I have a passion for the outdoors and I am most happy enjoying what nature has to offer. Hobbies include photography, birding, Pickleball, astronomy, biking, and hiking. I have been happily married, for 50 years, to an amazing person.
From our coach to the beach is only a short .25 mile walk. Every morning and evening we had our pick of trails to hike. Some would take us to the beach, some to South Jetty, and some through the heavily wooded forest.
A short sandy trail to the ocean once you leave the paved trail.South Jetty in the distanceSouth Beach (entry from South Jetty). Lots of horseback riders use this trail to ride on the beach.
The forest is filled with Sitka Pines, Huckleberry and Twin Berry bushes and numerous other species of plants. We enjoyed hiking all the many trails, but the heavily forested ones, following the ridge line high above the ocean and the campground, were our favorite. We didn’t bring our bikes on this trip and have been wishing we would have, because the park offers miles of paved biking trails.
Beautiful old growth trees!
The ocean never seems to tire of sending its cool breeze inland and with it cool temperatures. It has rarely been above 70 during the day, dipping down into the 50’s at night. With gorgeous sunny days, except for occasional clouds that seem to float in and out, we have enjoyed our visit in Newport, Oregon.
Fog rolling in this morning
South Beach State Park is probably the largest state park we have ever stayed in with 225 electrical and water sites, 60 tent sites and 27 Yurts. For us it is a tad too big. If you plan a visit to South Beach State Park book your reservations early, because it is a very popular park and full most of the time.
Sharing a trail. At least it was colorful!Watching the waves!
A different view of the Yaquinta Bay Bridge
South Beach is a beautiful state park, extremely well taken care of, as are all Oregon state parks, with lots to do in the surrounding area.
A visit to Hatfield Marine Science Center with my science guy!
A fun place to visit!
My Science Guy
In the morning we say goodbye to South Beach State Park and head north on Hwy 101.
Yaquinta Bay Bridge (famous arch bridge just south of Newport, OR)Fishing vessel followed by Coast Guard boat coming into the Bay from the oceanYaquinta BayColorful boats docked at the BayfrontThe historic Bayfront. Largest commercial frishing port in Oregon.Bayfront, Newport, Oregon
Howard and Sheila with Yaquina Bay Bridge in the backgroundI had Fish (Halibut) Tacos, Howard had fried Shrimp (he asked if they would fry them! ) Thank goodness these fishing boats go out everyday!
During the summer 65,000, of the birds listed below, claim Yaquina Head Natural Area as home. They spend the spring and summer breeding, nesting and raising their chicks on these bluffs.
`Common Murre
`Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants
`Pigeon Guillemots
`Western and Glaucous-winged Gulls
I have never seen so many Murres before our visit to Yaquina Head Natural Area. My photo of the single Common Murre was taken at the South Jetty of Yaquina Bay while on a hike from South Beach State Park.
First there was one…..Then there were thousands….
One of the Islands covered with nesting birdsCommon Murre Kites“Make room”Sees me taking a photoDecides to show off a littleGoes all out for the visiting lady from ColoradoBrandt’s CormorantFeeding BabiesI think this gull wants to be feedLove
Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Yaquina Head Natural Area
Yaquina Head LighthouseOffshore Islands at Yaquina Head Natural AreaYaquina Head Natural AreaCopple BeachHaving a ball!Howard at Yaquina Head LighthouseColors of SummerSeal Rock (in the distance)“Tomorrow she will show you some of my friends here at Yaquina Head Natural Area!”
Dancing SunbeamsChowing DownFuture meals“Gotta Itch”“This Way Guys”“Hang on Friday’s coming”“have a magical day”DunescapeMoon Over Sand DuneSoooooo Long
Just a few photos from William M. Tugman State Park this past week. The last photo; however was taken at Bullards.
Wolf Song Blog 