Publisher: Joe Warren
Marketing: Gary Winterholler
Editorial: Tony Reed, Associate Editor
Design/Pagination: Jody Craig
Cover photo: Tony Reed
Midcoast Wave is an annual publication. For more information about Midcoast Wave please visit us online at thesiuslawnews.com. All other photos used in this issue are from community contributors, Tony Reed, Jeanna Petersen and Amanda Boulware.
Stop by or give us a call to advertise in our Spring 2026 issue!
Oregon's Coastal Playground
No
Florence Oregon, home to the Siuslaw River Bridge, Historic Old Town, native rhododendrons and welcoming folks with big hearts. Come for adventure and stay for world-class entertainment, award-winning views and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for coastal fun!
Expedia has named Florence first in “The 30 Most Beautiful Towns in America;” readers of The Oregonian voted Florence “People’s Choice” for best Oregon Coast Getaway and USA Today’s 10Best.com named Florence the second best northwest small town. Plus, Portland Business Journal ranked Florence as one of “Oregon’s Coolest Coastal Towns” and 10Best.com showcased the town as one of America’s “Best Small Towns for Adventure.”
Visit Florence City Hall or ci.florence.or.us for more information.
Keep an eye out for blooming rhododendrons every spring. Residents take pride in the beautiful “rhodies” which are inspiration behind the city’s annual Rhododendron Festival, held in May. It’s the third oldest flower festival on the West Coast, and the reason Florence is known as the City of Rhododendrons.
“Oregon’s Coastal Playground” also has another name, “Florence — A City in Motion.” Its public agencies, organizations, volunteers, businesses and residents stay aware and involved to make sure Florence remains an amazing place to live.
The heart of Florence is Historic Old Town, a stretch of beautiful buildings showcasing local shops, restaurants, artists and scenery all year long in a community that began in the late 1800s.
From a few key points off Bay Street, one can find amazing views of the Siuslaw River Bridge. This historic bridge spans the Siuslaw River, which joins the Pacific Ocean just beyond the bridge, and the history of the coast. Commissioned in 1934 and completed in 1936, the art deco structure links the architecture of the historic buildings in Old Town with the people who make Florence, “Oregon’s Premiere Coastal Community.” Many would be surprised to know it’s also a working drawbridge that opens in the center to allow tall boats to pass through.
Many of the popular establishments in Old Town have preserved their architecture from the early 1900s. Several historic buildings are marked with signs explaining their heritage and connection to local history.
In view of the bridge, Waterfront Depot Restaurant was actually once the Mapleton Train Depot and was transported to its site on Bay Street. Another historic location on Bay Street, is the Kyle Building, built in 1901 as the first mercantile here. It has housed several popular restaurants in its history.
On Maple Street, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is in the renovated 1905 schoolhouse, later known as the Callison Building.
Also on Maple Street are the Johnson House, No. 216; the David House, No. 232; the Masonic Lodge, No. 184; and the old Electric Company, now The Chicken Coop at No. 129.
Farther up Maple Street, No. 168 was a boarding house in 1910 and now houses a vintage store, Thrifty Threads. River Roasters, at 1240 Bay St., also occupies an older building. Located in a converted garage and outboard motor repair shop formerly called Bill’s Garage, the coffee shop offers an excellent view of the Siuslaw River Bridge along with outside seating, local art, seasonal gifts,
fresh pastries, gourmet teas and espresso roasted in-house.
Mo’s Restaurant, for tasty treats, delightful drinks and a local gallery of rotating artists.
Be sure to explore the streets just off Bay Street as well. This area includes the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center at 290 Highway 101, salons, restaurants and more.
Back near the Siuslaw River Bridge take a moment to view the Veterans Memorial Park near the intersection of Bay and Kingwood streets along the Siuslaw River. The park is dedicated to U.S. armed forces and is the site of the annual Memorial Day observance ceremony. On Nov. 11, the annual Veterans Day Parade shows gratitude for the service and sacrifice of both active duty service members and veterans.
Right next door is the Florence Farmers Market, open from May to October on Tuesday afternoons. Visit www.FlorenceFarmersMarket.org for more information on local vendors, seasonal produce and ways to get involved.
The Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Site is a gathering spot with paths, tables, benches and signs that explain the area’s history, geology and landscape.
The site also offers spectacular views of the historic bridge.
Gazebo Park, also called Old Town Park, also overlooks the bridge and offers picnic space, cool shade and shelter from the rain. By summer 2026, a brand-new Gazebo should be in place and ready for photo opportunities.
