Oregon Coast TODAY: Fall 2024

FALL 2024

Fill your spore time Cap off a great fall with the Yachats Mushroom Festival this October

See page 12

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publisher PATRICK ALEXANDER palexander@oregoncoasttoday.com on the cover Christian Schwartz, keynote speaker at the Yachats Mushroom Festival, foraging in the forest

published by OCT Media Company PO Box 962 Lincoln City, OR 97367 541-921-0413

Copyright © 2024

pring has its wildflowers and summer has berries of every description, but when fall comes to the Oregon Coast, it brings forth a crop of unmatched variety — mushrooms.

Cool temperatures and plenty of moisture combine to create the perfect conditions for fungus in all its forms, from mild chanterelles to bold boletes and everything in between.

This bounty will be the focus of celebration when the Yachats Mushroom Festival returns for a three-day extravaganza that puts the “fun” in fungus. Running from October 18 to 20, the festival offers guided walks, guest speakers and mushroom displays. Restaurants throughout Yachats will be serving up specials featuring local mushrooms, and experts will be on hand to help identify any mystery mushroom finds. For full details, see page 12.

Just a little further south, the bustling town of Waldport is also no stranger to ‘shrooming hikes and is also the ideal destination for crabbing, shopping, disc golf and much more.

See what happens when you Find Yourself in Waldport on page 22.

Patrick Alexander owner & publisher Oregon Coast TODAY

Tu Tu Tu Kitchen Cottage If shopping inspiration is lacking, let Tu Tu Tu Kitchen Cottage be a solution.

Located in historic Nye Beach, this gem of a shop has something for chefs, occasional cooks, even the kitchen novice. You’ll find a huge selection of cook ware and kitchen tools, knives, table linens, cookbooks and so much more

Tu Tu Tu Kitchenware • 222 NW Coast Street, Suite A, Newport • 541-265-8065

Bridie’s Irish Faire Discover the enchanting realm of Bridie’s Irish Faire! This Irish shop is stuffed to the brim with sterling silver Celtic jewelry and beautiful woolens, imported directly from Ireland. Travel is the topic of conversation in the shop most days. With annual offerings of small group custom tours to Ireland, Scotland and Wales--there’s a lot to talk about. Come say hello!

Bridie’s Irish Faire • 715 NW 3rd Street, Newport • www.bridiesirishfaire.com • 541-574-9366

Hearth & Table Located in Lincoln City’s historic Escallonia building, this wood-fired bistro offers a European-inspired happy hour, dinner and private events. Specialties include pizza with a blistered crust, finished with Durant Vineyards olive oil, plus a wide range of sparkling cocktails.

Hearth & Table, 304 SE Highway 101, Lincoln City • 541-614-0385 • www.hearthandtablelc.com

Beachcrest Brewing The family-friendly taproom is located in the Salishan Marketplace just south of bustling Lincoln City and in the beach town of Gleneden Beach.

Enjoy a pint of small-batch house-made beer and hand-crafted pizza straight from the wood-fired oven during your visit.

Beachcrest Brewing Company, 7755 N. Hwy. 101 Gleneden Beach • 541-234-4013 • beachcrestbrewing.com

WILDLIFE AHEAD. WILDLIFE AHEAD.

Tide pools are living ecosystems. Explore with care Tide pools living ecosystems.

Explore with care whenare enjoying these natural wonders. when enjoying these natural wonders.

Thanks for helping keep the Oregon Coast magical!

Thanks for helping keep the Oregon Coast magical!

Check out the Visit Responsibly tab at visittheoregoncoast.com for more ways to Be Kind to the Coast.

Check out the Visit Responsibly tab at visittheoregoncoast.com for more ways to Be Kind to the Coast.

Chinook Winds Casino Resort Located on the beach in Lincoln City, this resort is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Enjoy Las Vegas-style gaming, 18-hole golf course, headline entertainment from some of the industry’s most legendary stars, four full-service restaurants, and a 243room oceanfront hotel.

Photo by Blue Water Photography

Chinook Winds Casino Resort, 1777 NW 44th Street, Lincoln City • 888-CHINOOK • www.chinookwindscasino.com

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.

