Oregon Coast TODAY: Fall 2023 by Oregon Coast TODAY

Elk Coast House at Cascade Head Ranch

Escape to Nature’s Beauty

Located in a rare UN Biosphere Reserve

Access a remote sugar sand beach using the owner-provided kayaks

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 7-person hot tub

On a sweeping 3-acre estate

Ideal for nature lovers, families, groups

Experience the Serenity of The Elk Coast House Book at

Mushrooms, like the specimens captured in our cover shot by Girl in Water Photography, are just one of the treasures that await intrepid visitors to the Oregon Coast in fall.

With the summer rush in the rearview mirror, visitors can look forward to less crowds, easier restaurant reservations and even more stretches of public beach with nary a soul in sight.

And the fall weather is a treasure all of its own, with blue skies, crisp mornings and stunning sunsets served up with reassuring regularity.

So, whether you are hunting mushrooms in Yachats (page 4), exploring the delights of Newport (page 16), relaxing and recharging at Salishan Coastal Lodge (page 12) or finding yourself in Waldport (page 22), I hope you enjoy all fall has to offer in our beautiful corner of the world.

Patrick Alexander owner & publisher

Oregon Coast TODAY

publisher

PATRICK ALEXANDER

palexander@oregoncoasttoday.com on the cover

Fungi in all their forms are the focus of the Yachats Village Mushroom Festival. Photo by Girl in Water Photography. this page

Newport’s Yaquina Bay Bridge sparkles in the sunlight. published by

Fill it with a trip to the Yachats Village Mushroom Festival this fall

Photo and front-page image by Girl in Water Photography

When summer winds down, the town of Yachats heats up as the natural beauty surrounding this picturesque town comes alive.

“We really encourage people to come visit us during the late fall and early winter,” said Bobbi Price, executive director of the Yachats Chamber of Commerce. “Even when it’s rainy, you can hike in the rain forest under the tree canopy, and that’s also when we start to get some of our most dramatic waves. There’s nothing like storm watching from a lodging window while sipping tea or wine. It’s just a perfect way to wind down after a busy summer.”

This year’s king tides, when the water level and waves are exceptionally high, will peak from Nov. 24 through 26.

The forest also comes alive with fungi, and the Yachats Mushroom Festival, running from Friday Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22, is second to none.

“The festival has not just come out of dormancy,” Price said. “It’s going to be bigger than ever and we have some really cool things happening, starting with a dinner and a keynote speaker.”

The mushroom-themed dinner, on Friday, Oct. 20, at the Yachats Commons, will include live music by GAEA, followed by the talk from Langdon Cook, author of “The Mushroom Hunters: A Hidden World of Food, Money, and (Mostly Legal) Adventure.”

Throughout the weekend, a full roster of speakers will present in the commons and other locations throughout the town, and the All Mushroom Things-Artists, Cultivators, Creators, Gatherers Fair will take place in the Yachats Commons MultiPurpose Room. Restaurants throughout the town will feature mushroom specialty dishes and hikes will happen in area forests. All festival walks are led by professional and amateur mycologists, forest ecologists and naturalists, are one to two hours long and are held on excellent, easy trails in the spectacular coastal mature and old-growth forest at Cape Perpetua or Gerdemann Botanical Preserve.

“We’ve got some really well respected and wellknown speakers like Dr. Charles Lefevre, president and founder of New World Truffieres,” Price said. “There will also be the ‘Mushroom Cafe’ hosted by Beach Daisy Wines in the big Yachats Commons kitchen, where people can sit, sip and enjoy small bites or mingle. We’ll even have kids’ mushroom art, a log inoculating workshop and a truffle dog demonstration. The vending area will have some absolutely amazing artists with some of the cutest things from hats to jewelry, decor, mugs and more. And I love that there is something for people at every level of

expertise, including total novices. It will be a really fungi weekend.”

In November, you can pack away your mushroom knives and don your kilts for the Celtic Music Festival, running from Friday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 12.

Now in its third decade of bringing world-class Celtic music to the idyllic Oregon Coast, the festival features a variety of free and ticketed concerts with a stunning lineup of musicians, Celtic inspired clothing vendors and whisky tasting.

