After a rigorous term, the Oregon and Northern California coasts offer a nearby getaway for students looking for release. The coastline provides a range of activities, from camping and hiking to dune buggying, horseback riding, scuba diving and surfing.
University senior Michael Bendixen said Port Orford, Hubbard’s Creek and Otter Rock are some
of the popular local spots for surfing. He said Agate Beach even boasts a tribal surf shack built by local surfers.
Windsurfing is also popular, and at the south coast of Oregon, Floras Lake offers windsurfing, boating and camping.
“It’s also a good place
to kiteboard,” Lane Community College student Ryan Nerseth said. “You can
rent everything from there, and they can
teach you.”
There are also many scuba diving sites along the coast. One of the more popular places is Florence, known for its jetties. Florence also offers dune buggying, hiking, camping and horseback riding on the beach. Old Town Florence is a nearby place to eat seafood and check out local art and culture.
A few hours south is Gold Beach. With several camp sites, Gold Beach has fishing, hiking and windsurfing. The Rogue River pours into the ocean at Gold Beach, so be sure to check out rafting and jet boat excursions. Like many other coastal towns, there is an assortment of seafood restaurants and gift shops featuring local artwork as well as the famous salt water taffy.
Travelers can also hike and do some beach combing on the Oregon Coast. According to Outdoor Program Trip Facilities Manager Ed Fredette, Cape Perpetua is known for its tide pools, as well as archaeological and historical sites and hiking spots.
The Northern California coast, known for its beaches, is also famous for its towering redwoods.
“The hikes through the enormous old-growth redwoods, moss hanging down like beards and the amazing greenery everywhere makes you feel like you are in a rainforest,” Outdoor Program trip initiator advocate Aleta Raphael-Brock said. She said the redwoods are her favorite camping spot and recommended a swimming hole in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park.
Also on the Northern California coast is the “lost coast.” According to phototraveler.com, the rugged coast is only reachable by a few long and winding roads.
Nerseth said the roads are very hard to find, even though some of them are on the map. Get fuel and food before trekking to the beach, as supplies are scarce. Day trips are a possibility as is backpacking.
Many cities on the coast also boast other activities such as crab feeds or seafood and wine festivals. Be sure to check the newspaper or Internet for details.
Hotels and lodging are available along most of the coast as well as many state and private campgrounds.
“The Northern California and Oregon Coast are not like Southern California with warm beaches and surfing,” Nerseth said. “It is about exploring and finding your own things to do, your own beaches and spots.”