Day 7 Lincoln City (Taft) to Coos Bay

The Oregon Coast is rich in natural beauty! Today's scenery is truly exceptional.

While driving down the 101 South once again, we encountered Boiler Bay, a popular spot for birdwatching that reminded us of our alma mater Purdue Boiler Makers. Next on our itinerary was Depoe Bay, known for whale watching and the presence of a bird species called a scoter. Depoe Bay boasts one of the narrowest port entries I have ever witnessed, along with a picturesque bridge that frames the harbor. In the distance, we spotted a few whales spouting, and we were informed that they had been seen near the shore just the day before.

BOILER BAY AND DEPOT BAY PICTURES

Further along Highway 101, we arrived at Otter Rock Devils Punch Bowl State Park. Here, we encountered Devils Punch Bowl, a large cavity in sandstone layers where the ocean ebbs and flows with the tides. The limestone formation features a vivid orange ring within the "Punch Bowl." From the same vantage point, we also admired Whaleback Rock, Otter Rock, and Gulf Rock. These sights were truly breathtaking.

The views from Otter Rock Devils Punch Bowl State Park

Following Gregg's suggestion, Cat made a stop at Beverly's Beach and embarked on a five-mile stroll along the shore. The weather was initially sunny and clear, but after walking 2.5 miles, thick fog suddenly rolled in, causing chaos with Cat's hair and making her question the point of using a straightener that morning. From Beverly's Beach, one can catch the first glimpse of the Yaquina Head lighthouse in Newport at the southern tip of the beach.

Beverly's Beach photos

Standing at a height of 93 feet, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest in Oregon and remains operational today, located on the north end of Newport. While the original oil-burning Fresnel lens has been replaced with one powered by commercial electricity and the lighthouse keeper has departed, the historical significance from the 1800s continues to shine at Yaquina Head. There is a smaller light house in Yaquina Bay called the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, which looks like its perched on top of a small house

Further along Highway 101, we crossed the Yaquina Bay Bridge, an arch bridge spanning Yaquina Bay in Newport, Oregon. This bridge is one of the most iconic structures on the Oregon Coast and is a prominent landmark in Newport.

The guys in Newport, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Yaquina Bay Bridge and the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

Heading south on the 101 we entered Florence through a two-lane tunnel.  Florence is "Oregon's Coastal Playground" with its rolling sand dunes, miles of beaches, charming Historic Old Town Florence and is just an hour west of Eugene - Springfield.

Florence pictures

Continuing on 101 Gregg and Kevin rode on the pedestrian walkway across the Conde McCullough Memorial Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans the Coos Bay on US Route 101 near North Bend, Oregon which quickly connects to Coos Bay where we will stay for the night. Gregg was excited to see a huge mural of his running idol Steve Prefontaine on the side of a building in Coos Bay.

 We could not have asked for better weather or more beautiful scenery.  This part of Oregon is something to add to your travels if you have never been in the area.

The ride encompassed 124.5 miles with 6,060 feet total ascent in 7 hours and 4 minutes with an average speed of 17.6 mph.  Awesome Day all around!