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SPRING/SUMMER 2021
DISCOVER
Hidden
Gems
PRISTINE
Rivers
SECLUDED
Beaches
Page 2 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
THE WAIT IS OVER
THE WAIT IS OVER
THE WAIT IS OVER
Curry Medical
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Same day appointments available Monday
and return to the things you enjoy sooner. Same day appointments available Monday
through
Same day Friday, 8:00 a.m.
day appointments to 6:00
available p.m.
Same
through appointments
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00Monday
available Monday
p.m.
through
through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
CURRYFriday,
MEDICAL 8:00 CENTER
a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
CURRY MEDICAL CENTER
CURRY
500
CURRY MEDICAL
5th Street
MEDICAL • CENTER
Brookings
CurryHealthNetwork.com 500Same
5th Street • CENTER
day appointments
Brookings available Monday
CurryHealthNetwork.com 500 5th
5th Street
541.412.2000
500 Street •• Brookings
Brookings
CurryHealthNetwork.com
CurryHealthNetwork.com through
541.412.2000 Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
541.412.2000
541.412.2000
CURRY MEDICAL CENTER
500 5th Street • Brookings
CurryHealthNetwork.com
541.412.2000
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 3
Full Service Real Estate Sales
Property Management & Vacation Rentals
You Are
Here
Premier Properties specializes in the sales
and management of residential, commercial
and vacation properties.
541-469-7400 • 800-221-8175
937 Chetco Avenue, Brookings
P277825pP0410
info.pp.7400@gmail.com
www.PremierPropertiesBrookings.com
Yvonne Dunn Rigotti, Principal Broker
Licensed in the State of Oregon
Page 4 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
CONTENTS
Welcome Centers. . . . . . . . . 6-7 Oceanside Diner. . . . . . . . 30-31 Gambling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58-60
Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Dining Del Norte. . . . . . . . 31-32 Smith River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Bandon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Attractions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Crescent City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Shore Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Oregon Beaches. . . . . . . . 34-36 Orick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Misty Meadows. . . . . . . . . 13-14 Coastal Gallery Tour. . . . . 36-37 Shop and Play in Crescent City.
Boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Biking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-66
Langlois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Coastal Tasting. . . . . . . . . 42-43 Del Norte Co. Real Estate. . . .67
Wild Woods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Port O’ Pints . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 Lighthouses. . . . . . . . . . . . 68-69
Port Orford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-49 Wildlife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70-71
Prehistoric. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20 Surfing/Rafting . . . . . . . . . 50-51 Redwoods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Golfing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22 Curry Co. Real Estate. . . . 52-54 Tide Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . 74-77
Gold Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . 23-25 BBQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Calendar of Events. . . . . . 78-79
Jet Boats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Hiouchi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 CA Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . 80-81
Brookings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 Gasquet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Klamath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
This edition of the 2021 Spring/Summer Go Book showcases the beauty
and adventures to be found along the Wild Rivers Coast.
The coast is a wonderful place to be, and the stories inside this publication
outline what the communities and local businesses have to offer.
At the Curry Coastal Pilot (Brookings, OR) , Del Norte Triplicate
(Crescent City, CA) and The World (Coos Bay, OR) we serve our
communities as the premier source for local news and special
publications.
If you are not a subscriber yet we encourage you to visit our websites,
follow our social media pages, or stop by our offices.
Our newspapers and special publications will guide and enhance your
adventures along the Wild Rivers Coast.
We encourage you to explore all that Coos County, Curry County, Del
Norte County have to offer and to support the local businesses.
Please enjoy,
The World
Curry Coastal Pilot
Del Norte Triplicate
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 5
INTRODUCTION
With its lofty trees, the tallest on WHAT: TASTING:
the planet, rugged coastline and Perhaps you already have a short If you’re a wine or beer connoisseur,
crystalline rivers, it’s easy to get lost list of things you’d like to see and the Coastal Tasting Tour on pages
in the beauty of the Wild Rivers Coast do: the table of contents will guide 42-43 will point you in the right
of southern Oregon and northern you to specific articles with more direction.
California. information about topics such as
beaches, camping, the redwoods, TIDES:
Under the eaves of a redwood forest roadside attractions, golf courses, When visiting beaches, it’s always
or in a kayak on one of the many casinos and more. important to know what the tides are.
streams in the area, visitors come to High tides may leave little room for
the area every year to experience what TOWNS: you to explore the beach, and for your
it has to offer. Once you’ve got your bearings, find safety some steeper beaches should be
in-depth articles on each town on avoided during high tide.
But for those who aren’t sure what the Wild Rivers Coast, offering an
to expect when they get here, the Go overview of its main attractions and Conversely, if exploring tide pools,
Wild Rivers Coast recreation guide some of its less obvious treasures. hunting for agates or clamming
can be a compass to local attractions, interests you, it’s helpful to know
hidden gems as well as amenities like Articles are arranged from north to when when tides are low. You can
lodging and dining. south, so if you’re coming from lower find tide tables on pages 34-36.
California, you may want to read
In using this guide, where should you the book back to forward. Articles STAY, DINE AND SHOP:
begin? While the table of contents is about each town also contain a list of Looking for places to spend the night,
the most logical place, here are some page numbers for “WHAT” articles get a good meal or go shopping?
other useful sections in this guidebook with more specific information
to orient yourself and plan your about relevant nearby activities and Many pages adjacent to articles
travels: attractions. about each town have collections of
advertisements pointing you to great
WHEN: GALLERIES: choices for these activities.
Depending on when you’re here, you Are you an art aficionado? Find the
may want to begin by checking the Coastal Gallery Tour on pages 36-37
Calendar of Events on pages 78-79. which has summaries of art galleries
you can visit on the Wild Rivers Coast.
Page 6 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
WELCOME CENTERS Crescent City & Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce located at 1001 Front St, Crescent City, CA
W
elcome to the Wild Rivers Coast, the hidden-away home of some
of the most beautiful natural settings in the world.