In Old Town, art lives and breathes in the many shops and galleries, including Backstreet Gallery, a coop of more than 20 Florence artists, at 1421 Bay St., and the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, which offers classes in various media for all artists as well as a gallery at its Art Center, 120 Maple St.
Looking for a pop of color? What about a soothing view? Public art pieces are appearing all over town. Florence’s Public Art Committee is continuing to bring public art into the spotlight. Look for the Art Exposed Public Art Gallery on Bay Street, as well as the “Stitching Time, Weaving Cultures” mural on Highway 126 by
Marino Heidel Studios.
Other murals are located around town — in Historic Old Town, on Highway 101 and at Siuslaw Middle School.
Another is in the works with Lovejoy’s Restaurant & Tea Room and artist F. Michael Wood.
There are also sculptures at the Siuslaw Public Library, Florence Justice
Center, Florence Senior Center, Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Site and more.
Even more special are the 14 life-size Dancing Sea Lions on public display throughout the area.
Dancing With Sea Lions began in 2016. Find more information and photos at www.dancingwithsealions.art
January
New Year’s Day
Winter Music Festival
February
FEC Indoor Yard Sale
March
Rotary Auction Fraudville
Home & Garden Show
Community Job Fair
PTA Talent Show
April
Early Rhody Flower Show
Community Health Fair
May
Oregon Dunes Triathlon
Rhododendron Festival
Rhody Flower Show
June
Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Siuslaw Awards
Mapleton & Siuslaw
High School Graduations
Fore Kids Golf Classic
Kiwanis Golf Scramble
Last Resort Players June Show
July
4th of July Celebration
Power of Florence
Van Fans Ice Cream Social
City of Florence Block Party
*Some events may have been changed or canceled.
August
Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club Banquet
Florence Police Department
National Night Out
Siuslaw Open Golf Tournament
September
Habitat for Humanity Beach Walk
Classic Car Show
Florence Festival of Books
October
Library demARTS
KCST Great Pumpkin Giveaway
Scare-CROW Haunted Maze
Okto-Fur-Fest/Weiner Dog Races
November
Veterans Day Parade
Food Share Pounding
Kiwanis Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Last Resort Players Fall Show
December
Holiday Tree Lighting
OCMM Festival of Trees
Empty Bowls for Florence Food Share
Holly Jolly Follies
Holiday Arts Festival
Peace Harbor Light Up A Life
Soroptimist Christmas Basket - Food Giveaway
Florence Nativity Festival
Elks Christmas Dinner
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Traveling the Oregon coast constitutes a vacation in itself, with many “must see” coastal landmarks just off Highway 101, a designated National Scenic Byway. All the following attractions are accessible from this route.
Beach and dune rides are the specialty of C&M Stables, located eight miles north of Florence. C&M has been offering coastal horseback riding adventures since 1981. Rides are from one to four hours, depending on the package, and will accommodate between two and 13 riders (www.oregon horsebackriding.com).
An iconic Oregon coast tourist destination since 1932, Sea Lion Caves, 11 miles north of Florence, draws upwards of 150,000 visitors annually to view one of the largest sea grottos in the world, home to the only known winter rookery of Stellar sea lions, as well as California sea lions. Take the elevator down 208 feet to view the cave and its colony of sea lions.
Sea Lion Caves’ gift shop offers an extensive range of mementos, gifts and snacks. There also is a whale watching deck just below the gift shop that provides a 20-mile view out into the Pacific, perfect for spotting migrating grey whales.
Located five miles north of Florence, just off Mercer Lake Road, the 18-acre Darlingtonia State Natural Site is the only state park in Oregon dedicated to the preservation of a single plant species, the rare Darlingtonia californica, a carnivorous plant, also called the cobra lily. It traps insects in its tubular, cobra-shaped hood and digests them to supplement the low
nitrogen soil of the bogs in which it grows. A well-maintained boardwalk allows for accessible viewing.
Perched on the tip of Heceta Head, 13 miles north of Florence, Heceta Head Lighthouse is a working lighthouse that was built in 1894. The 56-foot-tall landmark stands 205 feet above sea level. The “first order” Fresnel lens beam can be seen up to 24 miles offshore. It is the brightest light on the Oregon coast and is rumored to be the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S. Near the lighthouse is the old assistant lighthouse keeper’s house, which has been turned into an award-winning bed and breakfast (www.hecetalighthouse.com).
