Oregon Travel Council | Page 46

CENTRAL COAST F E A T U R E D A T T R A C T I O N S • AGATE BEACH STATE RECREATION SITE offers two parks and two campgrounds. Visit this no-fee state park for clamming and surfing. A tunnel leading from Newport attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center provides access to the beach area. CUMMINS CREEK WILDERNESS AREA ANKENY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Created to provide much needed protected habitat for Dusky Canada Geese, this 2,800-acre wetland and riparian forest also gives visitors an opportunity to observe and photograph wildlife from April 1st to September 30th. Many miles of hiking trails and boardwalks with interpretive signs bring visitors closer to the wildlife taking refuge in the area and offer educational information. BEACHSIDE STATE RECREATION AREA Centrally located to many nearby activities off Highway 101, this comfortable campground offers full hook-up, tent, and yurt sites at affordable prices. Just north of Yachats and south of Waldport, visitors will find plenty of recreational activities along the beach as well as nearby lighthouses, aquarium and science centers to tour. BEVERLY BEACH STATE PARK Colorful kites dot the sky, surfers catch waves and kids treasure hunt for fossils along the beach. All are great reasons to pitch a tent or for RV enthusiasts, hook-up to one of the full electrical and water sites. If just passing by, stop and stretch your legs at the shaded picnic area and children’s playground. This popular beach destination is located off Highway 101 near Newport. BOILER BAY STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT Tidepools, surfing, birding, and a shipwreck can all be experienced at this no-fee central coast park along Highway 101. BOLON ISLAND TIDEWAYS For a peaceful hiking and birding experience, visit Bolon Island Tideways, a state park off Highway 101 near Reedsport. CAPE PERPETUA SCENIC AREA Twenty-six miles of hiking, scenic vistas, tidepools, and beach welcomes travelers along Highway 101. The nearby visitors center lends opportunity for an educational experience, nature theater, and interactive children’s corner. CARL G. WASHBURNE MEMORIAL STATE PARK This campground is located on the east side of Highway 101. For whale watching, birding, and beachcombing, campers can use the trail leading under the highway to the day-use beach. Another trail also leads to the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse where visitors can take guided tours in the early summer months. COTTAGE GROVE LAKE This three-mile long lake is about five miles south of Cottage Grove. It 44 48 This designated wilderness area is south of Florence and features the Sitka Spruce Forest. The Cummins Ridge Trail is the only trail in the area and is 6.5 miles long. DARLINGTONIA STATE NATURAL SITE An 18-acre botanical park dedicated to protecting the Darlingtonia Californica, also called the cobra lily. There is a boardwalk and picnic area in the park. DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL STATE NATURAL AREA Popular for surfing, this park is also a great place for whale watching, tidepools and hiking. It is eight miles north of Newport on Highway 101. DEXTER STATE RECREATION SITE This state site allows for great access onto the western edge of Dexter Reservoir as well as an 18-hole disk golf course and park. DORENA RESERVOIR East of Cottage Grove, this is a great place to fish for trout, bass, and catfish as well as boat, swim, sail, and water ski. DRIFT CREEK WILDERNESS AREA This nearly 6,000-acre wilderness area in the Siuslaw National Forest offers 8.5 miles of hiking trails. Wildlife includes black bear and elk. DRIFTWOOD BEACH STATE RECREATION SITE Great for finding beach treasures and watching sunsets, this site off Highway 101 near Waldport offers access to a wide sandy beach and picnic area. FALL CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA The facilities of this popular day-use area includes two campgrounds, boat ramps, and a picnic area. Fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife viewing, and nature programs are just some of the activities available to visitors. The area is located 27 miles southeast of Eugene. FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR Located on the Long Tom River 15 miles northwest of Eugene, this reservoir is ideal for fishing, boating, water skiing, and wildlife viewing in the extensive wetland habitat. GOLDEN AND SILVER FALLS STATE NATURAL AREA This hidden gem is tucked away in the plush forest about 24 miles off of Highway 101. Hiking trails take guests through the forest to each of the falls which plunge 100 feet over the rocky cliffs. OREGON TRAVEL AND RECREATION GUIDE