I LOVE Oregon - Especially the Coast

I have to confess - I am NOT an Oregon native.  I was born in So. Ca. and moved to Oregon when I was 20.  I think I have been here long enough now to have earned my webbed feet! 

A more sheltered part of the 804 Trail

There are many places I love in Oregon, and many of them are on the beautiful Oregon coast.  I didn't know where to start on my coastal journey so I am starting pretty much right in the middle in Yachats.  That's pronounced Yaw Hots believe it or not!

Yachats is a small village with a population of around 600.  About the only "industry" they have is tourism and once you visit you can understand what draws people there.  One of the popular attraction is the 804 Trail.  This is a 3/4 mile walking trail right along the rocky and scenic shoreline.  At the end of the trail is a six mile long sandy beach.



Not sure what happened here.  Not a fire,
most probably just victims of time and
the elements.



The 804 is a VERY easy trail.  There are a few slight ups and downs but mostly it is a well-maintained, level trail.  You can go from gorgeous scenery to spooky forest in a matter of minutes.   Some parts of the trail overlook what seems to be an inaccessible rocky coastline.  But these rocks are very accessible and provide myriad tide pools to explore, and sandy beaches on which to play.  However, this is NOT Disneyland.  There are real dangers here and almost every year someone is injured or needs to be rescued because they did not respect the ocean.  There are real waves and real tides to contend with and the wise person pays close attention at all times.



One of the tide pools that can be easily accessed.



It's really not a drop off, just a way down to the rocks. 

Even though the rocks and tide pools can be accessed, one must be use reasonable caution.  The rocks and sand can be very slippery.  I find a walking stick is a great help.

A resting place along the trail. 

One of the many varieties of wild flowers found on the trail.
Look closely at the center - this one comes complete with worm!

We came across this strange display of stacked rocks on a small
portion of the beach.  There were dozens of these stacks.  I think
someone had too much time on his hands.

When we visit Yachats, our favorite place to stay is the Overleaf Lodge.  Our favorite room is called the Whale Watcher and it is, serendipitously, the most inexpensive of the rooms they offer.  One caveat; you must ask for the Whale Watcher in the NEW wing as the older wing rooms, while nice, are quite a bit smaller.  The hotel also has a spa, a library, a computer room, and free WiFi.

Side entrance to the Overleaf

The Overleaf serves a buffet breakfast every morning.  This is not packaged sweet rolls and cold boiled eggs.  They have their own kitchen and every morning features a hot egg dish of some sort, plus they always have biscuits and gravy (good stuff, fresh and tasty), their very own home-made granola, several other hot and cold cereal choices, plenty of fresh fruit, plus juice and coffee.  One thing I thought was unique...they keep the coffee mugs on a warmer.   I hate pouring hot coffee into a cold mug and having the coffee become lukewarm. 

Part of the buffet breakfast

The breakfast area.  Very spacious and open.  A wall of
windows looking out onto the ocean.

The lobby.  There are French doors that lead outside to the
grounds and trail.  The fireplace is almost always burning.



More lobby.  Little "nooks" everywhere for relaxing or reading.



I want this sign!

Okay, I guess you can tell I love this place.  If you are ever in Yachats and need a place to stay, here is the link http://www.overleaflodge.com/  I really want to share some photos of the room so hang on!

I love the little reading nook in the far corner.  It has two windows
for an uninterrupted ocean view.

Vanity area - gotta have two sinks!

Wet bar

Mini frig and microwave and a FULL sized coffee pot.

Sliding door with a view and either a patio or balcony

The Overleaf does not allow pets but their sister hotel, The Fireside, right next door does.  When we bring pets or grand kids we stay at the Fireside.  Same view, a little older, no breakfast, but still great service and comfortable rooms. 

It may seem forbidding but...

...there are plenty of places to play and explore - for kids and pets
(and Grandmas!)

That's the Fireside in the background.  The Overleaf would be just to the left.

Granddaughters Anna (L) and Bekah enjoying the beach

And so that is a little bit of Yachats.  I apologize for my lengthy narrative; I could go on and on about the Oregon coast but it is time to say good night.