Visitor centers throughout the region Hours: Summer hours (May 15 to Nov. 1):
can be helpful for tourists looking 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon- Sat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
for the area’s attractions or needing a 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Winter hours (starting in November):
place to stay, and for local residents 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fri - Mon
eager to take a hike and learn along- The Bandon Visitor Center is located
side a naturalist. in Bandon’s historic Old Town. The Oregon Welcome Center is just
the place to welcome weary travelers
The dual purposes are appropriate, PORT ORFORD to the Beaver State. The 4,500-square-
according to Debbie Savage. aPort Orford Visitor Center foot center offers not only printed
520 Jefferson Street, Port Orford guides and maps to help visitors ex-
“I just encourage people to explore (541) 332-4106 plore Oregon, it also is in the middle
what’s in your own backyard that Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; Starting of a 40-acre state park.
people travel from around the world in October: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
to see,” said Savage, acting chief of The building offers spectacular views
interpretation for Redwood National The Port Orford Visitor Center of the Pacific, and the park includes
and State Parks. overlooks beautiful and historic Battle trails leading down to the beach and to
Rock Park. It provides a scenic place to the mouth of the Winchuck River.
COOS BAY stretch your legs and pick up informa-
aCoos Bay Visitor tion about the area. The center includes restrooms that
Information Center are open from daylight to dusk, picnic
50 Central Ave., Coos Bay GOLD BEACH areas and RV parking.
(541) 269-0215 or aThe Gold Beach Visitor Center
coosbay.org/visiting 94080 Shirley Lane,Gold Beach aBrookings Harbor
Summer hours: Mon - Fri, (800) 525-2334 Chamber of Commerce
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat and Sun Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 days a week 703 Chetco Avenue/U.S. 101, Ste C,
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Website: www.visitgoldbeach.com Brookings,
Winter hours: same with the exception
in the historic Central Building
of no hours on Sunday. BROOKINGS
aOregon Welcome Center (541) 469-3181
BANDON 14433 U.S. 101 South, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon;
aBandon Visitor Center Brookings-Harbor 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues;
300 SE Second St., Bandon (just north of the California border) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed- Fri
(541) 347-9616 or info@bandon.com (541) 469-4117
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 7
The Brookings-Harbor Chamber of fires, are sold here. The center also pro- CRESCENT CITY
Commerce Oregon Visitor Center vides maps, videos, exhibits, books and aCrescent City
offers maps, brochures and travel souvenirs about the recreation area. Information Center,
information for local and regional at- Redwood National and State Parks
tractions, businesses, hotels and parks. HIOUCHI 1111 2nd St., Crescent City
aHiouchi Information Center (707) 465-7335
aBrookings Harbor U.S. 199 at Hiouchi Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. spring to fall;
Visitor & Tour Center (707) 458-3294 winter hours to be announced; closed
16358 Lower Harbor Rd., Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. winter; Thanksgiving Day,
Port of Brookings Harbor. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. summer Christmas Day and
541-813-2300 New Year’s Day
Hours: 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This Redwood National and State
Parks facility has books for sale and an This facility serves as the main infor-
The center offers free maps, tidebooks, auditorium that shows an introduc- mation center in Del Norte County for
park guides and bookings for local tory film about redwood forests. It’s Redwood National and State Parks.
fishing, kayaking and photography located on U.S. Highway 199 across The center provides maps, orienta-
tion information for parks and details
tours. Rentals are available for crab from the entrance to Jedediah Smith
about ranger-led programs. The center
pots, ocean and river kayaks, and Redwoods State Park campground.
also hosts a small shop that sells books
bicycles. A gift shop features locally-
and souvenirs.
made artwork. ORICK
aPrairie Creek Redwoods State Park aCrescent City/Del Norte County
aBrookings Visitor Center Visitor Center Chamber of
898 Elk Drive, Brookings (707) 488-2039 Commerce Visitor Center
(City Hall) (541) 469-1103 Hours: Summer: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1001 Front St., Crescent City
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri daily; Winter: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. (707) 464-3174
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Hours: Summer: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven
The display includes brochures and Christmas Day and New Year’s Day days a week; Winter (after Labor Day):
maps of local hotels, fishing guides, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues through Sat
state parks and various places of inter- This small visitor center features coast
est in Brookings and north and south redwood forest, wildlife and history This center offers maps, travel infor-
of town. The city was recently desig- exhibits as well as Redwood National mation, tourism magazines, a small
nated as “Bike Friendly” and bicyclists and State Parks junior ranger activity selection of merchandise and infor-
are encouraged to refill water, take a newspapers. mation on local attractions. It also
break and get information about bicy- provides literature about RV parks,
cling in the area. www.brookings.or.us aKuchel Visitor Center hotels and restaurants.
U.S. 101 adjacent to beach, Orick
GASQUET (707) 465-7765 aJedediah Smith
aGasquet Ranger Station Hours: Spring to fall: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Redwoods State Park
10600 U.S. 199, Gasquet daily; Winter: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily; Visitor Center
(707) 457-3131 closed Thanksgiving Day, U.S. 199 at Hiouchi
(707) 458-3496
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon- Fri Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Hours: May 31-Sept. 30:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
This Smith River National Recreation The other main informational center for
Area visitor center provides informa- Redwood National and State Parks is lo-
A small visitor center near the camp-
tion about the surrounding region’s cated west of Orick. This facility includes ground amphitheater where evening
campgrounds, trails, roads and river an array of exhibits, maps and parks campfire programs take place.
accesses. Permits, including for camp- information as well as a bookstore.
South Coast Regional Publisher: Ben Kenfield Distributed by:
Editorial: David Rupkalvis, Zack Demars Curry Coastal Pilot: 541-813-1717 • currypilot.com
Graphic Design: Kimberly Hagner Del Norte Triplicate: 707-460-6727 • triplicate.com
Guest Contributors: Brian Williams, Linda Pinkham, David Hayes The World 541-266-6047 • theworldlink.com
Published by: Country Media, Inc. 2021 All rights reserved
Page 8 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
GO FISHING
O
pportunities for great fishing on the Wild Rivers Coast are as varied
as the rivers. Before fishing, it is mandatory to possess a fishing
license and tags (punch cards) for either Oregon or California.
OCEAN FISHING tors have elected to add in visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/ closed at any time during
— California periodic closures (and a full Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/ that season if the area’s yearly
closure for ocean salmon Fishing-Map/Northern quota is met.