Musical acts include Dervish, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Karan Casey, Cillian Vallely Trio, Biddy on the Bench and On the Lash.

Workshops include a Hands-on-Harps interactive musical experience with Lisa Lynne. No musical experience is needed to play beautiful sounds on provided traditional Celtic harps.

Rob Gandara, pipe and whistle maker extraordinaire from Celtic Carbony Winds, will be hosting four, half hour-long whistle and practice chanter workshops during the weekend.

Ever wanted to try céilí dancing? Join a céilí class led by Irish dancer Maldon Meehan, with music provided by Biddy on the Bench.

And later this year you can usher in the yuletide at the Village Christmas Tree Lighting and Cocoa Trail on Saturday, Dec. 2.

“That whole day we will have ‘shop local’ events,” Price said. “There will be hot cocoa in businesses all over town to enjoy while strolling around and appreciating the holiday decorations, ending with the lighting of our community tree.”

For information about Yachats Community events and more, go to yachats. org.

Harpist Lisa Lynn

Photo by Anthony Gainer

Flourish is an exciting new concept in women’s boutique fashion. You’ll find a mix of classic and contemporary. From denim to dresses, we have a variety of items inclusive to all shapes, sizes, and styles, with sizes ranging from XS-3XL.

Flourish Boutique NW Flourish

Pacific Maritime Heritage Center

Located on the Newport bayfront, the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center incorporates the working wharf, educational programs, and local maritime uses. The center features maritimerelated exhibits and art as well as museum store and the Doerfler Family Theater, with onsite parking available. It has been designed to attract, educate, and entertain all ages, instilling in local residents and visitors a sense of place and community, a place they will want to visit again and again.

Rusty Truck Brewing

Since opening in 2012, our team has been dedicated to bringing a little taste of Europe to the Central Coast. This fall and winter will be a great opportunity to join us for breakfast, lunch or a special event. Stop in to enjoy handmade crepes, quiches, soups and salads and view our current art exhibit by Ashely King and keep a look out for the next show opening mid-November. We will be hosting painter Lucynda Campbell in the beginning of October for a Sip and Paint party, details can be found on our Facebook Page soon. RSVP required. Our little cafe gives abundant thanks to the locals and visitors alike for making this year one of our best yet!

Lincoln City Glass Center

Glass blowing is a big deal on the Oregon Coast, and Lincoln City Glass Center has everything you need to experience this longtime local tradition. Make an appointment to design your own glass masterpiece. Spend time with a professional glassblower and work with them to bring your art to life. Pick up your piece the following day, or let us mail it to your home.

Café C’est La Vie

Photo by Blue Water Photography

at Spanish Head

Face it, we have the best views on the Oregon Coast. The Inn At Spanish Head invites you to experience exceptional oceanfront lodging and penthouse dining at Oregon’s only resort hotel built right on the beach. Each of our oceanfront rooms has floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed ocean views.

Experience the finest in oceanfront lodging on the Oregon coast. A wide variety of one and twobedroom suites, studios and bedroom units are available for your comfort. All are oceanfront with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Most have balconies and are equipped with a kitchen, kitchenette or wet bar. Inn at Spanish Head

The natural choice

Explore, relax and recharge at Salishan Coastal Lodge

Take full advantage of being nestled in a coastal forest a mere stone’s throw from the ocean, where Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels provides a healthy and conscious travel experience with a wealth of activities for every member of the family, even the four-legged ones.

Taking the on-site food choices in a sustainable healthy direction, the menus at Provisions Market and The Attic have been refreshed and updated to focus on thoughtfully sourced, fresh ingredients and plant-centric food to fuel all your adventures. This update to the menu offerings furthers their mission of being healthy, kind and green and highlights seasonal ingredients with careful preparation and creative presentation.

Travelers to Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels are ideally located to explore and enjoy the Oregon Coast. Take advantage of the easy access to the sandy shores of Gleneden Beach as well as hiking trails right on the property and throughout the surrounding coastal forests, or head to nearby popular spots like Drift Creek Falls, Cascade Head and God’s Thumb.

