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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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Program

At a Glance

Duration

6 days

Program Begins

Florence, OR

Program Concludes

Florence, OR

Group Type

Small Group

Meals

13 ( 5B, 4L, 4D )

Activity Level

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.

Best of all, you'll...

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 13 cascading waterfalls.

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Holly Foster

Holly Foster has an M.A. in music education with undergraduate degrees in music conducting and French. She got hooked on travel during her teaching career, leading high school choir groups to various West Coast events and French students around France. An Ashland resident for over 30 years, Holly is connected to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival through her actor partner, and delights in attending all the plays. She also works with a local educational travel program. Holly enjoys hiking, skiing, singing, gardening, reading, travel, and adventure.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Bob Vinatieri

Bob Vinatieri was introduced to travel at age two, riding in a TWA Super Constellation cockpit from Kansas City to Amarillo. Travel has been his vocation for over 40 years, and he has visited all 50 states, six continents, and over 50 countries. Bob enjoys leisurely walks along both mountain trails and urban cityscapes. Highlights on his programs include discussions of geology, climate transitions, and human histories. You can always find him with a camera, photographing wildflowers and the epic landscapes of the Pacific Wonderland.

Carolyn Singh

Carolyn Singh now resides in Southern Oregon’s magnificent Rogue Valley after retiring from more than four decades as an academic librarian and instructor in three U.S. time zones and Fiji. She is thrilled to share the many wonders of this extraordinary region with Road Scholars. In the offseason, she is an avid hiker, gardener, food ways and literacy volunteer, and RYS certified yoga instructor.

Dina Pavlis

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.

Natalie DaSilva

Natalie DaSilva is an Oregon Master Naturalist and Certified Interpretive Guide who enjoys nothing more than sharing her love for the natural and cultural history of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. After a long and rewarding career in health care, she is now focused on developing programs to inspire others to discover, experience, and protect these natural and cultural wonders. An avid hiker, Natalie spends much of her free time exploring the unique landscapes of Oregon and surrounding areas.

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 (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (5 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.