Spotlight: A Slice of the Siuslaw National Forest
Spotlight: A Slice of the Siuslaw National Forest
Visit one of only two national forests to claim ocean front property in the lower 48 states.
Cozy up at the bed and breakfast in the lighthouse keeper's home near Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Getting There
One of only two national forests to claim ocean front property in the lower 48 states, the Siuslaw National Forest offers a moderate climate and is home to coastal forests and sand dunes alike.
Heading north on the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Highway 101) will wind you all the way from Coos Bay to Lincoln City and beyond. From Florence to Newport, Oregon, you’ll experience the central section of the Siuslaw—complete with waterfalls, berry picking, a haunted lighthouse keeper’s home, old growth forests and spectacular views.
What You’ll Find
Secluded, quiet camping at Sutton Campground. Nestled in the vegetation-covered dunes north of Florence this campground offers 77 campsites, each with a picnic table and campfire ring—appealing to families wanting to hike, fish, and enjoy the miles of trails in the area. Looking for a few more amenities? You’ve got it. Sutton Campground offers drinking water and flush toilets as well as 20 campsites with electrical hookups for those in RVs. In fact, in this area of the Siuslaw, 10 Forest Service campgrounds offer a great variety of river-front, lake-front, ocean-front and equestrian campsites.
Make Sure You
Experience Darlingtonias. Fascinating to view, curious to learn about and easily accessible from Sutton Campground and the Sutton Trails Trailhead, these carnivorous plants are not to be missed. Take the Darlingtonia Trail boardwalk right over the bog to view these intriguing plants pulled right out of a sci-fi movie.
Try This
Stop by the Cape Perpetua Day Use Area for the best views of the Oregon coast—no, really! Whether it’s the 70 miles of coastline or 37 miles out to sea, on a clear day, you can literally see for miles.
Don’t Forget
If camping is not your scene, try the lighthouse keeper’s home at Heceta Head. This bed and breakfast offers a healthy night’s sleep to accompany the insightful and rich history of the Heceta Head Lighthouse—which has been guiding seagoers for more than a century.
Victorian Christmas anyone? Each December Heceta Head Lightstation offers visitors a chance to enjoy the Keeper’s House fully decorated for Christmas. Complete with musicians, warm beverages and goodies. Mark your calendar.
Get Started
You won’t be led astray with a stop by the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, located 2 miles south of Yachats, Oregon. Rangers can get you started on your way to experience the giant Sitka spruce trees (which grow only within 3 miles of the coast), view whales as they migrate seasonally in spring and fall, or simply take in a short film or guided hike. Call ahead for seasonal programs, (541) 547-3289.
