One of the most beautiful and relaxing tourist spots in the United States, coastal Oregon remains one of the undiscovered treasures of the great Northwest. Oregon coast vacations offer activities to suit a multitude of vacation needs. Over 300 miles of the coast of Oregon has been officially declared a recreation national park by the federal government. Oregon coast lodging and Oregon coast vacation rentals are available for every type of recreation and budget concerns. Whether salmon fishing on the coast of Oregon, deep-sea fishing for halibut off the Oregon coast, swimming in the Oregon Crater Lake, horse-back riding on the Oregon Coast, camping on the Oregon coast, or checking out the famous Oregon sand dunes, no vacation to the Oregon coast is ever boring!
Things to Do on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon coast offers many entertainment options at almost every conceivable budget. For the “landlubber” vacationers, the Central Oregon coast offers hiking, horseback riding, camping along the Oregon coast, Oregon coast golf courses, and riding though the Oregon Coast Dunes. For those looking for an aquatic adventure, the Oregon coast offers world-class fly-fishing, salmon fishing, white-water rafting, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing. Enjoy the intensity of the salmon runs on the Oregon Rogue River and white-water rafting down the Umpqua River. Fish for halibut off the coast of Oregon, or enjoy the wildlife in an Oregon State Park. The Oregon coast also offers many other types of deep-sea fishing, including tuna fishing, salt-water salmon fishing, and crabbing. Bird watching is also a popular pastime in some of the National and State Parks, especially around the Oregon sand dunes. The diversity of the landscape provides sanctuary to many varieties of rare and endangered birds. Many seasonal festivals and celebrations are offered throughout the year. For example, the annual Dune Fest takes place during the first week of August and features many types of ATV racing and showmanship. The annual Dune Fest offers both day entertainment and evening concert schedules. The festival caters to all ages and genders. Check the local calendar events before your trip and enjoy the local color.
Oregon Whale Watching
Oregon whale watching can be one of the highlights of any Oregon vacation. Grey whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales migrate though the Oregon coastal waters during the early winter months. Sometimes, the watchful vacationer can catch a glimpse of these beautiful and elusive animals. Watch for the spray caused by air expelling from the whale’s blowhole, or watch for the rare breech where the whale leaps out the water headfirst. Oregon whale watching can be done from the shore or can be experienced on a boat in the open water. An experienced guide can often direct you to likely spots and increase your chances of viewing whales. Whale watching can also provide you with the opportunity of view other types of aquatic wildlife that you wouldn’t often have the chance to see. Check the Internet for the local guides and marine wildlife tours offered by locals on the Oregon coast.
Oregon Crater Lake
Crater Lake is located east of Roseburg and is famous for its twenty foot-cliffs and deep crystal blue water. Crater Lake is six miles wide and was formed by the eruption and subsequent collapse of Mt. Mazama approximately seven thousand years ago. Boat tours and lake guides are available to travel out onto the lake during the summer months. Crater lake is surrounded by an extensive amount of hiking trails and rock formations suitable for climbing. Although Crater Lake is over seven thousand years old it was “officially” discovered by white settlers in 1853. The three men who discovered it were prospecting for gold along the Oregon coast. Crater Lake was officially named a National Park by Teddy Roosevelt in 1902. Thousands of vacationers flock to Crater Lake annually to enjoy its natural splendor.
Oregon Coast Beaches
With over 350 miles of coastline, Oregon lays claim to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the United States. Fringed by the rainforests, the Oregon coast sand dunes, and the plethora of lakes, rivers, and streams, the Oregon coastline offers a unique juxtaposition of natural splendor. Oregon coast weather is more temperate than other locations in Oregon. Some beaches never drop below freezing even during the cold winter months. Many beaches along the Oregon coast offer camping or RV accommodations. Oregon has many beaches adorned with beautiful lighthouses. Oregon coast lighthouses are some of the most well known in the United States. The most famous lighthouse on the Oregon coast is called the Umpqua River Lighthouse and is located on the Umpqua River just six miles from Reedsport. Known for its red revolving light, the lighthouse is one of the most recognizable manmade landmarks in Oregon. No Oregon vacation is complete without a tour of the beautiful Oregon coast lighthouses.