Two hikers heading down to Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast

Sand, Sea, Waterfalls: Get Coasting

From the coast to the waterfalls, Southern Oregon is a road-trip-ready adventure. The rugged and enchanting coastline from Brookings to Florence has a bevy of adventures. Hike to inspiring overlooks, and explore miles of wide-open sand dunes that inspired Frank Herbert’s Dune. Wet your whistle with some wine tasting in Oregon’s small, unique wine destinations, and top it all off with a drive through the aptly named Highway of Waterfalls. Your next road trip awaits!

Week: 12.15.2021
Regions: Northern & Southern CA

Can You Keep a Secret?

Hike to Secret Beach and Visit Natural Bridges on the Oregon Coast

Two hikers making their way down to Secret Beach on the Southern Oregon Coast
Natural Bridges on the Oregon Coast
Two friends walking together on the sand at Secret Beach
Two people sitting on the beach overlooking the estuary and ocean at Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast
The Southern Oregon Coast's Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor between Gold Beach and Brookings has so many sights to see, it’s hard to know where to spend your time. We like this trio of suggestions because you can do them as a three-in-a-row jackpot of coastal wonders.
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The Cape Escape

Hike Cape Sebastian to Hunters Cove on the Oregon Coast

Hikers on Cape Sebastian Coastal Trail on the Oregon Coast near Gold Beach
Hikers enjoying the wide open beach of Hunters Cove that you hike into on the Cape Sebastian Trail on the Oregon Coast
This hike on Cape Sebastian brings together several of the Oregon Coast’s best features: mossy green forests, tremendous coastline views, marine mammals, and a wide-open secluded beach that’s hike-in only.
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Surreal Sandscape

Hike to the Biggest Dunes at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Hiker at Taylor Dunes in Oregon Dunes Recreation Area
It’s a stunning landscape that inspired the sci-fi classic Dune (and hence its recent blockbuster adaptation), but no special effects are needed to enhance the scenery of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This 42 miles of sand, forest, rivers, and lakes is both ethereal and surreal.
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Small Town, Big Appeal

Wine taste in Elkton along the Umpqua River Scenic Byway in Southern Oregon

Two women wine tasting in Elkton, Oregon at Rivers Edge Winery
Brandborg Winery in Elkton, Oregon on the Umpqua River Scenice Byway
Overlooking the Umpqua River and tucked in among coastal mountains, Elkton may be small, but it’s big on charm, history, and wine. It’s one of the newest AVAs in Oregon.
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Take the Plunge

Hike to Waterfalls Along the Southern Oregon Highway of Waterfalls

Two women looking up at Watson Falls, Southwest Oregon's highest waterfall
Watson Falls on the Highway of Waterfalls in Southern Oregon
How can you take a road trip through Southern Oregon and not hit the Highway of Waterfalls? This stretch of Highway 138 east of Roseburg along the Umqua River is a watery marvel that’s terrific year-round. Winter sees fewer people, making it an ideal time to visit.
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  1. Bear Hug

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    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

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  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

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    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

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  4. Bucks Up!

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