There are few places on earth that can match the pristine natural beauty of the central Oregon coast. Join Aero Legends Biplane Rides on the adventure of a lifetime and strap yourself into a beautifully restored classic open-cockpit Stearman biplane. Several popular tours are available or you can choose where you want to fly. Visit www.aerolegends.com for more info.
Florence is home to talented acting troupes and skilled performers.
The Last Resort Players theater company performs dramas and comedies seasonally at the FEC. Find current season information at www. lastresortplayers.com.
It’s About Time Productions performs several shows throughout the year, including dinner murder mysteries. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/IATProd.
CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) hosts workshops and classes for youth and adults at its building, 3120 Highway 101 in Florence.
Come see the cast of 60 children, ages 3 to 21, perform charming versions of popular musicals and fairy tales. A full contingent of volunteers teaches students to sing, dance and act and work on and off stage.
Find current season information and year-round activities at crowkids.com.
For more adult entertainment, Florence is also home to drag queens Fanny Rugburn and Ana Khonda, who perform throughout Oregon.
At the Florence Events Center (FEC), 715 Quince St., there is “Always Something Happening.”
This gorgeous facility features 21,000 square feet of space, a nearly 8,000 sq. ft. dividable flat floor, a 450-seat state-of-the-art performance hall, conference rooms, on-site catering, and a staff that works extra hard to create a memorable event for four to 400 people.
Annual events keep audiences returning to the FEC, such as the Florence Festival of Books in September, juried art shows in Galleries One and Five and jazz and music festivals. Local performing groups, like Community Chorus of Florence, hold concerts throughout the year.
Visit online at eventcenter.org or call 541-997-1994.
Three Rivers Casino Resort, located at 5647 Highway 126, offers a wide range of entertainment and amenities. Guests can enjoy table games, slot machines, and live music featuring a variety of genres, including performances by local bands. The resort also features five dining options, a Sportsbook, RV parking, a full-service hotel, and the 18-hole Ocean Dunes Golf Links course.
The Florence Wiener Dog Races are back — and the racers are ready to run. Spectators should get ready for the eighth annual Okto-FurFest race event, once again inside the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St.
The Petersen Family, Florence Oregon Chamber of Commerce and Florence Events Center will host this fundraising event.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m., join the community for family fun. Tickets are available at the door for $8 per person.
The Wiener Dog Races feature multiple heats for each Dachshund age group.
Call Jeanna Petersen at 541-999-6077 for dachshund racing registration information. We look forward to a great event.
Historic Old Town — With 124 sites along the river, a gazebo, Wi-Fi, restrooms and showers, on-site laundry, cable TV and full hookups, the port’s campground is a highly appealing spot located a short walk from Historic Old Town in Florence.
Memorial
3 miles — This park, the second largest overnight campground in the state, is known for its unique campsites, wide-open space for picnics and play, access to local lakes and dunes, dozens of trails, as well as a fishing dock, boat ramp and boat rentals.
4 miles — Located off Rhododendron Drive within the City of Florence, this campground has ocean views and river access. Follow the main road to the North Jetty beach area, which is popular with hikers, surfers, whale watchers and divers.
8 miles — Centered between the lake of its namesake and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the Siltcoos area has its own river, ocean access and three campgrounds.
13 miles — This campground includes a lake that reaches miles inland to trails, campgrounds and breathtaking viewpoints perfect for birdwatching.
18 miles — Located beside Highway 126 among Douglas fir, spruce and huckleberry, Archie Knowles Campground is open from April to October each year. It offers nine RV sites with restrooms and drinking water available. Knowles Creek flows gently beside the campground.
21 miles — The trail is a self-guided tour through a bit of history of the area. It takes you on a discovery of the North Fork Trail, which later became the Mapleton Hill Road.
25 miles — This trail follows the cascading waters of Sweet Creek. Hikers will encounter 11 waterfalls in all, each framed by mossy rocks and ferns and under a canopy of Douglas fir, alder and big leaf maple. This trail consists of four segments ranging from .1 to 1.1 miles.
27 miles — This campground is open May to September. It offers river access and some amenities.
28 miles — PAWN is a 4,000-foot trail loop named for four families that were very important in the establishment of the post office on the upper part of the North Fork Siuslaw River in the early 1900s.
5 miles — Perched along Sutton Lake, the campgrounds and a day-use area offer multiple creeks and miles of trails to explore.
