By BARBARA B. COVELL/Oregon Coast TODAY
WALDPORT — Part of what lures people to the Oregon coast is the bounty of recreational opportunities. Both water and land based activities offer excitement, beauty and challenges. For many it is the hiking and walking trails that bring peace of mind, measured exercise and photographic moments to take in the lush beauty or spectacular views.
Of the many Lincoln County trails and hiking routes, those most frequently featured are south of Yachats and north of Newport. But there are treasures that exist in Waldport, Seal Rock, Beaver Creek and South Beach. These gems are often quiet getaways for locals and delightful discoveries for visitors.
The summer of 2022 brought the era of post-Covid restrictions and many people itching to get out of the house just to do something different. But often it’s the question of where to go. Whether it’s beaches or forested hiking trails, there’s always the question of going alone or with others.
Luckily, the Waldport Hikers can help pave the way.
Waldport Hikers is an informal group of hiking newcomers and seasoned veterans who explore the rich landscape of the central Oregon coast. The coastal diversity and the social aspect of the group make hiking experiences rich. The group’s idea is to get people together, walking, socializing and enjoying the fresh air.
“I just wanted to have other folks to hike with,” said Susan Beck Brown, who posted the idea on Facebook after having been in similar groups in Arizona and Colorado.
The post motivated a small group to gather, explore the idea and to ascertain common interests. It was agreed that hikes should be both reasonable distances and inclusive for all age groups with varying levels of skill. Waldport residents Ron Breeze and Joe and Patty Modig then took the lead.
Breeze developed a Facebook page and in the first hour, 83 people expressed interest. There are now 183 members following Waldport Hikers from various states. There are no membership questions, dues, commitments or requirements — merely an interest in group hiking — one time or multiple times.
Breeze posts all planned and completed hiking events along with photos of completed hikes in an effort to promote the diversity of opportunities.
“If people are visiting here they have something cool to do,” Breeze said. “The social aspect of meeting others with a common interest is also appealing.”
Visitors and coastal vacationers are always welcome to join the fun. The group is age friendly and accommodating to physical limitations.
Modig set up a Waldport Hikers email account and handles all communications with members, including planned hikes, details and changes.
“RSVPs aren’t necessary although timeliness is important,” he said. “We often meet to carpool and we always set a start time and locale.”
Leading a hike is voluntary and the leader chooses where and when the hike is to be held, providing details about terrain, elevation changes and total length along with a route map and whether dogs are allowed. Hike leaders also keep track that everyone gets back, although people can hike as far as they wish.
“Nobody needs to walk the entire way,” Breeze said. “Just let the hike leader know.”
Hikes are generally in established state parks or on U.S. Forest Service land, beach routes or private land if permission is granted. One particular gem was the Yakona Nature Preserve, a 600-acre private forested reserve in South Beach with ancient Sitka spruce, wildlife and ecosystems on ancestral land. There are viewpoints onto Yaquina Bay. Public access and tours can be made by prior arrangements.
The group’s pristine beach walks offer solitude as well as spectacular ocean views. Some of these priceless trails include: the South Beach and South Jetty trails in South Beach State Park, Ona Beach to Seal Rock in Brian Booth State Park, Lost Creek Beach north of Seal Rock, Driftwood Beach and Big Stump Beach to Alsea River via Gov. Patterson Beach. Other honorable mentions include the Yachats 804 trail, Smelt Sands State Park, and the Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Yaquina Bay estuary trail, each uniquely different and memorable.
Forest and wetlands trails to explore are the Mike Miller County Park and Cooper Ridge Trails in South Beach, Beaver Creek Loop in east Brian Booth State Park, Trail with No Name in Seal Rock, Cummins Creek Trail and Harris Ranch Trail to Drift Creek Wilderness. Both the Lint Slough and Crestline Park Woodland trail in Waldport are delightful finds. In Yachats, there’s the Ya’Xaik and Amanda Trails, as well as a host of forested finds on Cape Perpetua.
Whether you hike alone or in a group, there are endless options in south Lincoln County.
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This is an opportunity I’ve been looking for.
Some years ago I saw a tour on OPB and explored the Oregon Coast and talked and ate the natural foods foods the Indians and early settlers have available to them. I often think about that program and would like to do it