Lincoln City Glass Center, 4821 SW Hwy. 101, Lincoln City • 541-996-2569 • www.lincolncityglasscenter.com

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts

This non-profit organization celebrates, develops, supports, and promotes arts along the Oregon Coast. It also coordinates and manages three unique arts spaces: the Newport Visual Arts Center features three art galleries, two classrooms, and a clay studio; the Oregon Coast Art Bus is a mobile arts learning platform traveling throughout the coast; and the Newport Performing Arts Center features a multitude of live performances and community events throughout the year. Find out what’s happening now, at www.coastarts.org/events

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts • coastarts.org • 541-265-ARTS (2787)

Pacific Maritime Heritage Center

Located on the Newport Bayfront, features a robust changing museum exhibit program as well as longer term exhibits and art related to the maritime environment. The center also houses the Doerfler Family Theater which features 18 short historic films and a museum store. Onsite parking is available.

Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-4 pm, 333 SE Bay Blvd., Newport • 541-265-7509 • oregoncoasthistory.org

Mad Dog Country Tavern This quiet, little tavern nestled along Yaquina Bay in Newport proudly serves the coldest beer in town. This old-timey, wood-paneled place draws locals for draft beer, burgers and games of pool. In addition to a warm welcome, the Mad Dog Country Tavern offers spectacular views of the bay.

Mad Dog Country Tavern • 4131 Yaquina Bay Road, Newport, • 541-265-8761

Newport Cafe Whether you’re a local or just visiting the central Oregon coast, Newport Café treats everyone like they’re family. Our exceptional comfort food, huge portions, and extensive menu means you will find something you like and get a lot of it. Because our menu offers delicious daily specials, you can have all of our home cooked meals at a price you can afford.

Proud home of the 8 lb burger.

Newport Cafe • NE 6th Street & Hwy. 101, Newport • 541-574-6847 • thenewportcafe.com

Lakeview Senior Living Lakeview Senior Living is designed to foster a sense of belonging, independence, and overall well-being.

With a range of tailored amenities, engaging activities, and compassionate care, we strive to create an environment where residents can embrace their individuality, forge meaningful connections, and enjoy every moment.

Lakeview Senior Living, 2690 NE Yacht Avenue, Lincoln City • 541-994-7400 • westmontliving.com

Oceana Natural Food Co-op This natural foods cooperative supplies quality, wholesome and nutritious foods at the lowest possible prices, emphasizing organically grown foods.

Find everything from organic meats and vegetables to organic coffee, tea and wine to biodegradable household cleaners and other eco-friendly products.

A self-service salad bar is available from 9 am to 2 pm and a self-service hot bar is open from 10 am to 1 pm.

159 SE 2nd Street Newport • 541-265-8285 • www.oceanafoods.org

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS Mention this ad at Customer Services to receive your FREE Coupon Book with over $250 in addtional savings

SHOP, DINE & SAVE IN 50+ STORES

OREGON COAST HWY 101, Milepost 115.6 LINCOLNCITYOUTLETS.COM

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Fill your sp

Golden Chanterelle

Cap off a great fall with the Yachats Mushroom Festival this October What is the largest organism on earth? A Mushroom. What is on the forefront of space colonization?

You guessed it! Mushrooms. What can be found in new breakthroughs in healing, shoe fabrics, building materials, food products, plastics removal, and toxic bio-remediation?

Yep, Mushrooms again! Mushrooms are vitally connected to our future as well as being an important part of our ecosystem.

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E

ach fall as the winds of change bring a mix of arctic cool and equatorial warmth, the rains begin to fall on our Siuslaw forest; one of the single greatest carbon sequestration reserves on Earth. With the rain comes an emergence of immense diversity and beauty as our mycelial world blooms.

Get to know a Yellow Foot from a Bolete, An Elvin Saddle from Witches Butter. From fun to funky, from slippery to chunky, mushrooms are on the cutting edge of scientific discovery and rooted in the history of life itself.