7 miles — This campground, which skirts a small lake, is open year-round with sites for tents, trailers and RVs.
8 miles — This beach is a popular place for hikers, birdwatchers and horseback riders who want to explore the coastal area.
12 miles — A popular beach with trails to the lighthouse, Heceta Head State Scenic Area is one of the most visited and photographed landmarks on the West Coast.
14 miles — A fully equipped campground with spaces for RVs and tents, Washburne State Park has amenities such as showers, cooking pits and electrical access, all within easy access of the beach.
19 miles — Visitors cross smooth, black stones to reach a perfect expanse of beach.
22 miles — The park encompasses four waysides along Highway 101, including Strawberry Hill and Bob Creek, which offer perfect day-at-the-beach access.
23 miles — Trails wind through miles of old-growth forest with breathtaking ocean views, plus campgrounds and an interpretive center.
The Siuslaw region offers fresh produce, foraged finer y and local seafood — both in its award-winning restaurants and local marketplaces.
Food diversity abounds in Florence. Discover everything from surf-n-turf to authentic Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Mexican, to Northwest and global fusion. Most restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as
gourmet wines and local brews.
The area is also rich in agrarian offerings, from seasonal berries to foraged mushrooms and local produce. Several tours are offered year-round to tour area gardens and to learn about nature’s bounty.
Local foods grow in the area, with tasty blueberries from Clear Lake Blueberry Farm, fresh-caught seafood from Novelli’s Crab & Seafood, Krab Kettle and even
some breweries producing batches of beer, like Homegrown Public House & Brewery and Jerry’s Place, Home of What’cha Brewing.
Enjoy the benefits of local organic products at the Florence Farmers Market. Visit FlorenceFarmersMarket.org for information on the seasonal Market, open Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. from May to October.
88940 Hwy 101, Florence (541) 997-3021
U.S. 101 Florence, OR (541) 997-5973
1790 Highway 101, Florence 458-253-9788 www.DragonsBreathPottery.com
Florence Church Of Christ
Pre-Denominational (Romans 16:16)
1833 Tamarack Street
(2 blocks east of Hwy. 101 on 18th St.) 541-997-3133
Worship: Sunday 11 a.m. www.churchofchristflorence.org
New Life Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A.
21st & Spruce Street – 997-8113
Worship service: Sun. 10:30am
Welcome to all! www.florencenewlifelutheran.org Facebook.com/NEWLIFELUTHERANFLORENCE/
Notes:
St. Mary's, Our Lady of the Dunes
Catholic Church
Father Amir Irudayaraj 85060 S. Hwy 101, 1.7 Miles South of Siuslaw Bridge Mass Times: Saturday Vigil 5:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM Tues., Weds., & Friday 9:00 AM
Confession: 9:30 AM Friday, 4:30 PM Saturday and by Appt. Office Hours 9:00-3:00 Tues - Friday 541-997-2312
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Welcomes You
Sundays at 10:00 am and Wednesdays at 11:00 am
Labyrinth & Garden 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Daily 541-997-6600 - 2135 19th St
The Florence area offers a bountiful harvest of seafood and activities for the outdoor enthusiast. The Siuslaw River is famous for its fall runs of Chinook and Coho salmon, as well as winter steelhead. Clamming on the beaches and mud flats during minus low tides and crabbing off the public docks is fun and bountiful. The many lakes surrounding Florence teem with trout, bass and other excellent pan fish. If you’re into seafood, you’ve definitely come to the right place.
Dungeness crab, arguably the finest tasting crabmeat in the world, is a favorite among Florence residents and visitors. Crabbing is a popular family activity here and many of our local stores stock crabbing gear. Crabbing is allowed (with a license) off most of the Port of Siuslaw docks, right in Old Town. Another excellent spot is off the public crabbing dock south of Florence near the end of South Jetty Road.
An annual shellfish license for Oregon residents, which is good for crabbing and clamming, is $10. A three-day license is $19. Either one will pay for itself with the first legal crab you catch. Anyone over the age of 12 must have a license. The limit is 12 legal male crab per person. No female crab may be taken.
The best time to crab is between one hour before to one hour after high or low tide. Gently pull up the slack on the crab line until it feels taught, then quickly pull the crab ring up. If crab feel movement within the net, they will scatter. Closed traps are the best, as they allow the smaller ones to escape while keeping in the larger ones.
There are essentially two types of clamming in the Florence area — bay clamming and beach clamming.
