Road Scholar : Home
A Summer Adventure on the Oregon Coast With Your Grandchild!

Program Number: 4745RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/6/2013 - 7/12/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
Price starting at: $667.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; Natural History
Intergenerational
Meals: 16; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 11 years of age.

Coastal adventure awaits you and your grandchild on Oregon’s diverse and exciting southern coast. Hands-on educational opportunities will open up new worlds of natural history and unique geology for the young and young-at-heart. You’ll be busy having fun together as you learn how the dunes were formed, hike through a forest, discover the life of an estuary, learn about a local Native American tribe, fly kites and make s’mores!




Highlights

• See and touch marine life at tide pools, explore a real lighthouse and enjoy playing on the beach and toasting marshmallows around a bonfire.
• Experience the thrill of riding up and down sand dunes in a gigantic dune buggy.
• Feel the spray of the Rogue River on your face as you race 64 miles up the Rogue River on a narrated jet boat ride.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day on mostly flat terrain. One nature hike on dirt, gravel and sand with moderately steep inclines.



Coordinated by Southwestern Oregon Community College.




Coos Bay

Marine estuaries, old-growth forests and beaches characterize the natural landscape of this historic port city on Oregon’s South Coast. Coos Bay is close to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Cape Arago and the fishing port of Charleston.
Accommodations
Apartment-style campus residences with four single bedrooms, two bathrooms, shared living / dining area and kitchen. Campus features wooded walking trails and freshwater lake.
Meals and Lodgings
   Southwestern Oregon Community College
  Coos Bay, OR 6 nights
 Southwestern Oregon Community College
Type: Campus/Dorm
  Description: Apartment-style campus residences with four private bedrooms sharing two bathrooms that are within the apartment. A common living room, dining room and kitchen with full-size stove and refrigerator are provided. No microwave. No hangers. The apartments are located on a freshwater lake with easy access to wooded walking trails.
  Contact info: 1988 Newmark Ave.
Coos Bay, OR 97420 USA
phone: 800-962-2838 xx7415
web: www.socc.edu/housing/pgs/apartments/index.shtml
  Room amenities: Each bedroom has a lamp and telephone. Local calls are free.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Each apartment has two bathrooms which have a shower/tub and toilet. The apartment also features double-sink vanities.
  Additional nights prior: $48 for two, $30 for one Additional nights are subject to availability.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $48 for two, $30 for one Additional nights are subject to availability.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check-in from 2-5 PM at the Lighthouse Depot You will be staying at Southwestern Oregon Community College that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast (9am-11am) You will be staying at Southwestern Oregon Community College the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Grandparents will receive documents and waivers approximately one month before the program. It is the grandparent(s)' responsibility to return the children(s)' waiver form (to be signed by the legal guardian of the child).
  Parking availability:
Parking on campus is free.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Coos Bay, OR
  Nearest city or town:  Coos Bay, OR
  Nearest highway: Highway 101
  Nearest airport:  North Bend, OR (OTH)
  From End of Program
  Location: Coos Bay, OR
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

OTH

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: 541-267-3111
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Distance:

 

2.2 Miles
   

Taxi transportation from the North Bend Oregon Airport (OTH) t to the Lighthouse Depot (located in the Southwestern Oregon Community College campus) is $7.00 one-way.
 

EUG

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Porter Stage Lines
phone: 541-269-7183
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Contact Porter Stage Lines
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

approx. 2 Hours 25 Minutes 
 

Distance:

 

107 Miles
   

Porter Stage Lines (PSL) does not operate on Saturdays, and there is a limited schedule Sunday-Friday. Alternative to PSL is a car rental.
 