Sport fishermen without a fishing in 2017) to help ease
slip in Crescent City Harbor the fishing pressure on both OCEAN FISHING The ocean salmon season
can get into the water from species of fish. — Oregon (closed for all of 2017) usually
Citizens Dock and can head starts sometime in May and
out to sea in search of what- Check with the California There is always something runs into the fall.
ever is in season from there. Department of Fish and in season for ocean anglers
Wildlife for current informa- out of Oregon, with bottom Ocean seasons for Pa-
Bottom fishing for rockfish tion on both fishing seasons. fishing open all year long. cific halibut are usually set
and lingcod is generally one Anglers out of Brookings in March, while the ocean
of the most reliable fisher- Additionally, several other Harbor can target rockfish salmon season is announced
ies in Northern California, species of ocean fish are open and lingcod all year long and sometime in April.
where black snappers in par- year round, including Califor- the fishing is generally pretty
ticular are always plentiful. nia halibut, sharks (except for productive. For more information about
The bottom fishing season white sharks), surfperch, stur- Oregon’s ocean fishing seasons
in California generally runs geon and tuna (although tuna In 2017, the Oregon Depart- and regulations, visit www.
from about May until the end are generally only in the area ment of Fish and Wildlife dfw.state.or.us/re sources/fish-
of the year. for a few weeks in the fall). issued a rare closure of ing/saltwater.asp
bottom fishing statewide
As bottom fishing opens ev- Crabbing is also open year due to the quota for several RIVER FISHING —
ery spring, the ocean salmon round in California but the species being caught much
and pacific halibut seasons most popularly targeted spe- quicker than expected, but Coquille River
are quick to follow, usually cies of crab, Dungeness crab, the OFDW has since revised Crabbing for Dungeness
starting in early May. are only open to recreational the daily catch limits with the can be phenomenal in the
crabbers from early Novem- hope of once again allowing Coquille bay at Bandon
Usually both salmon and Pa- ber until late in the summer. year-round bottom fishing. from the local crab dock in
cific halibut seasons remain Pacific halibut seasons gener- Old Town and near the Bul-
open through September, For information about current ally run from about May lards State Beach boat ramp.
but in recent years regula- and upcoming fishing seasons until November, but can be Crabbers use crab pots, crab
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 9
rings and Pineapple But- Generally speaking, the Chetco River out at about 10,000 cfs and
terfly Traps. first salmon enter the river Perhaps best known for its has a chocolate-brown ap-
mouths in September and trophy chinook from 50 to pearance, California’s Smith
Chinook salmon start will progress upriver depend- 60 pounds, and for both wild River has an emerald green
migrating upriver in robust ing on the amount of rainfall. and hatchery winter steel- appearance and is plunkable
numbers on the first full- head exceeding 20 pounds, the same day.
moon cycle toward the end Steelhead enter both systems the Chetco is also known for
of August. This is an upriver around Thanksgiving and the having the safest bar on the The Smith and Chetco
trolling fishery. Anglers runs peak around February. Oregon Coast. rivers are similar in many
launch from Bullards State ways. Both kick out trophy
Beach at low tide and start The main float in the Elk In September, anglers in the salmon and steelhead, and
trolling upriver using a Fish is to put in at the Elk River estuary below the Highway both empty into Pelican
Flash and a cut-plug her- Hatchery and take out at the 101 bridge begin trolling Bay. Salmon fishing usually
ring. The Rocky Point Boat RV park or float all the way spinnerbait rigs and plug-cut picks up around September
Ramp is another popular down to Ironhead. herring for salmon averaging in spots like The Sand Hole,
boat launch facility to put in 28 pounds. Cattle Crossing, The Piling
and take out. The main drift on the Sixes is Hole and at the mouth of
to put in at Edson Creek and The salmon run starts peter- Rowdy Creek.
A wild coho river fishery take out at either Mid-Drift, ing out around mid-Novem-
has also grown in popularity the Grange, or drift all the ber, when winter steelhead Bobbers and sand shrimp/
in recent years, starting in way downriver to the Hughes begin dominating the river. cocktails can be deadly. Early
September. Be sure to check House. But if the winds are By December a handful of in the season, fish the north
the Oregon Department of blowing downriver, do not anglers have usually landed bank off of the Mouth of
Fish and Wildlife for current drift below Highway 101. In- several steelhead over 20 the Smith River Road, off
bag limits. stead, take out at the Grange. pounds. The run peaks in late Highway 101. Here, it is best
To check Elk River water con- February, but good numbers to fish the outgoing tide and
Fantastic rockfish, lingcod, ditions, call (541) 332-0405. can be caught through March. through low slack, where the
halibut, tuna and salmon river makes a slot.
fishing can also be found Lower Rogue River The wild and scenic section
outside the Port of Bandon, There is something to fish of the Chetco, above Ice Box, Klamath River
with the primary charter for in the Lower Rogue River will leave you breathless. Barbless hooks are also man-
boat operation being Prowler almost 12 months out of the The best floats are from the datory on the Klamath River.
Charters, located in Old year, from Foster Bar down to South Fork down to Miller The Klamath starts fishing
Town Bandon. the mouth. Bar, from Miller Bar down well around May for spring
to Loeb State Park, or from Chinook heading for the
Crab gear, bait, tackle and The first spring Chinook Loeb State Park down to Trinity River. There is little
excellent seafood dishes begin enter ing the mouth Social Security Bar. bank access, so please don’t
are provided at Tony’s Crab in late February and the run launch here unless you have a
Shack in Old Town Bandon. gradually builds, peaking into Winchuck River sled with a full tank of gas.
April and May. Fishing for salmon and
Elk and Sixes Rivers steelhead is seasonal. Check From the Roy Rook launch
At the northern end of Curry The Rogue is famous for its ODFW regulations for up- off of Terwer Road, start
County are two gems of the large fall chinook, caught dates.www.dfw.state.or.us heading upriver until you
Pacific Northwest in the land from July to October. find an inside bend. Anchor
that time forgot. The Elk Smith River up above the bend, and set
and Sixes are sister streams The traditional method used Barbless hooks are mandato- out a spinner running from
that flow so close together, it here is trolling a Rogue Bait ry when fishing the Smith. If a spreader bar so it settles in
would be hard not to men- Rig or a comparable spin- the Chetco River gets blown the bend.
tion one without the other. nerbait rig, using an anchovy
on the back two hooks. Coho
The Elk River empties into salmon are frequently caught The Main
the ocean south of Cape in the lower bay in September Lodge
Blanco, while the Sixes River and October. Chetco 5 bed/5.5 bath
flows into the Pacific just
a few miles north of Cape Boat launches are available at River Cottage
Blanco. Both are relatively
short, but don’t let their size
the county ramp, Jot’s Resort
and at Lex’s Landing.
