52 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM ecosystem includes the Salmon River and its estuary, a sandy littoral spit, densely forested uplands, a 2-mile (3.2-km) basalt headland covered in native coastal prairie, and a marine reserve stretching west into the waters of the Pacific. The biosphere draws eco-volunteers who show their love for the coastline in many ways, including the SOLVE beach cleanups in spring and fall. On Cascade Head is the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, offering workshops in a variety of artistic and literary disciplines, just one of the havens for artists in Lincoln City. Browse work by regional contemporary artists at Pacific Artists’ Co-op Gallery, Freed Gallery and the Lincoln City Cultural Center, which is also a performing-arts venue. Dozens of clay artists are showcased at Mossy Creek Pottery near Siletz Bay, and you can get a front-row seat to glassblowers as they work at Alder House, open seasonally from May to October. Give it a try yourself at the Lincoln City Glass Center. At the south end of town in the Taft neighborhood, the North Lincoln County Historical Museum houses exhibits that describe what life was like for first peoples and early residents. See a vast collection of antique glass fishing floats here too. Stop in for breakfast at Otis Cafe, a pint and a burger at Pelican Brewing at Siletz Bay, or local fish at Kyllos. Chinook Winds Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is another dining destination that also offers a performance venue, bigname entertainers, Las Vegas-style gaming and an annual powwow in November. With the kids, visit more than 100 video games and pinball machines at Game Over Arcade, Bar and Grill, as well as the fossil collection at Prehistoric. Located at the north end of the Taft neighborhood, the Inn at Spanish Head has unmatched views and is a favorite of whale watchers and storm lovers who want to scour the horizon while snuggled warmly inside. Salishan Coastal Lodge in Gleneden Beach — about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Lincoln City — is worth the trip to experience the resort’s thrilling aerial park, browse the resort shops and play the golf course. Shoppers will enjoy the Lincoln City Outlets, including Oregonborn brands like Nike, Pendleton Woolen Mills and Scout Northwest Trading Company. Or go treasure hunting at the numerous antique shops in the area. Year-round, the Little Antique Mall features nearly 100 vendors under one roof. Antique & Collectibles Week is a celebration in February featuring citywide sales and special events. DEPOE BAY With a thriving fishing industry true to its roots, Depoe Bay was voted the best harbor in the U.S. in 2020. In fact, it claims to be the “WhaleWatching Capital of the Oregon Coast.” As waves crash and spray on the rocks below the town sea wall, visitors gather to scan the horizon, hoping to glimpse migrating gray whales or the resident pod that lingers here year-round. Watch out for Depoe Bay’s Blow Hole, a geologic oddity that can spout water as high as 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 m) in the air; it’s the only town on the Coast with such a feature smack downtown. When visiting the harbor, note the sign commemorating the filming of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” At the Oregon State Parks Whale Watching Center, rangers help you spy whale spouts. Binoculars are available, and volunteers offer a wealth of information about whales. Exhibits, along with hands-on opportunities to touch baleen and whale vertebrae, make the whale center a favorite for visitors of all ages. Whale Research EcoExcursions offers educational whale-watching tours with marine biologist Carrie Newell and her team of marine mammal naturalists. Newell founded the Whale, Sea Life & Shark Museum, which houses her own collection of marine artifacts. Venture down to the harbor (touted as the smallest in CENTRAL COAST FOOD TRAIL The terroir of the Central Coast is reflected in its produce, meat and artisan products, so a few culinary stops are a must. Make an appointment to select the freshest beef and lamb at Euchre Creek Farm in Siletz, or pick blueberries in season at nearby Gibson Farms. If you’re exploring around Yachats, make someone’s day with organically grown flowers and organic jellies from Forks Farm Flowers, or head a bit farther south for culinary delights at the Florence Farmers Market. Start your day with a coffee specialty at Salt in Lincoln City, or stop by later in the day for a range of small plates and inventive cocktails. Don’t miss a trip to Bread & Roses in Yachats for freshly baked bread and pastries with a latte. In Newport stop into Local Ocean for seafood sourced from local fishing boats, either to eat there or take away from selections on ice. Nearby, Clearwater Restaurant offers spectacular views of the Yaquina Bay Bridge. For healthy eats and plant-based plates, try Nosh Eatery in Florence’s Old Town. See more options at CCFoodTrail.com. JEREMY BURKE Clearwater Restaurant
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