About the Author

Dan Haag

Born and raised in the great white north of Minnesota, Dan Haag felt the pull of the North Oregon Coast in the early 1990's. After realizing rain never needed to be shoveled, he married an Oregon girl and settled in Manzanita, where he currently works as director of the Manzanita Visitor Center. He is also a freelance writer whose work has appeared in a variety of state and national publications. He spends his free time wandering the area’s many trails, supporting the Oregon wine and beer industry, perusing coastal bookstores and chasing his black Labrador, Lilo, along the beach.

My Special Place at Soapstone Lake

March 13, 2017

There are times when I just want to get lost — detach, unplug, disappear. That feeling only intensifies as the cabin fever tightens its winter grip. But where to go? I need a spot with a bit more anonymity, somewhere that requires some effort to find. That is why I chose Soapstone Lake. More

Oregon Coast , Astoria , Trip Ideas , Hiking & Backpacking ,

Tails & Trails: Hiking the Coast with a Dog

September 5, 2016

Oregon Coast dogs are the most spoiled in America. And why wouldn’t they be? Look at the variety places they get to choose from on any given day, rain or shine. It’s a place that gives dogs what they need. Beaches are great for dragging around huge sticks; rivers are nice for cooling off; the porch at the Rogue Brewery is a perfect place to be admired and petted by passersby. For my enthusiastic black Labrador, Lilo, a hiking trail is the is the best...

Oregon Coast , Trip Ideas , Pet-Friendly Travel , Pet-Friendly Travel ,