Inn 2 bed/2 bath
fool you. Both rivers are The winter steelhead run is Vacation Rental – $140-550/per night.
known for having some of quite prolific, as well. They The Chetco River Inn is perfect for family gatherings,
romantic or weekend getaways. Swim, kayak, fish, or relax at
the latest runs of salmon on enter the Rogue around this one-of-a-kind private 36 acre gem.
the Oregon Coast. Thanksgiving, depending on www.thechetcoriverinn.com
the water level. email thechetcoriverinn@gmail.com
Page 10 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
D
iscover the northernmost city along the Wild Rivers Coast, named
“the coolest small city” by Budget Travel a few years ago. It’s easy
to see why. Bandon is located in beautiful Coos County.
Bandon offers an array Bandon Cranberry parade, festival market and For more information
of possibilities, from Festival street dance. Cranberry visit http://bandon.com/
plein air spots where The longest-running festival cooks will compete for a cranberry-festival.
artists can capture scenic on the Oregon Coast culinary crown during the
moments along the continues the weekend “Queen of the Kitchen” Cranberry Sweets
docks to the interactive of Sept. 8-10 in Bandon, food fair, while hungry and More
nonprofit Washed Ashore! featuring entertainment for festival goers dive into the You’ll get bogged down in
where visitors learn about the entire family. Cranberry Eating Contest to this unique store where the
recycling and plastic win prizes. fruits of the local cranberry
pollution in the ocean. Events will happen in Old harvest — more than 100
Town, the Port of Bandon Local and regional farmers growers grow the fruit on
The nearby Coquille River waterfront, Sprague and artisans will be featured 1,600 acres — are dipped in
Lighthouse takes visitors Community Theater, at Cranberry City and the smooth chocolate, baked in
back to the seafaring days Bandon City Park and Festival Market. Live music, decadent bars, or otherwise
of old. Bandon High School. from rock ‘n’ roll to classic prepared in caramels,
country, will be played all cookies, jellies and fudge.
DON’T MISS THESE Highlights of the 71st three days. Free samples are available!
HIGHLIGHTS: annual festival include a
Fun STARTS HERE
With 250 electronic games, there's plenty of
variety and opportunities for fun, and
winning, at Three Rivers Casino in Coos Bay!
Visit us to play or enjoy a meal at our
restaurant, Café 1297.
COOS BAY
5 4 1 - 8 0 8 - 9 2 0 4 | T H R E E R I V E R SC A S I N O . CO MSPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 11
GO BANDON
BANDON PIZZA
The flagship store is a bank of the Coquille River
must-see for visitors and to reach this historic
locals seeking gift baskets lighthouse. Donna Jones, Owner
of lotion, jam and other
goodies. The delicious taffies The five-year project to
and brittle toffees could well build “The Light” ended
lure them there. in 1895; the octagonal
Hours:
12-8pm Tue-Thur
brick and stucco building
12-9pm Fri-Sat
The store is located in Old now houses the maps and
Town Bandon, 280 First St. equipment that were needed
to run the facility back in BANDON’S BEST FOR OVER 16 YEARS
Coquille River the day. Docents there are so 1045 Baltimore Ave SE, Bandon, OR 97411 • (541) 329-0671
Lighthouse intimately involved with the
Cross the bridge north lighthouse, it’s as if they had
of Bandon, make a left operated the light itself 100
into Bullards State Park years ago.
and drive along the north Call 541-347-9475.
Traveling our way? Stop and have a picnic!
HIDDEN GEMS Dragonfly Farm offers a unique shopping experience that
is kid and dog friendly. You’ll find perennials, annuals, our
Bandon Historical Society always organic vegetable starts, herbs, berries, succulents,
Museum — This museum, located in Bandon at 270 Fill- cacti, houseplants, shrubs & trees; as well as organic
more St. and Highway 101, is housed in the second build- fertilizers, potting soil, hand tools, gloves, certified organic
ing to be constructed after the 1936 fire destroyed the city. pesticides and herbicides and more.
Until 1970, this building was Bandon’s city hall. It features Find a unique gift for someone or for yourself - we offer a
growing selection of gift shop items as well as gift cards!
extensive displays that date back to the earliest pioneers
and includes the Big Bandon fire of 1936.
Call 541-347-2164.
Bandon South Jetty Park
A favorite among locals, this park is located at the mouth
of the Coquille River and provides easy beach access and
allows visitors to enjoy whale watching, kite flying, beach-
combing and other recreational activities. There are rest-
rooms and abundant parking available for visitors.
Sage Place — A studio for creative arts and art education,
located at the corner of 11th Street and Elmira in Bandon.
Visitors are encouraged to take a variety of art classes a one of a kind nursery in a one of a kind place
including stained glass, beading, photography, mosaic, Open Daily! Call or check our
bead making, carving, and painting. The drop-in glass website for seasonal hours.
fusing studio is perfect for beginners and young artists, 49295 Highway 101, Langlois OR
open from 1 to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Call 541-844-5559
541-329-0303. www.dragonflyfarmlanglois.comPage 12 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
GO SHORE ACRES
By DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
I heard about Shore Acres almost immedi- that day was our own little private beach. follow the signs for state parks and beaches
ately after I arrived in the area, but I inten- Simpson Beach is just a short walk from the through Charleston. Follow Cape Arago
tionally avoided it because I wanted my wife gardens, but it opens a new world to explor- Highway past Sunset Beach and the park
and children to experience it with me the ers, especially little explorers. will be on your right.
first time.
We hit the beach at low tide, which I
So, we made our way through Charleston highly recommend. With the water out,
and went to Shore Acres as a group. During we got to climb around rocks and find a
the cooler months, it is not overly crowded, variety of tide pools to explore. Inside the
so there was plenty of parking and plenty of tide pools, my children found living sea
space to avoid others. anemones that moved around as the wa-
ter moved nearby.
After getting out of the car, you immedi-
ately see the Pacific Ocean pounding against There were sea snails and hermit crabs on
rocks. During whaling season, you can also the edges of the pools and small fish left
apparently catch glimpses of the whales as behind waiting for the ocean to return. A
you walk by. whole area was covered in mussels, which
we did our best to avoid as we explored.
As we walked through the trail, we followed
my youngest son, who often takes the trail My wife and son even ventured up to a
less traveled. Every one of his trails ended cave, looking inside a little, although slip-
with another view of the ocean, with waves pery rocks and the darkness inside drove
pounding into the rocks below. them away before going in much.
When we reached the botanical gardens, In a brisk March morning, it was chilly
Shore Acres is most known for, we eagerly with a steady breeze, but we had a hard
went inside. Early March is not the best time time leaving. After about three hours, we
to visit the gardens, but it was still amazingly made our way back out of Shore Acres
beautiful. Many of the flowers, and the rose fully content.
garden, will be in full bloom in May, but even While many areas around are free, there
in early March there was a lot to see. A vari- is a $5 per car charge to visit Shore Acres.
ety of trees, complete with signs explaining Believe me, it’s money well spent.
what they are, stand proudly in the garden.
