As many of you have read, Mama Nomad’s parents came in the middle of December and we had many places on the agenda to visit. The first one was Multnomah Falls. Then, a few days later, we decided to take a drive up the Pacific Coast Byway.
We headed through the mountain passes to the west of Eugene, Oregon until we hit the coast at Siuslaw. Our objective was to drive for a few hours up the coast to show them what the Pacific Northwest Coastline looked like. At Siuslaw, we turned north on State Highway 101. After driving for a while, we pulled over after ascending hundreds of feet. It gave us a great view up and down the coast.
We continued on until we saw a larger place to pull off. We once again jumped out. Low and behold, we pulled over at an overlook that allowed a great view of the Haceta Head Lighthouse. While we were enjoying the view, we heard a barking sound. Nope. Not dogs. Sea Lions. There were sea lions playing in the water as well as a large grouping of them on the beach. We also thought we heard their barks in echoes. So we figured there were caves below us. After soaking in the lighthouse, the cliffs and the barking sea lions, we were on our way again.
We continued northbound on State Highway 101 until we came to the Devil’s Churn. This is a place that started as a small fracture in the rock on an inlet. And, over time, it got larger. When high tide was in, the water was supposed to come in, churn and crash and sound like thunder to fireworks. We, however, were there during a rather calm time. So, no churning today. On up the road we went.
Next we came to the seaside town of Yachats, pronounced ya-hahts, with a population of about 700 people. We were looking for the Smelt Sands State Park. Not entirely sure where it was, we just began driving down the coastal city roads. After we got into the heart of the little town, we saw an arrow pointing towards the coast that led us to the Smelt Sands State Park. Within a few minutes we were there. I believe this park was named after the smelt (relatives of salmon) that run here annually.
The sand was of a darker color and there were large rocks and tide pools everywhere. The water came into the rock crevices, crashed, boomed and shot water into the air. The force of nature and the dichotomy of fluid water crashing against hard and immovable rock was quite a beautiful show to see. Word of caution, people have died in this area for not respecting the power of these waves, especially the sneaker waves (ones that “sneak” up on you). Be mindful as you near the water around these rocks.
Once we had our fill of the Smelt Sands State Park, we continued even further northward until we hit the City of Newport. The Nomads visited this city when we arrived in Oregon. Mama Nomad liked it enough that she wanted to bring her parents to see it as well. Where did we go? Where else? We went to the Historic Bayfront to see, none other than the sea lions. And, boy oh boy..they did not disappoint. They were a humorous show to watch indeed. After enjoying the sea lions, we went to a nearby coffee shop, grabbed a cup each, sat in the waterfront dining area and enjoyed the view of the Newport Bridge.
After our cup of Joe was finished, we packed up and decided to head back to home base. It was a long day full of many different scenes and things to take in. If you are ever in Oregon, I do suggest that you take a few hours and spend it driving up or down, as the case may be, the State Highway 101 and take in the Oregon Coastal Views. Safe Travels.
UPDATE
We rarely return to the same place twice and it is unheard of for us to return thrice. But, Noah’s girlfriend, Lizzie, came to visit and she had never been to the Pacific Ocean. Since we had such positive experiences (thank you Sea Lions), we returned back to Newport.
When we returned, we did the traditional things like see the sea lions and visit the shops in the Bayfront District. Then, we headed to the beach (since the Bayfront District is in the harbor and not directly on the ocean). We went to the same beach we visited previously. It is called Nye Beach. There is public parking and easy access to the beach. The beach is very wide and sandy.
We did one thing different this time. The boys created Sand Skiing. One boy holds the waist of the other and the other one takes off running. It is hilarious to watch. Lizzie even got in on the fun.
This return trip will be our 3rd and final. Thank you Newport. Safe Travels.