Borrow a complimentary beach cruiser and see where your adventures take you! You can even explore the treetops at the only Aerial Park on the Oregon Coast, or take to the Pickleball courts to enjoy a few games of America’s fastest-growing sport.

Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels is dog-friendly and offers special accommodations for canine companions, from dog-friendly trails to pet washing stations where you can clean sandy paws after beach adventures.

For those looking to get out on the green, Salishan Golf Links offers an iconic golf experience with old-growth timber or seaside bluffs at every turn. The course restoration in 2004, overseen by Oregon golf legend and PGA Tour Pro Peter Jacobsen and his design firm, Jacobsen-Hardy Golf Design, preserves the layout and the spirit of Salishan’s fabled links while enhancing playability and opening the golf course to captivating ocean views.

Take some time for self-care at The Spa at Salishan and let the restorative elements of the Oregon Coast surround you, whether you are watching

Lodge by SCP Hotels

eagles soar over Siletz Bay from the outdoor infinity jacuzzi or relaxing at the hands of certified massage therapists. The Oregon Coast spa offers a full line of salon services and spa treatments, including customizable facials and specialized hand and foot treatments to renew your body and spirit. Make the most of every moment at Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels with their special Adventure Your Way package, perfect for summer travel. With Adventure Your Way, stay three or more nights and receive a $100 nightly credit to spend at the Aerial Park, Salishan Golf Links, The Spa at Salishan, Provisions Market and The Attic. Your visit to Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels will do you a world of good — but it will also do good for the world. Through the “Every Stay Does Good” program, every time you book an adventure at Salishan Coastal Lodge you support youth well-being through WE Well-Being, light the home of a family in need through Miracles for Kids and plant a tree in an unnaturally deforested area through One Tree Planted. Your family’s stay at Salishan Coastal Lodge will have impacts beyond just the life-long memories you will be sure to make. For more information, visit salishan.com.

EXPLO R E

R ECHAR GE RELAX

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Join us for a scenic excursion along the Nehalem River powered by a historic diesel locomotive. Behold fall’s vibrant array of colors firsthand and bear witness to the season’s breathtaking transformation — a sight to remember.

This Word War II-era blimp hangar houses an impressive array of exhibits, including recreations of British wartime bunkers to aircraft including the Bell TH-57 Helicopter, the F-14A Tomcat, a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and the unmissable Aerospacelines MiniGuppy.

Tillamook Air Museum

Photo by Nathaniel Boyd

Fortunate enough to be located at the boat launch of beautiful, bountiful and pristine Netarts Bay, we make the most of all the bay and our surrounding community provide — the very best the Pacific has to offer.

www.theschooner.net

Though the view of Netarts Bay, either from inside the building or outside on the large glass-enclosed deck, is definitely something to write home about, the proprietors of The Schooner Restaurant & Lounge are equally proud of their farm-to-table menu. Sourcing their produce, meat, eggs and seafood as much as possible from local producers is one of the reasons the business is included on the North Coast Food Trail.

Schooner Restaurant & Lounge

Plot a course to

By Barbara B. Covell

For the TODAY

As the long, hot and dry days of summer wane, autumn ushers in a vibrant new season of opportunities at the Central Coast. For many coasties, Newport is the center for recreation and entertainment that offers a new lease on life every fall.

In an effort to build new streams of economy to the coast, the Newport Chamber of Commerce has partnered with DiscoverNewport. com, the marketing arm of the City of Newport. Together, they have a vision to deliver outstanding experiences for coastal visitors as well as the people who call Newport home.

Maggie Conrad, director of events for the chamber, says the year-round opportunities for outdoor activities like beach combing, fishing, crabbing, clamming, hiking, kayaking and multiple familyfriendly experiences make Newport a standout destination.

Add to this list a virtual show of whales, resident birds, sea lions and the many

mammals whose habitats encompass the heavily old-growth-forested areas. After all, the Oregon Coast is where the forest meets the sea.

“Newport draws tourists for many reasons,” Conrad said. “The many entertaining attractions, beachside hotels, a variety of culinary experiences and unique shopping opportunities.”

