Polk County, Oregon

The Yaquina Head Natural Area is home to the historic 93 ft tall Yaquina Head lighthouse, built in 1872. The construction of the lighthouse from approximately 370,000 bricks took nearly a year, and the lighthouse has been active ever since.The park is open daily, from 7am until sunset; however, i...

Starting at the visitor center, the trail begins west heading into the forest where you’ll only gain around a couple hundred feet of elevation. While you are hiking on this trail you are surrounded by conifer trees, little open areas of sitting water, and look outs that are hidden within the trai...

Champoeg was the first town to be settled in the Willamette Valley and the site of the formation of the first government in the northwest. The park offers historical sites as well as plentiful camping and some short day hikes. I decided to do the Townsite loop with my family on black friday #opto...

Cape Lookout is a two-mile long peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean from Oregon's rugged coastline. The park features more than 170 campsites, yurts, rustic cabins, and a day-use area, all located a short walk from the beach. There are roughly 10 miles of trails ranging from easy to mode...

The North Trail at Cape Lookout State Park in Oregon is a challenging (hilly) route with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Start at trailhead along Cape Lookout Road. There are 3 trails available, North, Cape Lookout, and South trails.  Follow signs for the North trail. The trail drops stee...

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is open 9am-6pm and offers the public a chance to see their 40 acres of Tulips for a limited time during the year. Their tulip fest goes from late March to early May so double check to make sure they're open before you go.For $5 a person or $20 for a car this place off...

The Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge Trail, located near Gaston, Oregon, offers a peaceful, educational, and family-friendly outdoor experience. Opened to the public in recent years, this refuge protects vital wetland and prairie habitats while providing an easy walking trail ideal for birdwa...

Tucked into the foothills of the Coast Range just west of Portland, the Hagg Lake Loop Trail at Scoggins Valley Park offers over 13 miles of scenic trails ideal for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Starting from the Elks Recreation Area, this trail circles Henry Hagg Lake, offering pan...

Nestled in the scenic Chehalem Ridge Nature Park near Gaston, Oregon, the Timber Road, Ayeekwa, and Witches Butter Loop offers a serene 3.3-mile trail experience. This easy loop, typically completed in about 1 hour and 22 minutes, meanders through diverse landscapes, including meadows, dense fir ...

The unique feature of South Falls, Lower South Falls, and Middle North Falls are the paths that pass behind the falls providing an amazing visual and auditory experience; however, be sure to have a good bag for your equipment to avoid water damage and a decent jacket (preferably water-resistant)....

If you're thinking of hiking the Trail of Ten Falls Loop and staying overnight, there are 42 tent campsites (available from April – Oct) as well as 14 rustic cabins. With multiple beds, heat, electricity, a covered porch, and a small fridge, they provide the perfect respite after a long day of ex...

The South Silver Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, offers a breathtaking 2-mile loop that takes hikers behind the famous South Falls. This family-friendly trail provides stunning views from multiple vantage points, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the park. The trail begins near...

This is a great and easy day hike that features two waterfalls - Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls - amid beautiful Oregon Coast Range scenery. This hike is perfect for a family trip as the trail is dog-friendly, the Alsea River serves as a swimming hole on hot days, and there is a picnic area jus...

The main beach is located adjacent to Oceanside Beach State Park, which can be accessed via Cape Meares Loop/Netarts Oceanside Hwy. Once you arrive at the park, head down towards the beach and start walking North. You'll notice a little hole-in-the-wall past a small group of rocks which you'll h...

Oceanside Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Tillamook, Oregon.

Oceanside Beach is often passed over for Tunnel Beach just north. Both are great, but you're missing out if you don't head down to Oceanside and fly a kite.  There's a parking lot right next to the marked location. Park there, then head down to the beach—don't forget your kite!