The road less traveled is always a grand one, full of nooks and crannies that most visitors just don’t get to see. Find out where the really good stuff is on the Central-Southern Oregon Coast.
Waldport
This is an under-the-radar coastal town that doesn’t put on airs, just a deep connection to their fishing roots. There are no fancy restaurants or boutique shops here; that is not to say the shopping is not unique in the Old Town area. This is also where you can rent a boat and try your hand at crabbing or clamming at the Port of Alsea to catch your own dinner. Known as one of the most pristine bodies of water on the Oregon Coast, its clean and tasty clams are legendary.
One place often overlooked is the picturesque arches of Alsea Bay that welcome you to Waldport. If you happen to be here on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, you’re in luck, because Pacific Sourdough Handcrafted Specialty Bread retail store is open, but only until December 24th! They will close for the season and not reopen until February 3rd. Arguably the best artisan bread in the region, they offer sandwiches and sweet treats in addition to fine loaves of sourdough goodness.
If you prefer a simple hike, venture through the woodsy coastal habitat on the 1.6-mile out-and-back Woodland Trail. During the drier months, find your rejuvenation out on the water in a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe along the Lint Slough Water Trail – a small area of backwater off the Alsea River estuary. You can find rental equipment info at the port or interpretive center. Or if it is a guided experience you crave, custom excursions are offered by Captain Clameron. He will show you some favorite spots for fishing, crabbing and clamming, mushroom hunting, and even fossil digging along the coast.
Hike and Bike in Yachats
The gem of the Oregon coast to many, Yachats is about 1.5 hours by car north on the 101 from Coos Bay. At Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve you’ll find the highest viewpoint on all of the Oregon Coast. Iconic hiking and biking trails that are thankfully sparse with people most of the year include Amana Trail or Cummins Ridge Trail. Thor’s Well is another amazing spot that gets very little attention given the magnificence of this natural ocean blowhole.
Before you head out of town, pick up the best fish ‘n chips on the Oregon coast (as deemed by the locals) at Luna Sea Fish House, or coffee at Green Salmon.
An Epic (but short) Road Trip
Oregon’s Highway 101, which hugs the coastline for most of the way, is an amazing way to see the coast. But consider the road less traveled and take the 41-mile Charleston to Bandon Tour Route. Bandon’s Beach Loop Drive or Ocean View Drive in Brookings is as scenic as it gets. A longer drive is Seven Devils Road, which connects Coos Bay to Bandon. The beautiful wooded mountains are less traveled and often more relaxing. Along the way, pick up a cup of chowder at Miller’s at the Cove in Charleston and eat it at Bastendorff Beach before hitting the trails at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Just be aware – Seven Devils gets its name from being very windy, so if car sickness is an issue, you’ve been warned.