Oregon Coastal Loop Trip

On our way to the coast we stopped in the town of Medford to take a guided tour of the Harry and David Factory.

We watched the truffles roll off the assembly line and saw how they make and package Moose Munch and chocolate covered cherries. They advertise free samples, however the tour costs $5.00.

First Morning on Coast at Brookings, Oregon

Breakfast at Mattie's Pancake and Omelette was a thing of beauty and a joy to eat. We couldn't resist taking a picture of it.

All the off shore rocks and islands are part
of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

This is a sight we had not seen before, a Cranberry Bog, about 12 miles south of Bandon.

At Darlingtonia State Natural Area we took a boardwalk trail to view these carnivorous plants. The Darlingtonia plant lure their victims with nectar, trapping them under the hood.

Sea Lion Caves, a privately run company, is just north of Florence. We were suspicious that it might be a "tourist trap", but we were pleasantly surprised.

Many Stellar sea lions and birds, make the cave and rock ledges their home.

An elevator carries you down 208 feet into the world's largest sea cave. From there we enjoyed watching the sea lions and nesting birds.

The Pigeon Guillemots were fun to watch. They spend most of their life out to sea, but were in the cave to nest and raise their young.

In Newport we visited the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center. Newport is also home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This world class facility is one of the nation's top ten aquariums.

The sea aviary was our favorite exhibit. We were able to see many of the sea birds we had seen in the wild up close. Puffin, Oyster Catcher, Common Murres, and Auklet.

Devil's Punch Bowl

Oregon Dunes at Cape Kiwanda

Sunset at Cape Meares

Off Shore Rock at Oceanside

We couldn't visit the Oregon Coast if we didn't stop in Tillamook to tour the Tillamook Cheese factory.

A Hike to Beach Waterfall, Hug Point State Park

Old Stagecoach Road at Hug Point State Park