The Yaquina Bay Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks, spanning the Yaquina River at the mouth of the Pacific Ocean. Traveling over the bridge offers breathtaking views of the coastline and harbor for boating enthusiasts.

Below the bridge is the bayfront — home of the seafood industry with canneries, processing plants and the largest commercial fleet on the Oregon Coast. The five docks in the marina are home to more than 100 boats that supply catches of salmon, halibut, cod, tuna, rockfish, shrimp and Dungeness crab. A walk on the docks can net the purchase of fresh fish or an opportunity to crab and fish on your own.

Charter boat fishing is offered by Tradewinds and Yaquina Bay Charter. Ocean and sea life tours are available through Marine Discovery Tours.

“If you want to shop, the bayfront offers just about everything from art galleries to gifts and souvenirs,” Conrad said. “And restaurants are plentiful. Of course, the bayfront specializes in seafood cuisine but you can satisfy any palate.”

Perhaps the most popular free experience is at Port Dock One, where the resident sea lions give a stellar performance. The recently installed floating docks are home to the male California sea lions who give a delightful, albeit noisy, show for 11 months of the year. This bachelor herd migrates to Southern California every July to mate, returning to Newport’s bayfront a month later.

On the south end of Newport is the

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Newport

Hatfield Marine Science Center, which features interactive exhibits for children of all ages. Widely recognized as one of the country’s foremost aquariums, the 23-acre site of the nearby Oregon Coast Aquarium includes North America’s largest seabird aviary, unique habitats for marine mammals, a touch pool and a walk-through tunnel for visitors to experience different ocean environments. The aquarium regularly changes its exhibits so visitors can return for a new encounter.

The revitalized historic Nye Beach area offers a bounty of shopping and restaurants, and features the Newport Visual Arts Center as well as the Newport Performing Arts Center — home to the Newport Symphony and three community theater groups.

Newport is the only city on the Oregon Coast with two lighthouses, both built in the 1800s. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is located in Yaquina State Park. About five miles north is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which, at 93 feet high, is the tallest on the Oregon Coast. The interpretive center, basalt rock beach and tide pools are popular with tourists and locals and is another experience not to be missed.

Some of the best hiking in the area are part of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. These include the Beach Trail from the Yaquina Head Lighthouse; the Salal Hill Trail which leads to the Lighthouse from the interpretive center; and the panoramic Communications Hill.

“The pandemic was the impetus for hiking many of the Pacific Coast trails,” Conrad said. “People wanted to be outside, explore the scenic trails and breathe fresh air.”

A few of Conrad’s recommendations are the estuary trail at Hatfield, Mike Miller Park, Don Davis Park beach trail and Nye Beach access with ADA accessibility. South Beach State Park features several trails to the beach and the jetty.

A resource for Newport area trails can be found at oregonhikers.org.

Kayaking is a popular water sport in the Newport area. The Oregon Boating Foundation does a guided kayak tour on the Yaquina River, providing kayaks. Between Newport and Toledo via Bay Road is a kayak park with a cradle for launching.

“The launch access is free and there’s plenty of parking,” Conrad said. “Just go down to the dock, put your kayak in the cradle, jump in and go.”

The Newport Chamber of Commerce lists upcoming events on its website at newportchamber.org. Highlights include the Oregon Coast Jazz Party and Newport Pride, both taking place in fall, plus winter events such as the aquarium’s holiday lights, the lighted boat tour and the famous Newport Seafood & Wine Festival.

The Yaquina Bay Bridge

the Dock in Lincoln City!

Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5pm, Taft Waterfront Park, SW 51st St

Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the dock in Siletz Bay!

Come celebrate the Lincoln City community with photos alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies and cheer!

No registration is required for this FREE event.

For more on Lincoln City, check out Explore Lincoln City at oregoncoast.org or call 541-996-1274

The Blackfish Cafe is a mainstay of the Oregon Coast restaurant scene; featuring real, fresh seafood, local produce, seasonal vegetables, meats, salads, and a selection of Northwest beach favourites. Preparations are simple yet elegant, highlighting the natural flavours of the Pacific Northwest.

