Hood River is known as the wind-surfing capital of the world and it’s easy to see why - the strong winds that blow through the Columbia Gorge and along the Columbia River are perfect for it. (□: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Sam Beebe )Ībout an hour’s drive east of Portland or 62-ish miles. Hood River, windsurfing capital of the world. Whether you find yourself relaxing with a cup of coffee on the porch of the Lightkeeper’s home in one of their Adirondack chairs, watching the ocean, getting pictures of the lighthouse itself, or enjoying a calm day at the Oregon Coast, Heceta Head is always worth a road trip visit. There are plenty of hiking trails in and around the lightkeeper’s home and the Lighthouse, as well as access to the beach below Heceta Head. Nighttime strolls to the lighthouse with a warm blanket and your favorite beverage are highly encouraged. The lighthouse was constructed between 18 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.”Ī half mile down a trail will lead you to the historic lightkeeper’s home, which is now run as a bed and breakfast, which FYI, is allegedly haunted. “Heceta Head is named for Bruno de Heceta, a Spanish navigator and explorer, who surveyed the Oregon coast in 1775. Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of Oregon’s oldest lighthouses it was officially lit in 1894, and its beam can be seen 21 miles out to sea from the Heceta headland point. (□: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Mark Rosengarten )Ībout a 3-hour-and-10 minute-drive southeast from PDX, or about 169 miles as the crow flies. Heceta Head Lighthouse and the lightkeeper’s home. If you stop by Crater Lake, say hello to the Old Man of the Lake - a giant hemlock that has been floating in the caldera for hundreds of years. If you’re looking to stay the night, there are two campgrounds where you can pitch your tent, or opt to stay at the Crater Lake Lodge or the Mazama Village Cabins if you aren’t a fan of roughing it. There are 90 miles of hiking trails in this 183,224-acre national park. Because of the altitude, the water in crater lake is VERY cold. When you’re on the island, you can hike, fish, or swim - although we wouldn’t recommend this last one. The lake is home to Wizard Island - which you can catch a boat to and explore, but keep in mind that boats are only available July 14 – Sept. This is one of Oregon’s truly beautiful natural wonders: The lake itself is extremely clear and blue and well worth a visit (and some pictures). Its top ejected and fell back into itself, creating a crater - or a caldera - which eventually filled with rain water and became a lake. (□: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Wolfman SF )Ībout a 25-minute drive (or 21 miles) northeast of the town of Prospect and about a 3-4 hour drive south of Portland (231 miles).Ĭrater Lake is at the top of Mount Mazama and was created when the volcano erupted 8,000 years ago. Walking sticks may be helpful for those taking the long hike.Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, from Rim Village. Each leg of this hike is about a mile, for a total of two miles.īoth groups should probably pack a lunch (to enjoy either during or after the hikes), and dress for diverse weather conditions. You will probably run into the 'long hikers' along this trail. From there you will proceed down the Hobbit trail to the beach. This group will then return to the parking area and drive to a turnout about. Shorter hikers will start out with the long hikers and will proceed to the viewpoint above the lighthouse.This trail is fairly level and the loop adds about 4 miles to the hike. Those who wish to lengthen this hike can cross the road and hike the Valley Trail and the China Creek loop.The difficulty is in the elevation gain (over 500 feet) in both directions. That will be a distance of about four miles over well maintained trails. We'll take the Hobbit Trail to the beach, and then return over the same route to the parking lot. From the lighthouse we'll climb to a viewpoint ABOVE the lighthouse for a unique view of the light, and then over the mountain to the Hobbit Trail. The more difficult hike (which really isn't THAT difficult) will start at the Heceta Head parking area, and proceed past the old light keeper's house to the Heceta Head lighthouse.All options provide great views and interesting woodland vegetation. This hike will provide a few different options, depending on how much difficulty you are prepared for.
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