64 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM hauled down the Yachats River. North of town, Smelt Sands State Recreation Site attracts hikers to the historic, .75-mile (1.2-km) 804 Trail, part of the Oregon Coast Trail and a long stretch of beach. To the south, the 2,700-acre (1,093-ha) Cape Perpetua Scenic Area has 26 miles (41.8 km) of trails in old-growth forest, a year-round visitor center and naturalist-led programs in the summer. The 1-mile (1.6-km) stretch of the Amanda Trail, accessible nearby, honors a woman from the Coos Tribe and others forcibly relocated to the area in the 1850s. Head to Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint’s Strawberry Hill for tide pooling (check tide tables for safety) and glimpses of colorful anemones, sea stars and other marine life. Find parking at the Strawberry Hill Wayside. FLORENCE Originally built on the logging and fishing industries near the mouth of the Siuslaw River, Florence has become a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, fresh seafood aficionados and beachcombers. Florence is home to the big dune adventures of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, stretching 42 miles (67.6 km) south from town. Your nearest point of entry is along South Jetty Road less than a mile (1.6 km) south of the beautiful 1930s art deco Siuslaw River Bridge (itself worthy of a stroll across the river on the pedestrian walkway). Rent an OHV or hire a professional driver at Sand Dunes Frontier or Sandland Adventures. You can also camp just steps from the dunes at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park on the shore of Cleawox Lake and explore by foot or on a sandboard. Florence has been named the world capital of sandboarding, a family-friendly sport you’ll want to try. Rent a board or take a class at Sand Master Park. In addition to its access to outstanding golf, fishing, crabbing, EVERY ROOM OCEANFRONT | AQUATIC CENTER | EVENT VENUE Where happy memories have been made for almost fifty years. Every room is oceanfront. Suites with full kitchens. Full-service venue for weddings and events. New to the property is The Market & Dine-in Deli at Driftwood Shores with provisions and oceanfront seating. Doggie friendly rooms too! DRIFTWOODSHORES.COM | 541.997.8263 | 88416 1ST AVE. FLORENCE, OREGON
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