Even in March, some of the flowers were Talking to those who work there, it
starting to bloom. A group of deer grazed sounds like the best time to visit it prob-
just outside, adding more mystery to the air. ably late May through the summer as the
For me, the highlight of the gardens was flowers are in full bloom. But even in the
simply the peace. It was quiet, with only the winter, it was well worth the visit. If you
occasional bird chirping to break the silence. can, shoot for low tide. It’s worth it.
After walking through the gardens, we con-
tinued down the trial only to find what on To reach Shore Acres from Coos Bay,SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 13
By ZACK DEMARS The World
GOT
Keller said out-of-state
visitors are often shocked to
discover the company is a
JAM?
family-owned business, and
often make the store a regu-
lar stop. “It’s really wonder-
ful when we have recurring
That’s the question the fam-
customers,” Keller said.
ily behind Misty Meadows
has been asking for decades.
But Misty Meadows hasn’t
always been the roadside-at-
“I feel really blessed to be a
traction storefront it is today.
part of it,” said Traci Keller,
who owns the jam company
It started much, much smaller:
which has become a must-
The first formal location was
stop location on any tour of
a card table set up in front of
U.S. Highway 101.
the Kellers’ home. With a crate
of jams positioned next to a Sandy Keller, left, and Mike Keller Sr., back right,
Now, 50 years after the
coffee can, sales were on the incorporated Misty Meadows in 1971 after selling
company was first incorpo-
honor system. jam from a roadside card table. Their photo still
rated, Keller and her family
are still serving up the jams,
hangs in the store, decades later.
Sandy, Traci Keller’s moth-
jellies, marmalades and
er-in-law, made the jams by
fruit butters their store has
hand — first in the family
become known for — just
home’s kitchen, then in the
like grandma used to make.
kitchen they’d added to the
“I like that philosophy,”
home for the purpose.
Keller said.
By 1971, Sandy and Mike
The store, located just a few
Keller Sr., Traci Keller’s
miles south of Bandon, is
father-in-law, incorporated
popular with tourists over
the company. Traci isn’t
summers and spring breaks
sure the exact date but has
(a recent drizzly spring
picked April to celebrate the
afternoon saw the parking
golden anniversary.
lot full with license plates
from Oregon, California,
The card-table-and-coffee-
Pennsylvania and more),
can scheme quickly got four
and has shipped its jams to
walls and a window, with Marionberry is one of the most popular jams at Misty Meadows, along
as far as Guam with online with huckleberry, blackberry and cranberry. Other flavors, like goose-
employees to sell jars of jam
and phone ordering. berry and tayberry, offer more niche tastes.
to passing drivers out ofPage 14 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
ketchup), and mail-order work with, she did have one
deliveries go out daily. minor disagreement.
“If we were dirty, the health
One of the first changes the inspector would shut us
company saw when Traci down,” she joked. “Of
Keller took over was the course, they made it dirtier
move from the kitchen at- than what (the cooks) do.”
tached to the family home
to a larger, standalone Even though the jars of jam
kitchen and storage facility Rowe made were sold with
behind the blueberry or- special labels, they weren’t
chard on the property. much different than the jars
Sandy Keller made decades
Each jar of Misty Meadows jam is hand-labeled, according to Tina “That’s been a godsend,” before. “We do it like grand-
Eikamp, who’s worked in the store since around 2000. Keller said, adding that the ma did, with fruit, sugar,
what’s now a jerky stand on since Traci Keller and her previous smaller kitchen got pectin,” Traci Keller said.
the property. husband Mike Keller Jr. particularly hot with stoves
(whose parents had started and water baths at full blast. Keller is proud that she’s
The then-jam stand was the business) took the helm. kept the recipe the same
cold during the winters, The two giant freezers on all this time — she didn’t
remembers Tina Eikamp, That came in 2003, when one side of the building are know much about making
whose sister worked inside Mike Jr. came to Traci about a big help, too: Full to the jam when she took over,
it at the time. But after the the possibility of taking over brim with buckets of every but after time in the kitchen
company opened its store- for his parents. Traci, with a type of berry imaginable, with Sandy and some other
front in 1999, Eikamp went background in retail, was a bit they hold each summer’s longtime staff members, she
in to apply for a job, and got surprised by the idea — but crop, so the cooks have learned the ropes.
hired to put labels on jars. that didn’t stop them. “I don’t enough fruit to keep cook-
know anything about jam, ing throughout the year. She’s also proud of her
“When I was hired, it was but that’d be cool to carry on!” berries — all but two kinds
like, almost a boring job,” Traci Keller remembers think- And the company’s had its come from Oregon, she
Eikamp said, adding the ing at the time. 15 minutes of fame, too: TV said. The others are harder
store’s staff members had star Mike Rowe visited the to source locally, so she
enough downtime to play Since then, the company’s kitchen around 2008 with has to import them (like
rounds of Yahtzee during seen exponential growth: his show “Dirty Jobs” to gooseberries: Their putrid
some slow winters. “It’s kind The store shelves are now full make something of the local green color and sour taste in
of crazy here now.” with over 60 jams, jellies and cranberries he’d harvested on jam have driven down their
fruit butters (not including another segment of the show. popularity, Keller said).
Eikamp said much of that other sauces like cranberry
growth has taken place barbeque sauce or cranberry “That was crazy,” said Keller, And while the company
a longtime fan of the show. “It could produce more jars
was unreal how much busi- with machines, bottlers and
ness we received after that.” automatic labelers, Keller
said she’d rather keep things
The family — which had just handmade.
a few weeks advanced notice
of the crew’s arrival — made “I like that feel. I want to
special jar labels for the oc- keep that feel,” Keller said.
casion. The special edition “I’m happy being where
product Rowe made during we’re at.”
the episode sold out very
quickly, but Keller said they Misty Meadows, named for
still saw a spike in business what Sandy Keller saw one
each time the show aired morning over the family’s
blueberry orchard, is located
And while she said the crew at 48053 U.S.-101.
A row of marionberry jam jars sit in the kitchen, packed ready to be labeled. was easy-going and great toSPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 15
GO BOATING
Y
ou don’t have to bring your own boat to get out on the waters of
Wild Rivers Coast. Here are some services that can help.
