Would appreciate suggestions on the best hikes close to, or along the coastal area (5 miles maximum round-trip) and in which towns to stay for close proximity. Thanks for ANY help!

What part of the coast are you thinking about- its a big coast
However - around Mapelton (close to Florence) there is a beautiful short hike called Sweet Creek Falls - its very nice and easy
also the Hobbit Trail - also close to Florence - part of it goes along the beach . You could stay in Florence or vicinity for either of those hike
Also at Cape Perpetua there are several hike - stop at the visitors center and they will give you maps.
If you can find a copy of Bill Sullivans hikes in the coastal range he lists many more with directions on how to get there.

good luck

My favorite hike on the coast is the one out Cascade Head, a few miles north of Lincoln City. The view from the head is spectacular. It fits easily within your 5 mile limit if you start at Cascade Head Ranch instead of the trail head on 101.

http://www.uoregon.edu/photo_archive..._coast_01.html
http://www.yachats.org
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_124.php
Our favorite place on the coast is Yachats.
We usuallly stay at rock park cottages,
http://www.trillian.com/rockpark/rock.htm

as close to the ocean as you can get, but there are all sorts of places from pedestrian to exotic(ziguarrat)

Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head just to the south, wonderful views and easy to hard hikes.

whoops! Lost a sentence or two. Yachats is our favorite town on the coast. Tiny but with good eats, good lodging, and spectacular views. We usually stay at Rock Park cottages. The river comes in and the tides and beaches are wonderful, with mountains behind you. Cape perpetua and heceta head just to the south.

Yachats is a cool little coastal town. Check out Leroy's Blue Whale restaurant for some great clam chowder and homemade pies. ***kim***

THANK you!
More to add to our ever
expanding itinerary!Counting
down the days nnow!!!