Thanks to the Nature Conservancy a special place known as  Cascade Head  is forever protected from development. Heading north through Lincoln County, Oregon, a driver will see a small sign on Highway 101 simply stating ‘Three Rocks Road’. A left turn at this sign opens into an artist’s community and a trail to the top of Cascade Head. Driving past the ocean view homes, a visitor will see a small public boat launch and the start of a 5 mile trail to the top of the Head. This trail winds upwards through several ecosystems of forest and grasslands to the protected, yet public, area at the top. To say the view is spectacular would be a terrible understatement. This is a sight of the Pacific rim of the United States that offers vistas a fifty or more miles of coastline. The curve of the earth is plainly visible  when you look out at the Pacific ocean. Yet you are less than 10 miles north of the ocean front homes and beach condos of Lincoln City. The property was purchased by the Nature Conservancy several years ago to protect a unique species of wildflower. So pack a picnic lunch and stroll through the forest and out onto the meadow. But be sure not to remove any ‘souvenirs’… other than the photos you are sure to take.