Razor clams may be found along stretches of beach north of town. Bay clams include cockle, gaper and softshell. The daily limit is a total of 20, of which 12 may be gaper or geoduck clams.
The best location for bay clamming in Florence is the wide, flat areas of the Siuslaw River and North Fork, east of town along Highway 126. You will need a shovel, a bucket, a shellfish license and a
good low tide. Razor clams are more challenging and scarce, but definitely worth the effort. They are one of the most prized of all clams because of their sweet, tender meat. Unlike bay clams, razor clams can dig down into the sand at a surprisingly fast rate when pursued. The razor clam digger must be quick and determined to catch the limit of 15 clams.
For razor clams, you will need a special shovel, or clam gun, a container for clams, a shellfish license and a good minus tide with fair weather. It is best to check with one of the local outdoor stores for advice on where and when to go after razor clams. And always be alert for sneaker waves.
In Oregon, you must have a license to fish or to harvest any shellfish. Check with local sporting goods stores to determine which kind of license you will need.
Each fall, beginning around the middle of August and running through the middle or end of November, the Siuslaw River turns into an angler’s paradise. Chinook salmon, some weighing 30, 40 and even 50 pounds, return to their spawning grounds after spending from three to five years in the ocean. Coho salmon, their smaller cousins, also return in large numbers. Fishermen come from far and wide to tr y their luck at catching one or more of these prized sports fish.
You don’t have to be an expert to catch salmon; luck is always part of any good fisherman’s tackle.
But you can improve your odds by hiring one of the area’s experienced professional fishing guides. You can also get plenty of free advice at places like True Value Hardware and The Sportsman. Both sell fishing and crabbing licenses as well.
Winter Steelhead fishing begins later in the winter and runs through April. Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that return like salmon to spawn in the same stream they were hatched. Unlike salmon, Steelhead often return to the ocean after spawning. Many fishermen consider the Steelhead to be the premier fighting fish of the Northwest.
With the Pacific Ocean, as well as many lakes and rivers in and near Florence, water-related activities are as much a part of the local scene as Historic Old Town. In fact, neighboring Bay Street is the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk and campground, right on the Siuslaw River. The river, named for the Siuslaw Indians, is an active part of coastal culture. For information on the restoration of the Siuslaw, visit Siuslaw Watershed Council at Siuslaw.org.
Fishing and crabbing are the principal boating activities around the Florence area, but water skiing on Woahink and Mercer lakes are also popular, as well as sightseeing. Most lakes have easily accessible public boat launch areas. The Siuslaw River has several boat launch ramps between Florence and Mapleton. There also is a launch location along the Siuslaw River North Fork tributary.
The many other lakes near Florence offer additional paddling opportunities for bird watching, fishing and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Florence has a reputation as one of the best paddle destinations on the Oregon coast, if not the entire state. Both the Siuslaw and Siltcoos rivers have designated paddle routes.
The 30-mile Siuslaw Water Trail extends up both the Siuslaw and North Fork rivers, as well as circumnavigating Cox Island. Launching from Florence’s Old Town, the trail consists of several separate routes to allow for trips of any duration. For more information, visit siuslawwatertrail.com.
Siltcoos River offers an extraordinary paddling adventure along a three-mile journey from Siltcoos Lake to the Pacific Ocean. Launching at the boat ramp on
Siltcoos Lake, the narrow, meandering river will take you under Highway 101, over a kayak portage ramp next to a small dam, along intimate beaches and forested hillsides and finally out to the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean, just in time for a picnic lunch on a nearly deserted sandy beach.
For hardy souls willing to brave the elements, the Siuslaw River and area beaches offer the chance to surf — wetsuit recommended, since the ocean temperature ranges from 49 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Some local surfers like to hit the waves between the north and south jetties, where waves travel into the Siuslaw River.
Windsurfers will find optimal conditions most of the time. Rivers and lakes, especially the ones near the ocean, are known for consistent winds for much of the summer season. The Pacific Ocean near Florence also has steady winds that build in strength in the afternoon.
Windsurfers can catch a ride almost any day on the Siuslaw River. The more adventurous also can jump waves while windsurfing off the gently sloping beach behind the South Jetty. Take South Jetty Road all the way to the end to discover some great ocean windsurfing.
Kite surfers will also find exciting and challenging conditions along our many local beaches.
From Heceta Head to Coos Bay, from sea level to as high as 500 feet, the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area offers a wealth of recreation for everyone — from those who enjoy a quiet hike or horseback ride and the possible sighting of wildlife to those who enjoy an action-packed adventure on two or four wheels.
