|
Florence, Oregon is a top retirement choice located on the central Oregon
coast along U.S. Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway it provides
convenient access to a host of outdoor recreational activities and
breathtaking scenery. The Florence, Oregon area is popular as a diverse
and rich "playground" destination, where lush green forests meet the
ocean's edge along one of America's most beautiful and dramatic
coastlines. Florence is situated amid the Oregon Dunes and Siltcoos Recreation Areas, providing a host of outdoor activities. In
addition, it is conveniently located to major Oregon Coast attractions
such as the Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon Coast Aquarium,
casinos and outlet malls.
Florence has a steadily growing population of over 7,000 and serves a
market base of approximately 20,000. It is the largest community in
western Lane County, and is a center for business, medical care, education
and other services. The town is also accessible via Oregon Highway 126,
from Eugene. Hwy 126, a one hour scenic route which runs from the fertile
Willamette Valley and then along the Siuslaw River.
From Florence to Coos Bay, the Oregon Dunes extends for 40 miles along the
Oregon Coast. Formed by wind, water and time, these dunes are like no
others in the world. These are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes
in North America and they hold numerous opportunities for adventure
seekers or someone looking for some peace and quite.
Thousands of off-highway vehicle riders come to enjoy the thrill of riding
across these expansive tracks of sand. Three main off-highway vehicle
riding areas have been set aside to provide riders with a variety of
experiences. There are sand roads and designated rides between South Jetty
to the Siltcoos River, small areas with the highest and most dramatic
dunes in Umpqua Riding area, and large areas with varied riding
opportunities between Spinreel and Horsfall. Whether by sand rail,
motorcycle, 4x4, quad or guided trip riders are in for a treat.
If water sports are more to your liking the Oregon Dunes offers a myriad
of opportunities. With over 30 lakes and ponds, and numerous streams to
choose from, you can enjoy sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, swimming,
scuba diving and fishing. Large lakes include Woahink, Siltcoos,
Tahkenitch, Eel, and North and South Tenmile Lakes.
Or get away from it all on one of our variety of hiking opportunities and
immerse yourself in the quiet solitude of the costal forests extending
nearly to the ocean. Many trails rove through forest flourishing in
Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce. Some trails wind up, over and through sand
dunes offering hikers the chance to experience the natural wonder that
makes this area unique. One moment you may be trekking over vast expanses
of sand, only to give way to low lying wetlands or a hidden lake at the
bottom of a dune. At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, adventures
and wonder are truly around every corner.
 Oregon Dunes
40 miles of dunes, many over 300 feet high begin in Florence and stretch
to the North Bend area. Plenty of recreational activities can be found on
these massive dunes, from horseback riding to dune buggy tours. Take a
walk on the many trails through the dunes or view the wavelike mounds,
that sit among little forested islands, through enclosed viewing platforms
at the Dunes Overlook south of town.
Sea Lion Caves
The Guinness Book of World Records has recently confirmed Sea Lion Caves as
the largest sea caves in the world. It is the only known remaining home of
wild stellar sea lions on the North American mainland and has attracted
people from all over the world since its opening 65 years ago to the
public. 11 miles north of Florence, open 9:00 am,
(541) 547-3111
 Heceta Head Lighthouse
Found at Devil's Elbow State Park, this is a popular beach and picnic area
north of Florence. Tide pools and tiny sea caves are filled with shells,
sea anemones, star fish and mussels. A trail leads to the lighthouse and
keeper's house with daily tours during the summer and on weekends the rest
of the year.
Old Town
This quaint fishing village is situated on the banks of the Siuslaw River
and has been beautifully restored in colorful themes reminiscent of the
Victorian era. Numerous restaurants, art galleries, clothing and specialty
shops; candies and T-Shirt shops are mixed among Gazebo Park and the new
Boardwalk overlooking the fishing docks.
Seaside Glass Blowing
Visit the public gallery and viewing area where visitors can watch Jason
as he engages in one of the oldest art forms known to mankind. Once you
have witnessed this process, which involves kilns blazing at nearly 2400
degrees, manipulation of glass in liquid form, the adding of various
colors and building of patterns, you will quickly come to appreciate the
painstaking skill and patients that goes in to every one of Jason's blown
glass artworks.
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
"Come now and enter through a door that leads to yesteryear..." and
experience our coastal heritage at the Pioneer Museum. Included are an old
Indian Dugout canoe in the center of the main floor, an old kitchen cook
stove, blacksmith's bellows, and steam engine. Docents explain the use and
significance of the variety of artifacts of coastal Native and Pioneer
history on display. Maple & 2nd Old Town Open 12:00 - 4:00, Tuesday -
Sunday $3.00
Fly Fishing Museum
Thousands of hand-tied flies dating back to the 1800's and collected from
over 20 countries are featured at the museum. Located in Old Town, this is
a fascinating private fishing collection which also includes beautiful
paintings and carvings. (541) 997-6349.
Siuslaw River Bridge
This magnificent span of beautiful architecture crosses the Siuslaw River
just south of Florence. Built in the 1930's, it is another example of a
McCullough bridge of which there are many up and down Hwy 101.
Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside
This roadside area was created to preserve and show a rare carnivorous
plant which grows in Southern Oregon and Northern California coastal
areas, known also as the Pitcher Plant or Cobra Lilly. Located 5 miles
north of Florence on Hwy. 101, the 18 acre park has a loop trail
overlooking patches of brilliant green Darlingtonia. The plant traps the
insects with their fragrant smell, where the insect then falls to the
bottom of the plant stem and is digested.
 Cape Perpetua
The highest point on the Oregon Coast, with a spectacular view, is at Cape
Perpetua. The Visitor's Center is open daily from May until October and
weekends during the winter, and features movies, exhibits and an
observation area for whale-watching. The Child And Parent Environmental
(CAPE), are two-hour-long nature programs and range from hikes to identify
edible plants to bird-watching. You can drive or hike to the top of Cape
Perpetua and walk the Trail of the Whispering Spruce or Devil’s Churn
where mighty waves are driven into a narrow fissure. |