Brookings / Gold Beach • Riverside Market, (541) 661-3213
For anyone with a hankering for the taste of their own catch, there Crescent City / Del Norte County
are some excellent charter services; whether you want ocean or river Del Norte County is known for its breathtaking beauty and awe-
fishing, Brookings and Gold Beach have wonderful guides for both. inspiring nature. Catch a glimpse of what the North Coast has to offer
with one of the boating services; there’s also rafting, canoeing and
• Salmon King Lodge Guide Service kayaking for the more adventurous types. For the anglers, there’s
• (866) 877-8354 www.salmonkinglodge.com fishing guides aplenty to haul in the perfect catch.
• Fish Hawk River Company, (541) 469-2422
• Early Fishing, (541) 469-0525 For a scenic boat ride on the Smith or Klamath rivers and/or
• Wild Rivers Fishing Company and Brookings Fishing guided fishing:
Company, (541) 813-1082 • Lunker Fish Trips, (707) 458-4704, lunkerfishtrips.com.
• Allen’s Guide Service, (541) 247-2082 For whale or bird watching, or ocean
• Bowman Rogue River Guide Service, (541) 373-1647 fishing out of Crescent City harbor:
• Bruce Craviotto’s Guide Service, (541) 913-3759 • Tally Ho II, (707) 464-1236.
• Cast Guide Service, (541) 698-7029 • Pacific West Coast Ocean Fishing Guide Service,
• Chris Young Guide Service, (541) 247-8115 (707) 218-5573, pcwofishingguide.com.
• End of the Rogue Guide Service, (541) 247-2049 For fishing guides in Crescent City,
• Ernie Rutledge, (541) 247-6111 Gasquet and Klamath who tackle fish along the Smith or
• Fish Oregon, (541) 347-6338 Klamath rivers:
• Five Star Charter/Gold Beach Adventure, (541) 247-0217 • Catch My Drift Guide Service, (707) 218-8066.
• Greg Eide, (541) 247-2608 • Gotcha Hooked Fish Trips, (707)
• Helen’s Guide Service, (541) 290-8402 464-8482 gotchahookedfishtrip.com
• Jack Hunt, (541) 247-6198 • Green Water Fishing Adventures, (707) 845-9588,
• John Carl’s Guide Service, (541) 247-6400 greenwaterguides.com
• Jot’s Resort, (541) 247-6676 • James Keeling’s Guide Service, (707) 223-7438
• Lex’s Landing (541) 247-0909 • Kevin Brock’s Guide Service,
• Mark Van Hook Guide Service, (541) 247-6702 (800) 995-5543, fishkevinbrock.com
• Memory Makers Guide Service, (541) 425-1515 • Mike Coopman’s Guide Service, (707) 218-4051,
• Rogue Outdoor Store, (541) 247-7142 mikecoopmansguideservice.com
• Rogue River Guide Service, (541) 247-4025 • Phil’s Smiling Salmon Guide Service, (707) 487-0260
• Ross Bell, (541) 247-2149 • Wild River Fishing Adventures, (707) 498-4491,
• Terry Kennedy Fishing Guide Service, (541) 469-0337 wildriverfishing.com
• Tidewind Sport Fishing, (541) 469-0337 For boat rental, fuel or equipment in Crescent City harbor:
• Tyson Crumley’s Guide Service (541) 698-8338 • Englund Marine Supply Company,
• Ultimate Catch Charter, (541) 813-0330 191 Citizens Dock Road (707) 464-3230
For renting ocean or river kayaks: • Indigo Creek Outfitters, (541) 262-4535, indigocreekoutfitters.com
• Escape Hatch Sport and Cycle Shop, (541) 469-2914 • Redwood Rides, redwoodrides.comPage 16 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
GO LANGLOIS
S
ituated between Port Orford and Bandon on the beautiful Oregon
Coast Highway, Langlois (pronounced “Langless” by the locals)
fits the bill of laid back fun.
Known as the “Wild Rivers Coast who need to stock up. Make sure to stop in practices organic farming methods
Windsurfing Capitol,” people flock to enjoy the market’s famous, delicious hot since the 1950s. For the past 10 years,
to nearby Boice-Cope County dogs and “top secret mustard! Hours are: the Jensens have gone nearly exclusively
Park, a small county park on Floras Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun- U-pick, allowing customers to come
Lake featuring water sports and a days 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 541-348-2476. out and fill a four-pound bucket with as
campground. many blueberries as possible for $10.
U-Pick Blueberries
The Langlois Market This fantastic “U-Pick” location is a Call the Jensens about picking season
Centrally located at 48444 Highway 101, blueberry lovers dream come true! dates, admission, hours of operation
this full service market is the meeting The family-owned farm, located at at 541-348-2473, or e-mail them at
place for tourists, farmers and ranchers 46760 Highway 101 (mile marker 291), jensenblueberrieslanglois@gmail.com.
--------------------------HIDDEN GEMS--------------------------
• New River Area (birdwatching) — Birdwatchers grab your • The Spoon — Continuing the long tradition Continuing the
binocular— Birdwatchers grab your binoculars, picnic lunch and long tradition of home-cooked, hearty breakfasts, the owners
enjoy watching a variety of shore birds and waterfowl amidst of The Spoon are proud to serve fresh, local ingredients from
the ranch lands and wetlands of New River and Floras Lake. Langlois farmers and anchers. Located at 48396 U.S. 101,
Species include Aleutian cackling geese and snowy plovers. the restaurant also offers sumptuous lunches and dinners that
feature grass-fed beef, a juicy French dip with sweet potato fries
To reach the Bureau of Land Management’s New River Area of and organic salads.
Environmental Concern (ACEC), take Highway 101 north from
Langlois approximately 4.5 miles, and left on Croft Lake Lane. Hours are 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Indonesian
Follow the signs. night is from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the
month; Taco Tuesday is from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; burger night is
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday is burger night from 5 p.m. to 8:30
p.m.; Closed Sundays. Call (541) 348-1015SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 17
WILD WOODS GYPSY
By ZACK DEMARS The World
Tammy Caluya never imagined she would neighbors and friends offer homemade
run her own family farm, but it feels like it clothes, lotions, dishes and artwork. The
was meant to be. end result is something for everybody.
“My grandma had a ranch, and she had “Now we’ve got it year round,” she
dairy cows,” Caluya said. “My husband’s said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s windy or
family was like that, too. They had a farm rainy, we’re still busy.”
back in Oklahoma.”
