With the weather being mostly in the 30's and foggy here is Southern Oregon, we decided to take a day trip to the coast where they say there is sunshine. We are happy to report - IT IS TRUE!!
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| A shadow means SUNSHINE!! |
When we left Medford, it was foggy and 29 degrees. When we arrived at
Harris Beach State Park, it was sunny and 54 degrees already and only 10:00 am!!! We took a hike along the north beach after crossing a small stream near the day use area. Katie enjoyed running and rolling in the sand, but is still not too sure about the ocean with the waves that chase you. We also hiked along the Harris Beach Trail and South Beach segment of the park.
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| Our log bridge over the stream near the day use area |
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| North Beach view |
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| South Beach view |
After two hours of enjoying and hiking Harris Beach SP, we drove north on Highway 101 to the
Arch Rock Viewpoint parking area. A short hike led us to various viewpoints of the Oregon Coast which of course included Arch Rock.
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| Arch Rock |
We then drove to the
Natural Bridges Viewpoint parking area and hiked part of the
Oregon Coast Trail to see the Natural Bridges. We also hiked what we thought was a side trail, but ended up being a "shortcut" trail to viewpoints of coast. This "narrow overgrown path" led to some views but was a very tough hike with lots of near-the-cliff-edge portions. We retraced our steps (all uphill) and eventually got back on the OCT and to the safety of the parking lot.
We also hiked north on the OCT to the
Thunder Rock Cove loop trail. This was a real trail. While hiking this portion of the OCT we suddenly saw someone that looked familiar hiking towards us. It was our hiking friend from Roseburg,
Richard, who was hiking a 5-mile segment of the OCT that day. What a small world!!!!
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| Not all who wander are lost.......our hiking friend Richard. What a small world!!! |
Once we arrived at the top of Thunder Rock, the views of coast, Secret Beach and Thunder Rock Cove were amazing!! Pictures do not do it justice. We took some time to soak in the sun, sounds and sights. This spot would also make a great place for a picnic lunch someday.
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| View north from top of Thunder Rock (Secret Beach in foreground) |
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| Another view from the top of Thunder Rock |
We hiked the remainder of the loop trail back to our car and drove into Brookings to pick up a late lunch. Our picnic table at the day use area of Harris Beach SP provided us with an ocean view and more sunshine!! We were watched by a pair of crows and a group of seagulls who checked our eating area for cleanliness once we finished and left.
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| Our picnic table with sunshine and a view of the ocean |
Our time at the coast went by quickly, but it sure was nice. If you need a break from the cold and fog, Brookings is the place!
As we left and headed home, we were treated to the sight of an elk herd (at least 50) along Highway 101. It was icing on the cake.
Trekking Together,
Glenn and Carol
I've yet to hike this area, and I'm not sure why... After all, it shares my last name :-)
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