we took the opportunity to experience the ocean views once again.

An elevator that took us down 200 ft. to the caves to get a good look at the sea lions in their natural habitat where the ocean waves slapped at the rocks. Just north of Florence was Hecta Head Lighthouse (1894)

We drove through several coastal towns before reaching Lincoln City where we turned away from the coast we have enjoyed so much, and headed east toward Salem.

Champoeg State Park was another beautiful, serene park.  After dinner three mule deer crept through the cover of the high grass and we held our breath as we watched them.