Living on the CoastOregon Coast Real EstateVisitor Favorites November 29, 2009

Cascade Head Offers a Rare Oregon Wonderland

cascade blog 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.

Living on the CoastOregon Coast Real Estate November 29, 2009

A Peaceful Bird Sanctuary

siletz bay

The Siletz Bay is a shallow-water oasis of birdwatching located just south of Lincoln City, Oregon.

If you drive past the new oceanfront and bayfront condos at the southern boundry of Lincoln City you will find hundreds of square miles of a kayaker’s and birdwatcher’s garden of delights. This federally designated area contains shoreline, flood plain, and grassland that is the home of scores of Oregon coastal birds and wildlife. Hawks and eagles compete with Canadian geese and all types of waterfowl for nesting and feeding space. Even wild swans can sometimes be spotted if conditions are just right.

Although no motorized boats are allowed, canoes and kayaks are welcome to share in the world class birding opportunities. Closer to the beach the tidal flats of the Siletz bay offer clams and cockles. At the mouth of the bay folks can even use their crab pots… right from the shore!

For photographers the opportunities are limitless as the evershifting light plays among the small tree covered islands. Sunset will often seem to light the deep forest with an otherworldly golden glow. And all this is located within a ten minute bike ride to your Oregon coast property.

Coastal EventsLiving on the CoastOregon Coast Real Estate November 16, 2009

Nye Beach is Funky No More

nye beach street

Good golly, what’s going on in the historic Nye Beach district of Newport, Oregon?

The upgrades continue in Nye Beach as the art galleries and artists compete for space with the ocean front condos. In an area remembered better for turn of the century summer cottages and colorful rapscallions, ocean view homes are rendering the property more valuable than the existing buildings.

Newport has invested a fortune in newly cobbled streets and European style, pedestrian friendly, neighborhoods. And the boutique bakeries, restaurants, and high-end delis and wine shops have begun sprouting like mushrooms. The music scene in lively on the weekends and the locals can be seen strolling this this lovely atmosphere just a few steps from the sandy beach.

After years of contraction and neglect, the Nye Beach district is expanding in every direction. New ocean front condos are under construction at the same time as new parks are opened and upgraded.

Certainly the fact that residents can walk 250 yards to the Newport Performing Art Center must have something to do with the recent boom. Where else can you exit a performance of a symphony orchestra and see the mighty Pacific on your walk home?

Coastal EventsLiving on the CoastOregon Coast Real EstateVisitor Favorites November 14, 2009

Yaquina Lighthouse Beacon Beckons

lighthouse

It’s true… They’ve opened the lighthouse to the public!

One mile north of Newport,  the Yaquina Head Lighthouse has been a beacon to shipping since 1873.  It is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon and now has been opened by the park service.

Costumed employees invite visitors to climb the spiraling  staircase all the way to the top where there is a fantastic view of the Oregon Coast. This is the type of view usually restricted to folks owning beachfront Oregon Coast real estate.

There is also a bird rookery and an interperative center located on Yaquina head. They recently started charging 5.00 per carload as an entry fee. But the views, the secret beach, the rookery, and above all the lighthouse, makes this the best bargain for sightseers on the central Oregon coast.