Driving Directions
  San Francisco, California Go northbound on Interstate-5 past Grants Pass, OR. Take Exit 112 for Coos Bay. Proceed west into Winston and turn left at the first stop light, following signs to Coos Bay. Stay on Highway 42 until it merges with Highway 101 northbound and proceed through downtown Coos Bay. Turn left at Newmark Avenue one block before the Mill Casino. After going up a very steep hill, Newmark splits into two lanes. You will want to get into the right lane in order to continue going forward. After crossing Sherman St., get into the left lane. About a block after Broadway, get back into the right lane. You will see a sign for Southwestern Oregon Community College on your right and a Walmart on your left. Instead, continue past the traffic light and turn right at the next street (SWOCC Way) -- Staples will be on your left. Continue for several yards and then turn left into an apartment complex. The Lighthouse Depot will be on your left.
  Seattle, Washington Go southbound on Interstate-5 past Eugene, OR. Take Exit 162 (Highway 38) and proceed west through Drain, following signs to Coos Bay. In Reedsport, turn left onto Highway 101 and proceed south to Coos Bay.* After entering North Bend, you will see the Mill Casino on your left. Turn right onto Newmark Ave. After going up a very steep hill, Newmark splits into two lanes. You will want to get into the right lane in order to continue going forward. After crossing Sherman St., get into the left lane. About a block after Broadway, get back into the right lane. You will see a sign for Southwestern Oregon Community College on your right and a Walmart on your left. Instead, continue past the traffic light and turn right at the next street (SWOCC Way) -- Staples will be on your left. Continue for several yards and then turn left into an apartment complex. The Lighthouse Depot will be on your left. *GPS/Navigational Devices might offer this alternate route: As you drive south on Highway 101, turn right onto Virginia Ave. Go to the left lane and after 0.8 miles, turn left onto Broadway St. Stay right on Broadway, and go right when the road forks to merge into Newmark Ave.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration and Program Orientation
(Saturday, July 6)
   
 Arrive To: Check-in is from 2-5pm. The schedule that follows is representative of the week. Some activities may differ due to the tides and other unforeseen circumstances.
 Dinner: Buffet dinner will be in college dining hall.There is variety of food from which to select. Please supervise your grandchildren in their selection of food items.
 Evening: Program welcome/orientation by staff. Family introductions and activities follow.
   
Accommodations: Southwestern Oregon Community College
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Explore the Oregon tidepools. Sit and talk to a local tribe in a real Indian Plank House. Take a leisurely stroll through beautiful Shore Acres, a botanical garden packed with history, wildlife, and awesome views of crashing waves. Check out all the goodies made with cranberries and more at Cranberry Sweets, a local candy store featured on Rachel Ray's hit show "$40 a Day".
(Sunday, July 7)

Note: 1. Field Trips: Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians 2. Hands-on Experience: Tidepools 3. Excursion: Shore Acres
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in Empire Cafe, on campus
 Morning: Tidepool exploration at beautiful Sunset Bay with naturalist Marty Giles. Be careful! During low tide we walk out over the slippery and rugged rocky outcroppings to learn what is on the ocean floor. You'll see sea stars, sea urchins, mussels, and many more exciting and beautiful marine life. Followed by a walk to see the pinnipeds at Cape Arago.
 Lunch: A picnic lunch at Shore Acres.
 Afternoon: You get to walk through Shore Acres Botanical Gardens, and fly your beautiful kites along the ocean coastline. After which, we get to sit and talk with a member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. On the way back to campus we stop at Cranberry Sweets. Bring your sweet tooth. Cranberry Sweets is famous for it's wonderful assortment of cranberry treats.
 Dinner: Dinner at Empire Cafe, on campus
 Evening: Evening activities on campus.
   
Accommodations: Southwestern Oregon Community College
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Explore a real lighthouse! Climb to the top of Cape Blanco lighthouse for a magnificent view. Feel the spray of the Rogue River on your face as you race 32 miles up and down the Rogue River in Jerry's Jet Boats. Eat dinner served "family style" at Lucas Lodge.
(Monday, July 8)

Note: 1. Field Trips: Cape Blanco and Rogue River
   
 Breakfast: Empire Cafe, On Campus
 Morning: Enjoy the beautiful morning exploring the Cape Blanco Lighthouse with a guided tour.
 Lunch: We will have a picnic lunch at Humbug Mountain State Park. You will see myrtlewood trees!
 Afternoon: Jump on board! Our group will ride on the World Famous Jerry's Jet Boats as we go 32 miles up the Rogue River. The ride will be narrated by the fabulous navigators, as we hope to spot ospreys, bald eagles, black bears, and other wild animals! Be sure to wear many layers, stockings caps and gloves. Bring binoculars and cameras in protective containers so they don't get wet. Hang on tight and have a great experience.
 Dinner: Dinner will be provided by Lucas Lodge up the Rogue River. Meals will be served "family style". Which means you all sit at long tables and pass the food around the table just like you do at home. The home is the original Lucas home still owned and operated by the original family.
 Evening: We get back down the river and board the bus around 8:00 p.m. Tired, sometimes cold, but very happy. We usually play a kid friendly movie on the bus ride home. We get back to campus around 10:00 p.m. Happy Campers!
   