Caluya is there to greet customers inside
Eighteen years ago, Caluya and her husband the store every Saturday. She places signs
moved to Curry County, finding five acres on Highway 101 to draw in visitors, which
between Bandon and Port Orford. With the has been very productive. For the rest
land and time on her hands, Caluya began of the week, she uses an honor’s system,
taking advantage of that space. where people can purchase milk, eggs,
meat and produce in season and leave the Tammy Caluya bags up a purchase at the Wild
“When my daughter went to college, I was money behind. Woods Gypsy farm store between Bandon and
here all the time, and I really liked cheese,” Port Orford.
she remembered. “We started with goats “I get people all year round,” she said.
and went to cows.” “People drive up and down the highway Lucky for the rest of us, she also enjoys
because of the signs. Then the locals sharing. In her store, the favorite items are
In those early days, Caluya milked the cowboy candy jelly and strawberry vanilla
come for milk, produce and meat.”
goats by hand and experimented by mak- bean jam. But the fresh fruit is likely the
ing different kinds of cheese. She then biggest draw.
While Caluya has turned her passion
started planting fruit trees on the property. into a business, one product remains
With fresh fruit coming in, Caluya be- Strawberries and cherries are usually
her favorite.
came kind of an expert in making jams. available somewhere around the begin-
ning of June, while peaches begin ripening
“Out of everything, probably the milk,” about the same time.
Her experience with milk, cheese and she said. “I’m a milk fanatic. I could drink
jams was soon shared with others as she a gallon a day.”
began selling at farmer’s markets and col- In addition, Caluya grows different variet-
lected quite a following. In 2019, she had a ies of apples and peaches among her 33
Caluya has two milk cows on her ranch, fruit trees.
bigger idea, opening a Wild Woods Gypsy both with babies. They create between
store at her farm. four and nine gallons of milk each day, Caluya said her little farm was recently
half of which is offered for sale. added to the Wild River Coast Farm Trail,
Located about a mile off Highway 101 at
92584 Silver Butte Road, the small store has which will likely lead to new customers.
A new element this year is Caluya is keep- But she is ready for the challenge and
become a staple for many in the area. ing the calves, with the goal of making happy to meet new people.
“Peaches and cherries are the biggest draw,”
them meat cattle. With the meat, fruit,
she said. “It’s building up more and more.”
milk and eggs on site, she feels her family The farm store is open from 10 a.m. to 2
can take care of themselves. p.m. each Saturday and the self-serve farm
Caluya has also joined with family mem-
“It’s what I’ve been shooting for all the is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
bers, neighbors and friends to bring in
more business. While she sells fresh milk, time,” she said. For information, visit
fruit and jams, her sister bakes and other wildwoodsgypsy.com.Page 18 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
GO PORT ORFORD
Y
ou could easily spend a day or two in the quaint communities of
Port Orford and nearby Langlois during your trip along the Wild
Rivers Coast.
Nestled along Highway Street and follow it down to and his men used the Directions: Approaching
101 about an hour north of the dock. prominent sea stack to from the south on Highway
the California border, Port stave off waves of native 101, it’s on your left as soon
Orford and Langlois offer Redfish Restaurant combatants to eventually as you get into town.
a wealth of experiences for Diners can view historic settle Port Orford.
the outdoorsman, artisan, Battle Rock and coastline
traveler and treasure-seeker. from this renowned
oceanfront gourmet HIDDEN GEM
Port of Port Orford restaurant on Highway
Picture a port without a 101. The restaurant has v Old City Jailhouse - Lock up a legend with a
harbor. The Port of Port won national acclaim from visit to the old city jail. Built in 1936, it is a monu-
Orford is one of only six Tripadvisor and Wine ment to Port Orford’s past and has become a
“dolly docks” in the world, Spectator and serves up popular landmark. After its condemnation in 1965,
where vessels are lifted vegetarian, seafood, meat nature has given the building an artistic touch,
out of the water by two and poultry dishes. When covering it with vines and vegetation. Directions:
enormous cranes and then ever possible Redfish buys Driving north on Highway 101, turn right on Jef-
housed on custom made local produce and fresh ferson Street then left on 7th Street. The jailhouse
dollies. You would be hard fish directly from Port will be on your left side.
pressed to find another Orford. Visit their extensive
place on earth where you wine gallery and check Homemade soups, pies and burgers too
can get such an up-close out Hawthorne Museum
look at a fleet of fishing of contemporary art next
boats currently in use. door! Reservations are
Check out the boats in recommended. Call 541- Due to Covid19
drydock, then stop in to 366-2200 Please check FB
Grif ’s on the Dock, the local or Call for hours.
dock museum, gift shop and Battle Rock Park 2020
eatery. Directions: If you Step into history at Battle
are coming from the south Rock Park, home of the
follow Highway 101 north, historic Battle Rock, where
turn left on Washington Captain William Tichenor 259 6th Street • Port Orford, OR • 541-332-8601SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 19
GO PREHISTORIC Story by Linda Pinkham
D
inosaurs lurk in an old-growth rain forest with 350-year-old trees,
lush ferns and foliage plants. Kids, trailed by parents taking photos,
excitedly follow a hand-drawn map from 40 years ago through the
park that contains 23 life-size, prehistoric reptiles tucked amidst and
sometimes towering above the abundant growth of native plants.
Both plants and dinosaurs have a long “When you have an absolute passion “The Brachiosaurus was his pride
history at this place located halfway for something, you think other people and joy,” said McGrath, pointing to a
between Gold Beach and Port Orford feel the same way you do,” said his framed photo of him standing beneath
on U.S. Highway 101. daughter Bennie Worthington in the the creature between its front legs.
documentary.
Prehistoric Gardens, after 65 years An interpretive sign informs guests
in business, is still a famous roadside The gamble paid off as the U.S. that the largest dinosaur’s live weight
attraction that is now owned and highway system was developed, travel was estimated to be 85 tons, and he
managed by Kiki McGrath. The by auto became popular, and roadside was a plant-eater from the Cretaceous
site is a labor of love of McGrath’s attractions were prolific and popular. period — about 125 million years ago.
family since opening in 1955. Her McGrath says during the summer
grandfather, Ernie Nelson, at the season, visitors still number 200 a day. The park signage provides fun facts
age of 47, and his wife Kari sold his about each of the sculptures, as well as
accounting business and their Eugene The life-size dinosaurs are constructed all the indigenous plants. A spring-fed
home in the early 1950s to purchase with steel frames with metal lathe that creek meanders through the grounds,
the original 77 acres, according to the is molded over the frame, then they with an accessible path that winds past
documentary “Strange Inheritance: are plastered with cement and painted. each vignette.
