Hit the Beach!
Beach treasures abound on the Oregon Coast at any of the beach accesses: north and south jetties, Heceta Beach, Sutton Creek, Siltcoos dunes access and several miles north at Devil´s Elbow, Washburne Park and Muriel Ponsler Wayside or the gravel bar at Big Creek.  Head to the beach during low tides and minus tides, especially when they come early in the morning.  You will have beat the other treasure hunters and as an extra bonus, the wind is often calmest in the morning.   Many interesting shells can also be found in tide pools and just underneath a layer of sand.

Before Visiting the Beach Click Here!

  

Hiking and Biking

Sutton Trail Station 
Access from Sutton or Alder Dune Campgrounds. Several miles north of Florence. 6 mi. of trails to dunes, beaches and vistas.

Sutton Creek Trail
3 mi. north of Florence on the west side of Hwy 101. At least 5 mi. of assorted (mostly flat) trails.

Kentucky Falls Trail 
The trail is two miles, one way, along Kentucky Creek, and travels through some luscious old-growth forest to three spectacular waterfalls, each over 80 feet high. A rather difficult hike with steep and narrow sections.  Watch children closely. Check with the local ranger district for a map and directions to this trail, it is somewhat difficult to find, but the trail, falls and beautiful drive are worth it.  541-268-4473

Mapleton Hill Pioneer Trail 
once known as the North Fork Trail, this trail offers a colorful history, making it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs along the 3500-foot easy to moderate hike. One mile east of Florence on Hwy 126 to North Fork Road (5070), then 14.3 miles northeast and make a right turn at Minerva. 541-268-4473

Waxmyrtle Trail
7  miles south of Florence. Access from trailhead at Siltcoos Beach Road. 1.5 miles long of ocean & estuary views.

Taylor Dunes Trail
Trailhead at Carter Lake Campground turnoff, west side of Hwy 101 7.5 miles south of Florence 1/2 mile trail to great views of dunes & ocean

Threemile Lake Trail
Located 14 miles south of Florence on the west side of the highway, this very scenic trail is about a seven mile round trip and considered of "Medium" difficulty. Hike across dunes for a good summer swim.

Tahkenitch Creek Trail
Access on west side of Hwy 101 11 miles south of Florence 3 separate loops of 1.5, 2.5 & 4 miles Through dunes, forests, marshes, meadows, creek & wildlife

Carter Dunes Trail 
Access as above (Taylor Dunes). 1.5 mi. trail. Leads through abundant wildlife to the beach.


Oregon Parks Web Links

 

Lane County

http://www.co.lane.or.us/Parks/

 

Oregon State

http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml

 

Honeyman State Park - Florence

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_134.php

 

Siuslaw National Forest Recreation

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/recreation/

 

Siuslaw National Forest

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/







Surf Fishing
The most common catch is perch and striped bass and can be caught year round. Fish from shore or the jetties using a medium to light spinning or bait casting setup. Sand shrimp works well for surf fishing, but you might want to try clam necks or tube worms as well. Rig with weight on bottom of line and two hooks about 18 inches apart and 18 inches above weight. Cast this rig out and wait. Yachats, about 10 miles north, is one of the few places where sea-run smelt come into spawn on the basalt beaches between March and September.


Crabbing

Crabbing is an easy, relaxing way to pass a few hours and meet new friends on the crab docks.  You can rent the necessary items at many local bait shops.  You'll need crab rings, crab bait and a crab gauge to be sure your crab is a minimum of 5 ¾ inches in measure across the back and front of the points. Only male crabs may be kept and all females (with short, wide sternums) must be thrown back, as well as soft-shelled crabs. The best time for crabbing is an hour before or after high tide. Crabbing starts in the early spring and is best in August and September.  Crab at the downtown dock or at the south jetty.  If you just can't wait for your ring to fill...try a crab dinner at the many local restaurants.


Clamming

Bring your shovel and your pail and go hunting for clams. A $6.50 license is required. Non-residents may purchase a $9.00 3 day license, or a $16.50 annual license.  You must also follow the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.  Any license dealer will provide you with a free booklet of the requirements. At low tide, dig six to sixteen inches under the tidal flats in the estuary area north and south of the North Fork Bridge on highway 126. Look for the oblong holes left where the clams have retracted their necks and dig carefully beside the hole to avoid breaking their shell. Each clammer must dig his own and have his own bucket.

Tide Tables

http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/weather/tides/tides.html