Mushrooms — found freely expressing themselves here in the Siuslaw Forest — include some of the world’s most delectable edibles, as well as a few that you are best to avoid eating all together. (Though variety might be the spice of life, some mushrooms can cause upset stomachs and a few can be deadly.)

Knowledge can be your friend, knowing the difference can secure delight.

Join us to learn the difference, gather some new knowledge to expand your culinary adventures and learn how we can fuse a growing understanding of our forest floor with increased sensitivity. To expand your knowledge of mushrooms and mingle with other mushroom lovers and mycologists, there’s

spore time Christian Schwartz — Keynote Speaker

Amanita

no better event than the Yachats Mushroom Festival, taking place from Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 20.

Come to gently walk among the giants, guided by passionate and scientific ecologists as together we learn and celebrate this diversity that makes our forests vital.

The Yachats Mushroom Festival kicks off with a mushroom-themed reception with drinks and appetizers on Friday night at the Yachats Commons with a presentation by our keynote speaker Christian Schwarz.

Both Saturday and Sunday will see a full roster of speakers in the commons and other locations throughout town.

Meanwhile, the All Mushroom Things — Artists, Cultivators, Creators, Gatherers Fair

Christian Schwarz is an itinerant naturalist from California. He studied Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz, where his interest in the world of fungi took flight.

Although he is passionate about ecology and biodiversity in general, Schwartz has primarily worked as a field mycologist. He has coauthored two field guides — “Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast” and “Mushrooms of Cascadia,” both with Noah Siegel.

He primarily spends his time seeking, photographing, collecting, teaching about, and publishing research on North American macrofungi, and has served on the IUCN Red List Working Group for North American Fungi. He is a research associate of the Ken Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz, where he has taught undergraduate courses in mycology and community science.

will take place in the Yachats Commons Multi-Purpose Room.

Members of the Lincoln County Mycological Society will be on hand through the event, with large displays of regional mushrooms while other regional mycologists will be available to help identify mushrooms and fungi. There will be identification books for sale, and other displays for identifying mushrooms. Visitors are encouraged to bring in their own finds from their yards and local forests for identification and to add to the displays.

Restaurants throughout the village will feature mushroom specialty dishes offered from local forests. All festival walks are led by qualified mycologists, forest ecologists

and naturalists, one to two hours long and are held on safe, easy trails in the spectacular coastal mature and old-growth forest at Cape Perpetua and the Gerdemann Botanical Preserve.

The popular Mushroom Treasure Hunt will continue this year, with trail gnomes hiding locally crafted glass and porcelain mushrooms on beaches and in forests through March 2. Check in each Saturday morning for clues at www.

YachatsTreasureHunt.com and on @visit. yachats Instagram.

For more information on the festival, a comprehensive schedule and tickets, go to www.YachatsMushroomFestival.org.

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25 stores • RV Parking

Bring light to your home

Jan-maR sun-tHuRs 10-6 FRi-sat 10-8 aPR-DeC mon-sat 10-8 sun 10-6

aDVantage Dental • BatH & BoDy WoRks Book WaReHouse • CaRteR’s CBD HemP stoRe outlet • Coastal oCCasions Columbia memorial Hospital Primary Care Clinic CmH Community Pharmacy • eDDie BaueR Famous FootWeaR outlet • Hanes BRanDs Helly Hansen • legenDs PuBliC House nike FaCtoRy stoRe • PenDleton RaCk Room sHoes • Rue21 sCout nW tRaDing ComPany Wine anD BeeR Haus • tokyo teRiyaki ZumieZ

www. lincolncityglasscenter.com

6030 Hangar Rd. Tillamook, OR 503-842-1130 www.tillamookair.com

Get the app! to play our new scavenger hunt and more.

Free Coupon Book pick up in the mall at Wine & Beer Haus or Download coupons online

seasideoutlets.com Hwy 101 & 12th ave., seaside, or 503.717.1603

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Craft coffee at the heart of the Oregon Coast 26 N. Hwy. 101, Depoe Bay 541-614-4228 leftcoastcoffeeco.com

Newport Carpet One Floor & Home We are a locally-owned flooring store offering a wide selection of carpet, hardwood, vinyl and tile floors. Our expert team is ready to help find the perfect floor for your home.

