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.
Read the full story

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.
Read the full story

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.
Read the full story

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.
Read the full story

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.
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View

  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View

  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

    View

  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View