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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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Damme Good Camping

    Just a few miles south of the town of Mendocino is one of the best hike-in (or bike-in) campgrounds on the California coast. Van Damme State Park follows Little River inland from the ocean, and the nine first-come, first-served environmental campsites can be reached via the Fern Canyon Trail.

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  2. Calaveras Giants

    Contending as some of the tallest, mightiest, and most muscular spectacles in the state are the hulking (and beautiful) trees of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Hit the trails to witness spectacular groves of giant sequoia redwoods.

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  3. Best of the Summer Fests!

    Outdoor winery events featuring films, food, wine, live music, and Sonoma’s cinematic scenery in the background: now that’s a blockbuster summer weekend!

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  4. Campsite at Loch Leven Lakes in Tahoe National Forest

    Tahoe Trio of Lakes

    Three alpine lakes, superb views, and shoreline camping for soaking it all in … Loch Leven Lakes is pure Tahoe wilderness. This 7.2-mile out-and-back in Tahoe National Forest is great for a long day hike, or a weekend of adventure camping among this trio of crystal waters.

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  1. Hiker on Proctor Mountain Loop Trail in Sun Valley Idaho

    Storied Trail

    If ever there was a fairy trail, this 6.8-mile lollipop loop on Sun Valley’s Proctor Mountain is it. The Proctor Mountain Trail is a storied route in more ways than one, starting with its tranquil oasis memorial for a famous writer, Ernest Hemingway.

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  2. Sponsored

    The Trail Less Traveled

    Sometimes it’s the trails less traveled that bring memories most cherished. Sun Valley, Idaho, offers a change of pace and scenery that inspires a sense of wonder and a feeling of rejuvenation.

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  3. Backpacking to Rancheria Falls in Hetch Hetchy Valley Yosemite

    Get Hetched!

    Enjoy top-notch valley views on this 13-mile moderately strenuous backpacking trip highlighting some of Yosemite's best scenery. A bonus: This part of the park attracts fewer visitors than the much more famous valley

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  4. Two bikers on the Wood River Trail in Sun Valley Idaho

    Two Wheels to Zen

    The family-friendly Wood River Trail goes over an historic bridge, past art sculptures and ranch-roaming horses, all amid sprawling green valley and a mountainous backdrop. Roll out from the Farmers Market at River Run Lodge and pedal the 8-mile (round-trip) ride to Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Botanical Garden.

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