japradhan

Hi,

My husband and I are planning a trip to Oregon next week... Here's our itenerary

Day1 Drive upto Klamath Falls from California
Day2 Check out Crater Lake, Tokettee Falls; Drive to Roseburg
Day3 Check out Wild life Safari; Drive to Reedsport
Day4 Check out Sand Dunes; Drive back to California

I had a couple of questions...
1. Are there any cheese factories on any of these routes?
2. How are the Sea Lion Caves in Florence? Are they really worth it? Will they be open even if it rains?
3. Where are the dunes better? in Reedsport or in Florence?
4. Is there anything else you recommend we include from the trip?
5. Are there any good restaurants (preferably romantic!!) that you can recommend?
6. Has anyone been to the rustic cabin in the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park? Do we need to take sleeping bags and linen? Also, is the cabin well heated?

Regards,
Jo

Gardyloo

National Park Service says the rim road and lodge access at Crater Lake are closed for the winter due to very heavy snow and ice conditions. Scratch Crater Lake.

I would carry chains or be prepared for winter driving between K Falls and Roseburg; might be a problem, might not. Winter seems to be arriving early this year. Use the ODOT updates at http://www.tripcheck.com if you can. Watch the conditions in the Siskiyous too.

Can't think of any cheese places that far south, but don't really pay that much attention.

Sea Lion Caves are (IMO) a tourist trap; they won't close for rain, however. It's the Oregon coast after all.

There are various access points to the Dunes - I think the Florence area has generally better access. I don't know that there's a lot to distinguish between the dunes near Florence v. those further south.

I would skip the K-Falls loop and concentrate on the coast, even though it will likely be quite wet and blowy. The best crossover route is SR38 into Reedsport (very scenic.) If you go up I-5 as far as Corvallis, US 20 out to Newport is also attractive, and the road south from Newport to Florence is nice, with Heceta Head Lighthouse the highlight.

IMO the Redwoods are at their best in the drippy season.

beachbum

There used to be a cheese factory in Bandon; it closed (at least to the public) a little over a year ago.

I share Gardyloo's opinion re Sea Lion Caves, not to mention that the building is a huge blight on the coast. Some **people** like it just for the gift shop though. If you get as far north as Newport, you'll see sea lions on the docks along the waterfront, and can get more up close and personal.

There are a couple commercial outfits south of Florence - Sandland is one - that offer dune buggy rides. They should be open weather permitting, but may not be operating a 7-day schedule.

Here's the poop on the state park rustic cabins; it looks like you do need to bring your own bedding, etc.: http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/rustic.shtml.

This is a fairly isolated part of Oregon's coast, so you'll not find many restaurants of the type it appears you're looking for. Best bet is around Newport or Yachats. Or, if you change your route as Gardyloo suggests, and happen to go through Ashland, you'll find some good meals there.

oregonmom

I live only one hour from Crater Lake. If you are coming from K. Falls, you can take the south entrance to Crater Lake and get in. If you could get a clear day, it is fabulous to see in the snow. We have not had too much snow up above yet, so the roads have been clear. I live on the road from Crater Lake to Roseburg. If you are traveling on the weekend, stop at Steamboat Inn for a great meal. It is about 40 miles from Roseburg. Wildlife Safari is worth half a day and far better than Sea Lion caves although I know it's not the same thing. The drive from Sutherlin (12 miles north of Roseburg) to Reedsport is beautiful and much of it is along the main Umpqua River. Be sure to look for the Dean Creek Elk viewing area about 5 miles before you get to Reedsport. Florence is only 18 miles north of Reedsport and the dunes are great there. We have camped in Umpqua Lighthouse State Park and saw the cabins. They are similar to the yurts (tent cabins). They have heat and lights. When going south through Bandon, eat at Lord Bennett's for an awesome view of the coast or at the Bandon Boatworks for a clear view of the Lighthouse there. Not exactly "romantic" but good food at the beach and great cranberry bread. In Winchester Bay, just south of Reedsport, there is a casual place called the Crabby Cafe that has the best fish and chips (halibut) that I have eaten recently. These two areas are our usual "beach" locations. Old town Bandon is nice to walk through and there is a good bakery there for coffee and a pastry. Beautiful drive on south through Gold Beach and Brookings. Good pizza and brew pub place in Brookings called Wild River Brewery. Hope you have a great trip. I'm jealous...

Scarlett

oregonmom, how are you and your area after the past nights storms? Do you have a lot of trees down?

kimamom

The Peerless and Chateaulin are both excellent for meals in Ashland. In Central Point there is the Rogue Creamery for your cheese stop. Have a great trip! ***kim*** roguecreamerydotcom is the website.

traveler24

Brookings--
A wonderful "on the Ocean" Best Western Beachfront--It is south of town at edge of harbor
All rooms face ocean with balconies., have microwaves, refig. and coffee pot.
AND across street is a great restaurant.-eneral menu & good seafood
IF I were within 100 miles of this place I would detour just to stay there.especially with winter rates.
We just got back from ""down the Oregon coast" one of many over last 20 years..
Personally- I would skip the Klamath Falls side and concentrate on the coast.
Also in Bandon is a group of motel rooms --Sunset Motels--- some new, some rustric but all on a bluff overlooking the ocean.
Hope you have a great time...

sunbum1944

In Florence there is the Waterfront Depot Restaurant - not really romantic
I guess but more upscale than many at the coast - you will likely need a reservation for dinner - we tried to go on a Sat a couple of weeks ago without a reservation and they just laughed at us.

I think the dunes around Florence are the best- Honeyman State Park has a nice area where you can go walking on them.

I second the suggestion of the dune buggy rides - it is really fun!! You go with a driver who really knows how to drive on the dunes!

My favorite beach is Devils Elbow State park- just north of Florence
There are some very nice hiking trails
including a trail up to the Heceta Head lighthouse and innkeepers house ( which is also a B & B ).
The lighthouse is one of the most photographed in the US - very scenic spot!!

Have fun -

oregonmom

It was very windy and rained finally at about 8:30 p.m. But we didn't lose power and I had no trouble getting to work. (Too bad, I could use a day off!!)
I didn't see any trees down, but a lot of litter on our road that has many Douglas fir trees along it.

japradhan

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the info and tips... will keep them in mind and keep the plans flexible.. depending on the weather next week... Hope it's good!! (keeping my fingers crossed!! )

Regards,
Jo