Oregon Travel Council | Page 47

Miles and miles of flat beach is a great place for beachcombing, wildlife watching and windsurfing. It’s located just outside of Waldport on Highway 101. HECETA HEAD STATE PARK AND LIGHTHOUSE STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT The state park is located near the mouth of Cape Creek and has a picnic area. From there, visitors can take the short trail that leads to the lightc off-road adventure or quiet, peaceful hikes where guests can observe various plant, bird, and animal habitats as well as access beach, lake, and camping areas. JASPER STATE RECREATIONAL SITE This park off Highway 58 is a great place for large picnics, family reunions, or corporate events. With plenty of space for your group activities, guests can also look forward to fishing along the river or hiking the wooded trails. JESSIE M HONEYMAN MEMORI AL STATE PARK Just outside of Florence on Highway 101, this is one of the two largest state campgrounds in Oregon with both tent and full hook-up RV sites as well as yurts and cabins. Amenities include showers, meeting halls, and restrooms. Guests will find plenty to enjoy such as fishing, swimming, exploring the lake by canoe, historic buildings, nature programs, and dunes. LOST CREEK STATE RECREATION SITE This no fee day-use park is ideal for beachcombing and whale watching. It is seven miles south of Newport and Highway 101. home of the Yaquina Bay in Newport, this attraction is perfect for a family day of adventure. OREGON DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA This majestic and unique landscape is a habitat for rivers, wetlands, and forests. It provides visitors the opportunity for fast-paced exciting off-road adventure or quiet, peaceful hikes where guests can observe various plant, bird, and animal habitats as well as access beach, lake, and camping areas. OTTER CREST STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT This Highway 101 site is a perfect place for viewing Cape Foulweather and Devil’s Punchbowl. There is a privately owned gift shop near the viewpoint. ROCK CREEK STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT This park sits upon a forested bluff with amazing view of the ocean. Whale watchers can catch sight of migrating and resident gray whales and birders will be pleased with the many nesting birds. SARAH HELMICK STATE RECREATIONAL SITE This no fee park is off Highway 99 near Monmouth. It is along the floodplain of the Luckiamute River and nestled in the forest. Visitors can stop for a picnic, stretch their legs on the trail, and take the opportunity to view the wildlife. SEA LION CAVES Discovered in 1880 by William Cox, this is the world’s largest sea cave, housing nearly 200 Stellar Sea Lions at any given time. The cave is located approximately 11 miles north of Florence along Highway 101. Elevator access into the cave makes it possible for visitors to view the natural habitat of these amazing creatures. There is a fee for admission and some walking to and from the visitors' center to reach the viewpoints. MURIEL O. PONSLER MEMORIAL STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT SEAL ROCK STATE RECREATION SITE Sixteen miles north of Florence on Highway 101 is this day-use park. It features five miles of sand and with China Creek on the south edge of the park. Visitors can view seals, sea lions, and birds on the rock formations just off-shore from this day-use park. There is also a sandy beach, tidepools, and a nice picnic area. MURIEL O. PONSLER MEMORIAL STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT SILTCOOS LAKE Sixteen miles north of Florence on Highway 101 is this day-use park. It features five miles of sand and with China Creek on the south edge of the park. NEPTUNE STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT Watch for birds, whales, and sea lions along the beach and ocean line or if treasure hunting is more your style, dig for agates or explore the tidepools. This scenic area is located along Highway 101 just three miles south of Yachats. Well known for its freshwater fishing, this is the largest lake on the Oregon coast. An annual stringer tournament is held each May on Memorial Day weekend. There are several water sport activities available and visitors have several options for lodging along the shore and in nearby Florence. SMELT SANDS STATE RECREATIONAL SITE On Highway 101 in Yachats, this viewpoint is known for its yearly smelt run but is also an excellent location for whale watching and photography. ONA BEACH STATE PARK SOUTH BEACH STATE PARK Just south of Newport on Highway 101, this easy access day-use are is great for beachcombing and large picnic gatherings. Fishing, boating, crabbing, and recently added,kayaking tours are popular activities amongst guests visiting this state park. Camping sites as well as pet-friendly yurts are available for rent. Access this site off highway 101 just two miles south of Newport. OREGON COAST AQUARIUM Let the aquarium bring sea life and habitats to life with an eye to eye view of jellyfish, sea otters, harbor seals, and much more. Making its WWW.OREGONTRAVELCOUNCIL.COM REGION 2: CENTRAL COAST REGION 2: CENTRAL COAST GOVERNOR PATTERSON MEMORIAL STATE RECREATION SITE STONEFIELD BEACH STATE RECREATION SITE 45