Pacific Northwest Road Trip — Day 5
May 2023
We had a wonderful breakfast aboard the Newport Belle Riverboat Bed and Breakfast. The owners, Randy and Paige provided a made to order breakfast. What a feast! I ordered the banana walnut waffles. You won’t be hungry after this meal.
They now serve breakfast to outside guests by reservation only. If you don’t spend the night with them, you should at least have breakfast.
With full happy bellies, we headed to our first stop of the day.
1st Stop: Devil’s Churn, Siuslaw National Forest
The drive took less than 40 minutes via US-101 S
You can park in the small parking lot that has access to the trailhead called Restless Waters Trail which goes down the side of the cliff. There are two overlooks before you reach Devil’s Churn. Stop at the overlooks and watch the amazing power of the waves crashing and swirling in the narrow inlet. Then continue down switchbacks while listening to the power of the sea water in Devil’s Churn below you.
Near the end of the trail there are a few stone stairs that lead to the water. Just be careful, they are usually wet and can get slippery. You can walk onto the volcanic rock, but again be careful since the waves wash up onto the rocks surrounding the churn.
I highly recommend this stop. You won’t be disappointed.
Tips:
- There is a $5 day use fee.
- Restrooms are available.
- This is a 1.6-mile loop trail that takes about 45 minutes.
2nd Stop: Heceta Head Lighthouse
It was less than 20 minutes to Heceta Head Lighthouse.
We walked a ½ mile trail from the parking lot to the lighthouse which was first illuminated in 1894. We passed the lightkeeper’s house on the way up to the lighthouse. The views are spectacular at the top.
Tips:
- The assistant light keeper’s house, built 1893 is now a Lighthouse B&B. It would be cool to stay here with the beautiful ocean views.
3rd Stop: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
The drive to Bandon Dunes was 1 hour and 45 minutes via US-101 S.
If you love golf the way my husband does, then you must pay this place a visit.
Last Stop for the day: Bandon Inn
1 night
The hotel has very large rooms. It was comfortable, but nothing to write home about.
Adventure:
- Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Since we had time, we went to check out this landmark after check-in at Bandon Inn. I wasn’t sure what we were looking for until I saw it. There’s no way you don’t see the face on Face Rock. And of course, there’s an Indian legend that says you hear her voice on the wind. Can’t say I heard anything but the sound of waves.
Meals:
- Edgewaters
They serve fresh local seafood. I got the fish and chips which was very good.
Tips:
- Reservations are required.