68 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM of town, where an elevator delivers you down into North America’s largest sea cave and home to the only mainland rookery of Steller sea lions in the lower 48 states. Just north of Sea Lion Caves is the photogenic Heceta Head Lighthouse. An easy stroll up a gravel trail winds from the oceanside parking area past the Keeper’s House (a popular bed-and-breakfast) to the lighthouse. Both are open seasonally for tours. South of town in Dunes City, explore the 3-mile (4.8-km) Siltcoos River Canoe Trail, a designated paddling trail that winds through the dunes and a saltwater estuary to the ocean, drawing kayakers, canoers and stand-up paddlers. Rent equipment and launch right from the dock at Siltcoos River Kayak Rentals. Anglers will find excellent seasonal salmon and steelhead fishing on the Siuslaw River and a variety of fish in around two dozen lakes within a dozen miles. In November and December, ocean-run coho salmon spill into both Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes, creating the only wild-coho fishery in Oregon. The 21,000-square-foot (1,951sq-m) Florence Events Center is a great place for conventions, trade shows, executive retreats, banquets, reunions and weddings. It also boasts national-caliber touring music, dance and drama in its 455-seat state-of-the-art theater. Florence’s biggest annual event is the springtime Rhododendron Festival on the third weekend in May, though the Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail, held the third weekend of February, is also a big hit. Summer brings Wings & Wheels and an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. Rods ‘N Rhodies and the Community-Wide Garage Sale happen the second week of September. In January the annual Florence Winter Music Festival brings bluegrass, new and traditional folk, and foot-stompin’ Americana music to town. Join a jam session, workshop or open-mic hootenanny. SAFARITOWNSURF.COM | 541-996-6335 GUIDEDKAYAK TOURS · Cable TV · Free Wi-Fi · Restrooms & Showers · Laundromat · Boat Ramp · Marina · Pets Welcome Port of Siuslaw Campground and Marina 100 Harbor Street • Florence, OR 97439 541-997-3040 • campground@portofsiuslaw.com • portofsiuslaw.com Located on the Siuslaw River walking distance to Restaurants & Shops in Historic Old Town Florence BOOK ONLINE OR CALL FOR RESERVATIONS home away from home your oceanfront Desired Roads End area with direct beach access comfortably sleeps eight adults and two children spacious three bedroom, 4½ bath for booking information call 541-992-5001
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