Accommodations: Southwestern Oregon Community College
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Start the morning by visiting the Coos Bay Coast Guards. Prepare to walk through time while visiting the Umpqua Discovery Center. At the end of the day ride an Oregon Dune Buggy and explore the vastness of the beautiful Oregon Sand Dunes.
(Tuesday, July 9)

Note: 1. Field Trips: Umpqua Discovery Center and Dune Buggy 2. Excursion: Coos Bay Coast Guard
   
 Breakfast: Empire Cafe, on campus.
 Morning: Experience what it's like to be in the Coast Guard through stories of real rescues. Walk onboard a real Coast Guard helicopter and meet the men who fly them! Then we will board the bus to Reedsport and visit the Umpqua Discovery Center.
 Lunch: After a visit at the Discovery Center, lunch will be at the Schooner Cafe over-looking the Umpqua River. You will walk back in time to see what it was like to live here as settlers in a vast unknown land.
 Afternoon: The group will ride a Giant Dune Buggy for 8 miles of dunes and 2 miles of beach. In this 1-hour scenic tour, we will learn about and experience first-hand the size of these great dunes.
 Dinner: Empire Cafe, on campus
 Evening: Evening activities vary.
   
Accommodations: Southwestern Oregon Community College
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Strolling down the Farmer's Market. Visit the Coos Historical and Maritime Museum and the wonderful exhibitions. Hike the South Slough Estuary and enjoy a Beach BBQ at Sunset Bay State Park by flying kites and eating s'mores.
(Wednesday, July 10)

Note: 1. Excursions: Farmers Market 2. Field Trips: Coos Historical and Maritime Museum, and South Slough Estuary
   
 Breakfast: Empire Cafe, on campus.
 Morning: Local growers from surrounding farms offer seasonal produce as well as honey, baked goods, and berries. Meet vendors and community members as you enjoy the Farmers Market. Followed by an informative visit to the Coos Art Museum.
 Lunch: Empire Cafe, on campus
 Afternoon: Hike the South Slough Estuary. Rugged and steep terrain, great hiking area, many beautiful birds, try to name all the different trees. Presentation by a representative from the South Slough Estuary. Then spend the wonderful afternoon at Sunset Bay, flying kites and having fun at the beach.
 Dinner: Dinner on the Beach - toast marshmallows.
 Evening: Evening beach activities of Sand-castles, kites, Bonfire!
   
Accommodations: Southwestern Oregon Community College
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Hike the John Dellenback Trailhead and hike to the top of a major sand dune. Really, really, fun! Learn about Myrtlewood and see all the beautiful things that can be made from Myrtlewood.
(Thursday, July 11)

Note: 1. Field Trips: John Dellenback Trailhead and Myrtlewood Factory
   
 Breakfast: Empire Cafe, on Campus
 Morning: Presentation by Naturalist, Marty Giles, hike the John Dellenback Trailhead. Learn about plants and animals that survive in the sand dunes and surrounding terrain. You will experience the rugged terrain, a long hike ending with a walk to the top of a major mountain of sand. You feel like you can see the sand dunes forever. Bring you camera and good hiking shoes.
 Lunch: Empire Cafe, on campus
 Afternoon: Visit the Oregon Connection House of Myrtlewood. Watch a video and walk through the factory to see how Myrtlewood turns from a tree into beautiful decorative and useful items.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner on campus. Time to relax and visit before packing up to head home on Friday.
 Evening: Time to visit and pack.
   
Accommodations: Southwestern Oregon Community College
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Departure Day. Breakfast in the Empire Cafe, on campus. Followed by check-out at the Lighthouse Depot.
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Depart From: Please return your keys and lanyard for your end-of-the-week DVD at the Lighthouse Depot.
 Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the Empire Cafe between 7:30-9am. Check-out after breakfast.

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Coos Bay, OR Chamber of Commerce
Found in the about us section of the website: The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is a non-profit, professional organization made up of the Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston business communities (Oregon's Bay Area). Together we work to create a strong business voice, promote business and improve the economy of the Bay Area. Businesses in the Bay Area increasingly endorse the Chamber of Commerce and we continue to be recognized as a vital link between the Cities, State and regional parties of leadership, and act as the promoting entity for community spirit within the Bay Area. For additional information, visit www.oregonsbayareachamber.com
  Oregon Coast website
For additional information, visit www.oregoncoast.com
  Southern Oregon Visitors Association
For additional information, visit www.sova.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768