May 2 – 9, 2023
Along Highway 101 and crossing the California border, we caught glimpses of the Pacific Coastline in Oregon. We traveled up the coast for a week and saw many beautiful sights we wanted to share. So, we broke our visit into two blog posts.
The days were foggy, so it gave every scene a mystic feel. However, some of the photos were grayer than usual.
During our research of Highway 101, I assumed that 101 followed all along the coastline. However, it meandered in and out of the National Forests and along the shores. So, for a few miles, you ride along the coast, and then the road takes you into a deep forest of towering pines, majestic furs, and charming houses.
Cautionary Signs Along the Way
Riding along the Pacific Coastline you see these warning signs.
Our first campsite in Oregon was in the Siskiyou National Forest, Quosatana Campground, which is north of Gold Beach off Jerry Flat Road.
At this time of the year, quiet and solitude are obtainable. Besides us, only one camper and the camp host, Kevin, took advantage of this tranquility amongst the trees.
Our campsite afforded us a pleasant stay. It was next to a river and had a boat ramp. Occasionally, fishermen drove by and launched their boats for the day. Our campsite was tucked into the trees to create a cozy environment but still had enough sunlight for the solar panels to generate power. And the spot was just near enough to the restrooms to be convenient.
One of the first things Mike and I check out when we get to a campsite with restrooms is to check them out. These were nice despite the sign outside the women’s restroom. “Please be aware bats may be in the restroom. Don’t touch or disturb them.” No problem! They leave me alone, and I’ll leave them alone. However, I didn’t see any. (I was secretly hoping to see some.)
The river behind our campground.
Mike’s spot to relax and watch the river was an old metal chair beside a rock firepit.
An old, downed log was an excellent spot to watch the fish jump, and the birds glide.
The pets enjoyed this campground too!
Sarj found a spot to dig a hole.
He is so proud of his work! Notice what the yellow arrow is pointing to.
Kevin, our camp host, was an impressive bank of information about the area – the trees and plants, Native Americans, and the first settlers.
Kevin told Mike he could burn downed branches in the campground
We wondered what kind of tree it was or if it was a group of trees. Kevin informed us that Oregon Myrtle is the adopted name for a California laurel that grows in Oregon. It is an evergreen that is native to Southwestern Oregon and Northwestern California.
Although landscapers trim these trees down to one trunk, in the wild, they are usually multi-trunked. Cut stumps, windfalls, and nurse logs support new growth. Shoots from the stump of Oregon Myrtles, or seeds from the trees, sprout regrowth, which helps regenerate the species in the wild. And they have a robust taproot system.
It may take 80 to 120 years to reach full height. At 1 to 12 inches per year, the trees slowly increase to 60 to 120 feet.
When Mike lit the downed branches on fire, the leaves ignited, popped, and burned quickly like firecrackers. All parts of the tree, especially the leaves, contain a volatile oil. We researched and found that the aroma has cooling, irritating, germicidal, and insecticidal qualities and can cause headaches. Although the odor emitted was strong, we liked the smell. It wasn’t strong enough to cause a headache for us.
Native Americans used it as a medicine to treat various ailments, including headaches, and they smoked out varmints that carried insects. The trees also produce edible seeds inside leathery skin.
Next day – We were driving further up Highway 101 for a day of exploration.
There are several pullouts along the coast highway. Most articles suggest you drive from the north to the south when researching this drive. It is easier to go in and out of the pullouts. Mike had no trouble going in and out from the right side to the left. We made sure no cars were coming when we pulled out.
The beaches here have a lot of driftwood pushed in from various storms.
We walked on the beaches with coarse, charcoal-gray sand dotted with pebbles.
One of our stops off Highway 101 is Cape Blanco State Park.
On the most western section of the Oregon Coast, this state park includes the lighthouse and a campground with trails, scenic views, and the Hughes House. The Hughes House is a restored Victorian mansion of dairy farmers Patrick and Jane Hughes.
These settlers arrived at Cape Blanco around the Civil War. They made their home raising seven children in this ruggedly beautiful spot. The Hughes were able to ship their butter long distances by ocean-going vessels.
Unfortunately, we were there when tours to the lighthouse and the Hughes House were unavailable, but the views were spectacular.
The afternoon faded as we drove up the highway; however, the sunlight still danced off the sea.
We stopped at one more place that evening.
Port Orford was a lifeboat station. The U.S. Coast Guard established the port 1934 to rescue people from wrecked vessels.
Propeller of the Cottoneva – a 180-foot steamer.
Art Deco design on entrance pylons.