Oregon
A Hiking Adventure Along Oregon's Central Coast
Program No. 4896RJ
Hike old-growth forests along the Oregon Coast as you learn about local ecosystems, explore coastal dunes. Choose from two hiking options of varying distances and elevations.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Aug 11 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,199Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
2,199DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 23 - Jun 28, 2024
Starting at
2,579Aug 11 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,629Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
2,629Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
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6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 4L 5D
5
Oregon Dunes Ride, Sweet Creek Falls Hike, Wrap-up
Florence, OR
6
Program Concludes
Florence, OR
At a Glance
The Oregon Coast abounds in spectacular scenery and diverse natural habitats, from coastal mountains and temperate rainforests to ocean beaches and historic lighthouses. Led by experienced local interpretive experts, immerse yourself in a variety of ecosystems with day hikes offering longer spirited or shorter relaxed choices. Marvel at old-growth forests of towering Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, walk along a mountain stream with numerous cascading waterfalls and explore the vast Oregon Dunes and the spectacular basalt shoreline of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Each hiking day, choose from two hiking options based on your desired level of challenge, ranging from 3-7 miles on varied terrain. Trail surfaces range from forest paths to sandy beaches. Elevations from 200 feet to 1,100 feet. Daily hikes are held rain or shine but access to certain areas is dependent on current tides.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Enjoy hikes through lush coastal rainforests, explore the grounds of the Heceta Head Lighthouse and experience the beauty of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
- Ride in a dune transporter for stunning views of the vast Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest coastal dune complex in the Western hemisphere.
- Hike one of the most scenic trails on the Oregon coast, the Sweet Creek Falls Trail, with its thirteen cascading waterfalls.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
John Ford
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, John L. Ford has held many titles. He was part of a touring rock band, spent time as a photojournalist, and worked as a federal ranger at Yaquina Head Lighthouse and as a marine mammal biologist. He is also a first responder with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network and a member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. John has been an instructor with Road Scholar for over 20 years.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
John Ford
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Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, John L. Ford has held many titles. He was part of a touring rock band, spent time as a photojournalist, and worked as a federal ranger at Yaquina Head Lighthouse and as a marine mammal biologist. He is also a first responder with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network and a member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. John has been an instructor with Road Scholar for over 20 years.
T. McCracken
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T. (Theresa) McCracken has been a naturalist, historian and humorist on the Oregon Coast for over 30 years. She's fought forest fires, was once named Forest Service Pacific Northwest Interpreter of the year, hitchhiked up much of Africa, recuperated from elephantiasis at Jane Goodall's Gombe National Park, took a barge 1,500 miles down the Congo, had cartoons published in hundreds of magazines and books, wrote a book titled "Holy Rollers: Murder and Madness in Oregon's Love Cult," and flossed every day of her adult life.
Dick Mason
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Dick Mason is a former Navy fighter pilot and retired United Airlines Boeing 777 captain. He spent time as a Forest Service volunteer at the Cape Perpetua visitor center as well as an Oregon State Parks volunteer with the annual “Whale Watch” program for 12 years. Dick previously worked with Road Scholar as a hiking and resource expert for 10 years, and still contributes his extensive knowledge and trail updates to current programs. Dick lives in Florence with his wife, Karen, and their Labrador, Louie.
Lesa Carnahan
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Lesa has been a Road Scholar group leader since 2001 and led numerous programs in the Pacific Northwest. She is passionate about Oregon and loves to share her knowledge about the region while taking groups to explore local cuisine, culture and wildlife. When she’s not out leading programs, she spends her time helping students gain self-control and achieve their goals in the classroom and out on educational field trips around Oregon.
Barrie Simpson
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After a long career in the technology, pharmaceutical, and hospitality industries, Barrie Simpson became a Road Scholar group leader. She was raised in New England; following high school, she made her way to Oregon, where she planted trees all over the West, before going on to earn a degree in environmental engineering. Currently living in San Francisco, she is a historical group leader for SF City Guides, a waterbird docent on Alcatraz, and a long time member leader of the American Society of Quality (ASQ).
Greg Ryder
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Greg Ryder is a park ranger and an Oregon Master Naturalist. His charismatic interpretative programs share the cultural, historic, and natural history of the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. He is the owner and operator of Two-Thirds Tours, and a contributing author to the Oregon Encyclopedia. Greg holds a B.S. in biology from Shawnee State University, and also two A.S. degrees in natural and historic interpretation and fish and wildlife management from Hocking College.
Dina Pavlis
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Dina Pavlis has been a U.S. Forest Service volunteer interpretive ranger on the Oregon Dunes for 20 years on the central Oregon coast. Producer/host of the syndicated radio show, "Beyond Your Front Door Northwest," and author of "Secrets of the Oregon Dunes," Dina is an avid hiker, outdoor enthusiast, and nature photographer. She has been featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting's "Think Out Loud" and NPR's "Oregon Grapevine." She is an Oregon Coast Quests builder and member of the Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Hiking Adventure Along Oregon's Central Coast
Program Number: 4896
100 Hikes/Travel Guide Oregon Coast and Coast Range
William Sullivan's wonderful guide to the coast's trails and natural places is the perfect general handbook to the coast. Each of the hikes is well described and the book features many great illustrations and photographs.
Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast
This is the resource for Northwest Coast flora. If you are interested in the trees, wildflowers, and other plants of the Oregon Coast, this is the only book that has them all.
The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest
This is possibly the most concise guide to the myriad of intertidal zone creatures you may encounter on the Oregon Coast. It's not exhaustive, but it is pocket-sized and complete enough to help you identify and appreciate the creatures of the shoreline.
Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail
This helpful little volume walks you through 40 consecutive day hikes from Fort Stevens State Park to California. Complete with maps, practical tips, and historical information, this book is sure to be an excellent supplement to your hiking experience.
Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America
When it comes to the many birds that frequent the Oregon Coast, no guidebook is more complete than Sibley's little handbook. With wonderful illustrations and plenty of information, this is a birdwatching essential on the coast.