13 Results

The Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) is a research and teaching facility located on the Yaquina Bay estuary, about one mile from the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. HMSC plays an integral role in programs of marine and estuarine research and instruction, as a laboratory facility serving resident scientists, as a base for far-ranging oceanographic studies, and as a classroom for students. The various marine habitats in close proximity to the Hatfield Marine Science Center are ideal sites for ecological studies... More

Take a deep dive into marine science at one of the nation’s top aquariums. An icon of Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a public aquatic and marine science exhibition facility offering educational programs. Exhibits showcase seabirds, marine mammals, fishes, invertebrates and plants primarily native to the Oregon Coast. The Secrets of Shipwrecks exhibit features the decades-old discoveries from underwater exploration, including shipwreck artifacts and interpretations of historic wrecks — no SCUBA gear or submarines needed. Sandy Shores showcases the narrow ecosystem where land meets water along... More

Fluid, graceful dolphins, cavorting seals, magnificent orcas, impressive bears… These are but a few of the lifelike marine and wildlife wood sculptures you’ll find at Brian McEneny Woodcarving Gallery. Brian works with a variety of beautiful wood including Red Cedar, Black Walnut, Cypress, Maple, Myrtlewood and Port Orford Cedar. Each piece is finished to enhance the wood grain and provide many years of enjoyment. More

One of the benefits of living in the Willamette Valley is its proximity to a number of diverse geographic playgrounds. From downtown Portland you can be in a lush forest, near the top of a Cascade peak, in an arid desert landscape, or at the beach­—all roughly within a 2 ½ hour drive. It’s hard to get bored… More

If the Oregon Coast is calling your family for a spring road trip, Newport is a good answer. Just two and a half hours from Portland, this friendly fishing town of 10,000 people tucked along the Central Coast is rich in ways to enjoy the wild creatures of the Pacific. More

Winter is marked by the great gray whale migration, when nearly 20,000 of these magnificent mammals make their way past the Oregon Coast on a 12,000-mile journey. More

Along the Coast, Oregon’s lighthouses can provide exciting history lessons that are worth exploring. As the seasons change, surf and sand often seem to merge into a golden, sun-burnished moment along the coast. The rocky headland called “Yaquina” (pronounced “Yuh-quinn-uh”), marked for miles by a towering white sentinel on the central Oregon coastline, is a… More

Nothing thrills the kids (or the child within) like a brush with the wild. And Oregon has plenty of opportunities for human contact with wildlife —both native and exotic — from the ocean to the desert and everything in between. More

It was late afternoon when we arrived at Overleaf Lodge in Yachats, just in time to walk along the 804 trail as the sun sank in spectacular glory behind a bank of retreating clouds. We saw hundreds of gulls, of course, and out on the rocks the bright orange legs and beak of an oystercatcher… More

Have you seen the Oregon Coast from the viewpoint at Cascade Head? This hidden gem of a hike – through groves of Sitka spruces and summer wildflowers — offers panoramic views of the Salmon River estuary, with Cape Foulweather and Devils Lake in the distance. It’s all in Lincoln City, home to a lot more… More

Located just inland from the Central Coast along the scenic Yaquina River, the quaint town of Toledo nestles up against the wooded foothills of the Coast Range. Tucked away from the dramatic moods of the Pacific Ocean, this sheltered little burg is often sunnier and warmer than other towns when winter storms up the Coast.… More

When you try something new, it pays to go with the pros! Instructors, biologists and volunteers teach and assist students in the varied Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Outdoor Skills courses. Crabbing is a popular recreation that requires some skill and knowledge, so the agency developed the daylong course to encourage participation. ODFW spokesperson… More

Oregon cyclists gravitate to gravel rides to escape the hustle and bustle of cities without going too deep into the wild. It’s about solace and scenery, a great workout and quiet roads. More