Florence provides the northernmost access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area, a beautiful expanse rich in biodiversity and options for recreation. The dunes stretch for 31,566 acres within the Siuslaw National Forest and is administered by the U.S. Forest Service. It is so visually striking that it inspired author Frank Herbert to research and write the famous science fiction novel “Dune” in 1965, as well as the subsequent series.
People can experience the dunes themselves every day and in every weather. Feel the wind in your hair as you soar down the dunes on a sandrail or grab a friend and take on the sand yourself on a dirt bike or all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also known as a quad. There are few marked trails, so check in with local sand-related agencies and let people know where you plan to go before heading into the area. Just 10 miles south of Florence, the Oregon Dunes Overlook offers breathtaking views of the dunes and the ocean, as well as guided tours by rangers. A three-
mile roundtrip trail through the dunes to the beach gives hikers the opportunity to explore every aspect of this unique landscape.
Wheelchair accessible sites, such as Lagoon or Taylor Dune Trail and Oregon Dunes Day Use, open the wonders of the dunes to all visitors.
In 2014, the Siuslaw National Forest convened a group of stakeholders concerned about the threat to the dunes ecosystem and recreational opportunities due to the rapid spread of invasive species. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative has since developed a strategy for how to restore the dunes. In 2018, in an effort to raise public awareness, the group released this strategy as a coffee-table book along with a digital version at www. SaveOregonDunes.org.
Eight miles south of Florence, the Siltcoos Recreation Area offers several campgrounds with OHV staging areas and direct access to the dunes.
Dune lovers who prefer motorized entertainment descend upon “The Hill” and the other popular off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding areas off South Jetty Road,
less than a mile south of the Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence.
For sand adventurers who prefer someone else do the driving, both Sandland Adventures and Sand Dunes Frontier offer rides on OHVs that seat as few as four — or as many as 34 — riders.
Both are located south of Florence along Highway 101. For more information, visit www.sandland.com or www.sanddunesfrontier.com.
Long sandy beaches stretch for miles in either direction from the mouth of the Siuslaw River. There are many pullouts and parking spots along South Jetty Road. A short hike up and over the dunes will reward you with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and un-crowded miles of beachcombing.
On the north side of the mouth of the Siuslaw River, the wide, flat beach extends all the way north to Heceta Head. Around Florence, sandy areas beyond the dunes, such as Heceta Beach at the north edge of town and the North Jetty to the west, offer opportunities for a lazy day of beachcombing, surfing, hiking and kite flying with easy access to parking.
The North Jetty Parking lot will be closed until August for repaving and other upgrades. Stay Tuned.
Florence is at the entryway to the Oregon Dunes Recreational Area and the Siuslaw National Forest, which inspire the brave to take a leap into the world of sandboarding, riding ATVs and exploring nature at its finest.
Rent recreational vehicles through Torex ATV Rentals, Sand Dunes Frontier or Sandland Adventures, which also offer group dune buggy tours through the scenic dunes. Visit Sand Master Park, the world’s first sandboard park, for lessons on sandboarding and to rent boards.
A hike in the dunes can provide glimpses into protected wildlife areas and the fragile ecosystem of the dunes. Groups are working to preserve the dunes by removing invasive species and beach grass to keep the dunes flowing free. Several trail heads and day use areas provide access to the dunes, including ADA-accessible locations.
From gentle walks on the beach to moderate hikes to the 370-mile Oregon Coast Bike Route, Florence is a launching point to your explorations on the Oregon coast. Where will your next adventure take you?
About eight miles north of Florence is Baker Beach, a popular place for hikers who want to explore sand and beach in areas less traveled by the tourists. Birdwatchers and horseback riders also enjoy this beach for all it has to offer. At its northernmost point, the sand abruptly gives way to the rocks at the base of Heceta Head.
People are welcome to take their favorite furry friend on an adventure on the dunes or beach, but must remember to keep an eye out for protected wildlife species and other recreationists. Bring a leash and clean-up bags — and don’t forget drinking water for you and your pet.
In addition to being the world’s first sandboard park, Sand Master Park is home to the best rides, equipment and sandboarding instructors in the world. During the summer, the park also hosts "Circles in the Sand" beach labyrinth event. The park is located at 4981 Highway 101, in Florence. For more information, call 541-9976006 or visit www.sandmasterpark.com