Furnish your beach house with our selection of sectional couches and chairs, plus flooring options.

12-month 0% financing oac. CCB#102694.

Newport Carpet One Floor & Home • 350 E Olive Street, Newport • www.carpetonenewport.com • 541-264-5574

Dockside Charters Go deep sea fishing with Oregon’s premier fishing charter Dockside Charters in Depoe Bay. Clean, comfortable, wellmaintained boats for the best fishing and whale watching adventures We offer whale watching trips year-round to see our resident gray whales.

You can deep sea fish year-round with Dockside Charters. And ask us about seasonal opportunities fishing for ling cod and rockfish (bottom fishing), halibut, salmon and albacore tuna fishing. We also offer Dungeness crab fishing options with some deep sea fishing trips.

Dockside Charters • 270 Coast Guard Drive, Depoe Bay • DocksideDepoeBay.com • 541-265-2545

Advantage Real Estate As a locally owned small business, we understand what it’s like to be long-time, community-minded residents. Our brokers are your neighbors, friends, and volunteers. When it comes to working and serving Lincoln County, our combined knowledge of over 250 years in real estate and 24+ years of service supersedes out-of-county agents. When you’re searching for the best possible broker to represent your home purchase or sale, we’ve got the local experience you’re looking for!

Advantage Real Estate, 205 E Olive Street, Newport • 541-265-2200 • www.advantagerealestate.com

Pacific View Lodging Unwind in the perfect coastal getaway with Pacific View Lodging. Ideally situated just a short walk from the pristine sands of Netarts Bay or the Lincoln City beaches, and within easy reach of Depoe Bay’s serene beauty, our accommodations offer the perfect escape for adventure or relaxation. From budget-friendly studio spaces to luxurious vacation homes, you can enjoy cozy comfort, modern amenities and stunning ocean views that exceed expectations. Embrace the coastal vibe and book today!

Use code TODAY24 at our website for 10% off your stay.

www.pacificviewlodging.com • 1-833-722-8439 • email reservations@pacificviewlodging.com

Schooner Restaurant & Lounge 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.

Schooner Restaurant & Lounge, 2065 Boat Basin Road, Netarts • 503-815-9900 • www.theschooner.net

Schooner Restaurant & Lounge 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, 2065 Boat Basin Road, Netarts • 503-815-9900 • www.theschooner.net

161 NW Kansas Street, Yachats Experience the allure of this oceanfront beach cottage, just few yards away from miles of sandy beaches. This inviting home features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths within its generous 1,200+ sq. ft. of living space. Recent updates enhance its appeal, including a new roof installed in 2019, new windows added in 2021, and a stylishly updated kitchen with brand-new cabinets and countertops. The property features the charming original carriage house, fully revitalized with a complete outside rebuild. $1,000,000 • MLS #24-1706

Emerald Coast Realty • 1310 SW Corona Ct, Suite B, Waldport • 541-238-3588 • www.emeraldcoastrealty.com/waldport

Oregon Coast Aquarium The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a journey from seafloor to shore. Every visit is a new adventure, and adventure awaits.

We invite you to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the ocean. Our captivating destination is a trusted resource for ocean education and conservation in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon Coast Aquarium • 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport • aquarium.org • 541-867-3474

McKay’s Market Oregon-grown and 100-percent employee owned, McKay’s operates 11 locations throughout Oregon, plus a distribution warehouse. McKay’s continues to offer highquality products at reasonable prices, regular specials and our famous “Meat Bonanzas.”

And, most importantly, we remain actively involved in community events and fundraisers.

www.mckaysmarket.com

Fall Hiking Lincoln City Parks & Recreation has eight hiking trails with endless possibilities.

All ages and abilities will find the perfect trail and enjoy the gorgeous fall outside in nature.

Stop by the Lincoln City Community Center for a free trail map!

Lincoln City Parks & Recreation • lincolncity.org/departments/parks-recreation • 541-994-2131

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.

