Laninga's Travel Blog

Our first stay on the coast was in Florence. It is near the Oregon Sand Dunes, as well as the mid Oregon coast. Also close by are the sea lion caves, Heceta Head lighthouse, and Cape Perpetua. And, not to forget, the Spouting Horn.

The Oregon Dunes is the largest body of sand in the US, almost 47 miles long and 2 1/2 wide. It is both a natural preservation area and a much used recreation area for dune buggies. We learned that hiking in sand is not as easy as on dry land!

The Heceta Head Lighthouse was built in 1894 and is still in use today. The light is visible from 24 mikes out at sea, making it the most visible lighthouse on the west coast. It is a favorite subject of photographers.

Cape Perpetua is a prominent hill, with some of the best coastal views in Oregon. In 1933 the CCC built an observatory here to watch for enemy ships. It was quite a hike from sea level to it’s 800 foot observation point! Nearby is Devils Churn, Thor’s Well, and Spouting Horn .. all quite a sight when the tide is in.

Heceta Head lighthouse

Romola on the beach neat Heceta Head

Farm market in Eugene

More farm market in Eugene

Beautiful purple colors

Darlingtonia California, an insect eating plant

Cape Perpetua, quite a climb to the top!

Looking south from Cape Pepetua

Observatory on Cape Perpetua

Looking north from Cape Perpetua

Romola at the observatory

Spouting Horn

Sand buggies on a climb

Motorcycle vs. sand buggy

Distan view of Heceta Head lighthouse