Day 16 started in Coos Bay. The sun warmed our faces as we got loaded up for this leg of the trip. We knew we were heading North but not sure what to expect all the way.
It was such a relief driving on the roads in Oregon. If you ever make the California part of this trip, make sure you enjoy DRIVING your vehicle. I stress the word Drive because you are constantly taking 25mph corners and switchbacks. These roads are much straighter. Back to the trip.
Before even getting out of Coos Bay we saw beaches, and people were driving on them! We had to get a better look.
Horsfall Beach
Horsfall Beach allows vehicles to drive on the beach. We saw all kinds of people out there Wind Surfing and digging clams.
At one point our GPS showed we were out in the Ocean. 😝 I suppose during high tide it could be covered by water.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The next stop we came to wasn't very far at all. This is the Oregon Dunes Rec Area. We pulled in to see what it was all about.
It was a very familiar site and reminded us of Silver Lake Sand Dunes here in Michigan. We saw some people racing quads and dirtbikes up the dunes.
We hung out here for a short time watching people zip up the dunes. Time to get back on the road.
Sea Lions Caves
The Sea Lion Caves are located in Florence Oregon. They're the largest Sea Caves in the United States. They are open 363 days per year from 9am to 5:30pm only being closed Christmas and Thanksgiving day.
Admission is $16 for Adults, $15 for Seniors, Kids 5-12 are $10 and under 5 are Free. There is a paved walking path down to the Elevator that takes you down 208ft below the surface. You can see the Elevator Building in the right side of this picture.
The elevator was large enough to house nearly 2 dozen people! It was a very quick and smooth ride, taking what felt like only seconds. Once inside the Cave you have some steps that take you down to the viewing area. There are also signs with all kinds of information along the way.
The cave system was created around 25 million years ago after some of the Basalt was eroded away. It was discovered in 1880 by Captain William Cox. Up until 1961 the caves were only accessible by a set of stairs. Happy we didn't have to do that.
The interior of the cave structure is the height of a 12 story building and covers over 2 acres. It's the length of a football field from the mouth of the cave to the rear. The Sea Lions were everywhere!
Some were basking on the rocks, while others floated in the water like a living island. Birds flew in and out of the caves and otters were spotted too. Once we get the videos of the trip posted you'll see all this much better.
Looking out the opposite side of the cave gives you this picturesque view of the coast. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful place to snap a picture. I was able to catch the waterfall with a bird flying through the shot.
We spent maybe a little too long here but it was worth it. Oh, expect some very strong odors down there. All of the air from the Sea Lions comes up through the viewing area and it's thick!
The rest of the route was mostly cruising the coast and enjoying the ocean views. Some of the tunnels and bridges along this part were really cool. Here are a few of them from Waldport, Newport and a few others.
Today we didn't cover many miles but saw some things we never knew about. Our day ended in Sea Side Oregon again on the beach in a hotel. Here is our trip for the day.
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