Dino Park.” The first sculpture Nelson made, and
the largest, is a Brachiosaurus that is Nelson engineered the sculptures
Nelson dreamed of creating a roadside 46 feet tall and 86 feet long. It took based on his drawings of skeletal
attraction filled with dinosaurs. him 4 years to build it and required remains and fossils found and placed
constructing a scaffold to do the work. in natural history museums.Page 20 - SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST
“He always drew,” Worthington
said in the documentary. “He
came out of the womb with a pen.”
Over 30 years, Nelson
constructed 23 dinosaurs.
While the sculptures are
scientifically correct, the
paint colors were designed
to be fanciful, attractive
and photogenic as a tourist
attraction.
“People would ask him ‘How
did you know what colors
they were?’ and he said, ‘Well
no one knows. It’s the artist
behind the paintbrush.’ Birds
are very colorful, lizards are very
colorful, but we don’t know,”
McGrath said. Over the years, family members
have helped operate the park.
With an average rainfall of McGrath’s mother worked in
between 6 and 10 feet per year, the gift shop for a long time, and
ferns grow to gigantic size her uncle helped with building
and even the common skunk some of the park’s features.
cabbage develops huge tropical McGrath has worked at the park
leaves. Known as a temperate for 40 years.
zone rainforest, this primeval
garden developed because of “It’s a lot of work,” she said. Her
its location; nestled in a valley grandparents have been gone for
pocket and therefore protected 21 years.
from the fierce winter storms
that sweep the Pacific. According to “Strange
Inheritance,” Nelson passed
The landscaping requires a lot of away in 1999 at the age of
upkeep. 91. His wife Kari died soon
afterward. The property was left
“You don’t have to water to McGrath, her mother and her
anything but we do have to uncle. The property was listed
cut things back when it starts for sale, but Kiki decided she
growing,” she said. “Some of the didn’t want to sell the park. The
skunk cabbage leaves get to be acreage was split up, with 33
about 7 feet tall.” acres containing the park going
to Kiki. The other 44 acres sold
The dinosaurs also have upkeep. for $1.6 million.
During a wind storm over the
winter, one of the giant trees “I’d like to keep the legacy
fell in the park on two of the going,” McGrath said. She is
sculptures. They are in the confident that her daughter and
process of being repaired. son would keep it going after
she retires.
A small gift shop on the
property has souvenirs for The park is open daily in winter
dinosaur lovers of all ages, from (except during extreme weather)
plush toys and coloring books from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 6
for kids to fossils, agates, apparel p.m. in summer. To learn more,
and more for “kids” of all ages. visit www.prehistoricgardens.com.SPRING/SUMMER 2021 GO Wild Rivers COAST - Page 21
GO GOLFING
P
lay through! Whether you are looking for a chip-shot or a challenge,
the Wild Rivers Coast is a golfer’s paradise realized.
OREGON net proceeds go directly to wide, a Bandon Dunes golf offers beautiful vistas and
plays firm and fast, year
the Wild Rivers Coast Alli- getaway should be on every
round.
Bandon Dunes ance, an organization that golf fanatic’s bucket list.
Golf Resort supports conservation, com- Bring your soft-spike cleats Located 5 miles south of
Known the world over as munity and economy on and passion for the sport Bandon, this 18-hole, par
one of the premier golf the southern Oregon Coast. because this is “Golf as it 72 course was named one of
the country’s Top Ten New
resorts in the United States The Punchbowl, a 2.5-acre was meant to be played.”
Courses in 2007 by Golf
since its opening in 1999, putting green used to set up Magazine.
Bandon Dunes offers an a 18-hole putting course was For more information
experience unlike any other. added in 2014, providing and fees, visit It roams through wetlands,
over streams and into open
Beautiful coastal vistas are another exciting opportunity www.bandondunesgolf.com
coastal forests.
the backdrop for five courses to challenge your golf skills.
designed with golf’s Scot- COURSE INFO Bandon Crossings offers a
tish roots in mind. Beauti- Bandon Dunes Golf Resort’s 18 holes, par 72. complete practice facility,
fully crafted, these courses courses offer stunning, yet • LENGTH: friendly staff and excellent
golf instructors. A “Get
are revered by golf experts challenging coastal holes, Black tees – 6,732 yds.
Golf Ready” program is
around the world, with four steep and intimidating Green tees – 6,221 yds. available for beginners of all
of them garnering critical bunkers, and expansive Gold tees – 5,716 yds. ages. They also offer a “Long
acclaim from the golfing greens set along the gor- Orange tees – 5,072 yds. Driver Winner” annual pass
elite. Pacific Dunes, Bandon geous southern Oregon Blue tees – 3,945 yds. for golfers living farther
Dunes, Old Macdonald, and coastline. Each course offers • RATING/SLOPE: than 65 miles away. Curry
Bandon Trails are all consis- something different than the Black tees – 76.3/141. Green and Coos county residents
tently rated among the best other, though all are spec- tees – 71.4/133. can join the “Crossings
courses in the nation by top tacular in their own right. Gold tees – 69.5/133. Club” at no charge.
golf publications. Orange tees – 66.6/126.
Bandon Dunes’ courses Blue tees - 61.5/101. COURSE INFO
Another unique experience were designed with the his- • LOCATION: 18 holes, par 72
in every way, the Bandon tory of golf in mind, as their 57744 Round Lake Rd, • LENGTH:
Preserve is a 13-hole, par-3 layout and structure harken Bandon, Ore. 97411 Black tees – 6.855 yds.
course that delivers a level back to world-famous • PHONE: Blue – 6,270 yds.
of enjoyment matched only courses in golf’s birthplace, (800) 742-0172 White – 5,780 yds.
by the spectacular views. the British Isles. Keep- Red — 5,030 yds.
Opened in 2012, Bandon ing with that mindset, the Bandon Crossings Gold — 4,186 yds.
Preserve begins high atop a courses are walking courses Golf Course • RATING/SLOPE:
sand dune and rolls down with a caddie service avail- Since its opening, Bandon Black tees – 74.0/139.
toward the beach. The able (call in advance for a Crossings Golf Course Blue – 71.1/127.
Pacific Ocean provides the reservation). As a crown- has been recognized as a White – 69.0/122.
backdrop to every hole. All jewel of golf courses world- challenging course that Red — Men 65.7-117,You can also read