Blackfish Cafe

Oregon Coast Jazz Party

Celebrate the best in live jazz October 6-8 at the Oregon Coast Jazz Party, presented by Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. This star-studded event at the Newport Performing Arts Center features Ken Peplowski, Diego Figueiredo, Randy Porter, Ada Rovatti, The Monty Alexander Trio (Monty Alexander, Luke Sellick, Jason Brown), Dave Captein, Lewis Nash, Tom Ranier, Todd Strait, Katie Thiroux, Tom Wakeling, and Kenny Washington. Enjoy four sessions over three days, including a special all-Gershwin grand finale program in honor of the upcoming 100th anniversary of “Rhapsody in Blue”. Learn more about this highly anticipated annual event at www.oregoncoastjazzparty.org

Experience a spectacular oceanfront location, warm hospitality, panoramic ocean views, great facilities and amenities. We offer a wide variety of room types to meet your needs. Located along the stunning Oregon Coast, we are within walking distance to a host of restaurants, cafes, art galleries and local shops. Welcome!

Coho Oceanfront Lodge

Photo by Chris Graamans

Destination: Waldport

Waldport. An unhurried village nestled along the Oregon Coast where the 48.5mile Alsea River flows from the coastal mountains to the sea.

The elegantly arched Alsea Bay Bridge, at 2,910 feet in length, spans the bay. Opened in 1991, It replaced the original 1936 bridge, designed by Conde McCullough. At the south end of the bridge, The Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center & Waldport Museum houses artifacts and records, with displays on every bridge spanning the 363-mile Oregon coastline. The museum celebrates the native Alsi Indians and pioneers who settled here. Inside the visitor center you’ll discover unique gifts and crafts and an abundance of visitor information from maps to attractions and local businesses to trail maps, campground and lodging information, and everything you need to know for fishing, crabbing, clamming and wildlife viewing. Admission is free and the center is fully ADA accessible.

Park the car and stroll through the historic town. Be sure to visit Itinerant Artists, a gift shop and gallery featuring more than 12 local artists. Stop in to discover treasures at Waldport Flea Market and grab some homemade ice cream and candy from the new JillyBeanz Ice Cream Parlor. Well-Read Books is a charming bookstore for relaxing and browsing. Hi-School Pharmacy is filled with gifts, fishing and camping gear, health care products, toys, school and office supplies. Try Skosh for fish tacos, burgers, chicken, milkshakes and seasonal specialties. Grand Central Pizza satisfies your pizza palate and their famous garlic balls and shrimp salad can be paired nicely with microbrews from throughout the region. Fresh Mexican across from Keady Wayside features family recipes, beer and wine, margaritas and outdoor seating. Bring your clubs and discs and enjoy Crestview Golf Club and The Red River Disc Golf courses.

Stroll the beach along the secluded coastline where you might not see anyone except the seals splashing in the waves and sunning on the rocks. If trails are your

thing, The Woodland and Kittel-Kaufman Trails are forested gems and easily walkable — just minutes from downtown.

The Port of Alsea is a must see and visit. Launch your boat or kayak (rentals available), crab right from docks with all the gear you need from Shrimp Daddy’s and Dock of The Bay. You can also stay and launch your boat or kayak at McKinley’s RV Park and Alsea River RV Park and Marina, both right on the Alsea River. Dine at the historic Salty Dawg Bar & Grill or Azul Mexican Restaurant. Sip wine and savor charcuterie delights at the new Bayside Cellars, too!

Café CHILL Coffeehouse invites you to relax, unwind and enjoy locally roasted coffee and specialty breakfast, lunch and dinner treats. Right across from CHILL, stop by Tidewater Creations where you’ll find the most extensive yarn and supply store in the area. Sate your need for cakes, pastries, bread and other confections at the world-famous Pacific Sourdough.

Need a place to stay? Check out the petfriendly Waldport Inn or contact Sweet Homes Vacation Getaways for unique and charming vacation rentals any time of year. The Waldport KOA overlooking Alsea Bay offers full RV hook-ups and tent camping, too. Your Central Oregon coast destination is Waldport. Where the Forest Meets the Sea. www.findyourselfinwaldport.com