Photo by Nathaniel Boyd Chinook Winds Casino Resort, 1777 NW 44th Street,Avenue, LincolnGaribaldi City • 888-CHINOOK Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, 306 American • 855-562-7711• www.chinookwindscasino.com • oregoncoastscenic.org

Tillamook Air Museum 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.

Get our app to play the museum scavenger hunt and more.

Tillamook Air Museum, 6030 Hangar Road, Tillamook • 503-842-1130 • www.tillamookair.com

WHITE WOLF SANCTUARY TIDEWATER, OREGON

Come howl with us!

White Wolf Sanctuary is home to ambassador wolves that serve the purpose of raising awareness about the importance of wolves and the role they play in the natural world. The Sanctuary is located in the coastal mountain setting of Tidewater, Oregon.

Join us for a guided educational experience that will give you more insight into what we do at White Wolf Sanctuary.

Book your tour directly from our website at: WWW.WHITEWOLFSANCTUARY.COM

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t r o p d l a W h t i w e v o l n Fa l l i W

aldport. An unhurried village nestled along the Oregon Coast where the 48-mile 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. 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 a dozen local artists. Stop in to discover treasures at Waldport Flea Market and grab some 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 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 Kittel-Kaufman Trail is a forested gem and easily walkable — just minutes from downtown.

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Crabbing on Alsea Bay

The Port of Alsea is a must see and visit. Launch your boat or kayak (rentals available), or 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, beer, listen to live music and savor charcuterie delights at Bayside Cellars offering retail and to-go sales from the area’s largest bottle shop. The new Mill Street Medley serves amazing hot dogs and sandwiches. Check out Eager Beaver Furniture for home décor and furnishings. Take a short drive up Highway 101 to Seal Rock to visit Dancing Coyote Gallery for original paintings, glass beads and jewelry, then stop in to Artsea Craftsea studio in South Beach for pottery and glass painting and canvas paint parties every month. Café CHILL invites you to relax, unwind and enjoy locally roasted coffee and specialty breakfast, lunch, and dinner treats with live music and an art gallery inside.

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 where you can also enjoy great roasted coffee from Froth coffee truck.

Need a place to stay? Check out the pet-friendly Waldport Inn or contact Sweet Homes Vacation Getaways for unique and charming vacation rentals any time of year. Edgewood Cottages right on the beach is another great option. The Waldport KOA overlooking Alsea Bay offers full RV hook-ups and tent camping, too.

Visit www.findyourselfinwaldport. com for resources, attractions and more.

n o ’ g s e C r e O n : t t r r a o l C o as p d l a t W JillyBeanz Ice Cream 541-563-BEAN www.jillybeanz.biz

Arts & Crafts Studio. Classes for beginners and pros alike.

4909 S. Coast Highway, South Beach 303-888-0826 www.artseacraftsea.com Tidewater Creations Independently owned yarn store.

Fabric, woodwork & gift items.

440 NE Commercial St., Suite 6 541-709-7876 www. twistedtidewater.com Ad made possible in part thanks to Lincoln County, The City of Waldport & Dahl Disposal Service

Waldport Tech Services Design. Printing. Photo & video transfers. Computer sales & service.

Great DVD and CD collection, too. https://findyourselfinwaldport.com/ business/waldportechservices/ 541-992-0459

Pacific Sourdough Award-winning bakery 740 NE Mill St., Waldport 541-563-3044 www.pacificsourdough.com

Bridax LLC Commercial & residential construction, remodeling & repairs.

Scott Mason. 541-270-6917 scott@bridaxllc.com

Pizza, burgers, beer and more.

245 SW Hwy. 101 541-563-3232 www.grand-central-pizza.com

All makes new and used from eight stores. Call Israel Rothman for concierge sales. 928-228-9228

Hypersonic internet. Better mobile.

Switch today! www.astoundbroadband.com

Sweet Homes Vacation Getaways https://sweethomesrentals.com/

Your residential and commercial HVAC specialist.

Call Larry Grech. 541-390-7777 www.comfortheatingcooling.com

www.findyourselfinwaldport.com

It’s Better at the Beach! on the beach in Lincoln City

I 1-855-279-1778 I CHINOOKWINDS.COM