In Oregon, you’ll never be bored. This Beaver State is teeming with recreational opportunities like golfing, hiking, kayaking, and bird-watching. But if you’re looking for something a little more different from these usual activities, here’s what we suggest:
- Explore the dunes
The sand dunes in Oregon are definitely not to be missed. Located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, these dunes are made up of light-colored windswept sand from the Oregon Coast Range that covers more than 32,000 acres.
Before heading to the dunes, go first to the Oregon Dunes Visitor Center in the city of Reedsport. In the Visitor Center, you’ll get plenty of information about the dunes, including what you can and can’t do, where you can go, and the permits you may need.
Once you get to the Oregon Dunes, you’ll find a number of exciting recreational opportunities like horseback riding, camping, hiking, and of course, off-road driving.
- Off-road vehicles –The best way to explore the Oregon Dunes is by using off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies, dirt bikes, and four-wheel drives. Just make sure you know which areas in the Oregon Dunes are allowed for driving them around.
- Hiking trails – If you’re up for a challenge, try hiking the sandy trails in the Oregon Dunes. These trails will take you through the dunes, the wetlands, and the beach, giving you picturesque and unforgettable views.
- Sand tours and horseback riding tours – Another way to see the Oregon Dunes is by booking dune tours or horseback riding tours. These tours give you a different and scenic adventure through the Oregon Dunes.
Also known as the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship, this annual event features carvers from all over the world and is celebrated every Father’s Day weekend. Around 40 chainsaw carvers gather in the Rainbow Plaza in Reedsport to carve out intricate sculptures of eagles, fish, bears, totem poles, and many more.
For the main carving event, carvers are tasked to finish their wood sculptures throughout the 4-day competition. If you can only make it one day, be sure to check out the Quick Carve competition which challenges carvers to complete a sculpture in 90 minutes. You can even purchase the sculptures from both events. The sculptures from the main carving event are sold individually while the Quick Carve sculptures are auctioned off.
Storm watching in Oregon is unlike any other, especially if it’s by the Oregon Coast. During the winter season, Oregonians travel to different areas of the Oregon Coast to watch the massive waves and feel the gusty winds. There are a number of designated areas and neighborhoods where you watch an Oregon storm:
- Fort Stevens State Park
- Shore Acres State Park
- Cape Meares
- Depoe Bay
- Cannon Beach
- Yachats
Each area provides a perfect location that will give you firsthand views of the fierce storms. Just make sure that you wear the proper rain gear and follow all signs and warnings.
The Southern Oregon Coast brings a lifetime of adventure to all its residents. Learn more about living in this spectacular area by calling me at 541.661.3056 or send me an email at realtormcurtis(at)gmail(dotted)com.