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Oregon

A Hiking Adventure Along Oregon's Central Coast

Program No. 4896RJ

Hike old-growth forests along the Oregon Coast as you learn about local ecosystems, explore coastal dunes. Choose from two hiking options of varying distances and elevations.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5B 4L 5D

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Florence, OR

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Ocean Views & Coastal Rainforests

Florence, OR

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Giant Spruce & Old Growth Forests

Florence, OR

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Tahkenitch Dune Trail

Florence, OR

Oregon Dunes Ride, Sweet Creek Falls Hike, Wrap-up

Florence, OR

Program Concludes

Florence, OR

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At a Glance

The Oregon Coast abounds in spectacular scenery and diverse natural habitats, from coastal mountains and temperate rainforests to ocean beaches and historic lighthouses. Led by experienced local interpretive experts, immerse yourself in a variety of ecosystems with day hikes offering longer spirited or shorter relaxed choices. Marvel at old-growth forests of towering Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, walk along a mountain stream with numerous cascading waterfalls and explore the vast Oregon Dunes and the spectacular basalt shoreline of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.

Activity Level

Outdoor: Spirited

Each hiking day, choose from two hiking options based on your desired level of challenge, ranging from 3-7 miles on varied terrain. Trail surfaces range from forest paths to sandy beaches. Elevations from 200 feet to 1,100 feet. Daily hikes are held rain or shine but access to certain areas is dependent on current tides.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

Enjoy hikes through lush coastal rainforests, explore the grounds of the Heceta Head Lighthouse and experience the beauty of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
Ride in a dune transporter for stunning views of the vast Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest coastal dune complex in the Western hemisphere.
Hike one of the most scenic trails on the Oregon coast, the Sweet Creek Falls Trail, with its thirteen cascading waterfalls.

Featured Expert

All trip experts

John Ford

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, John L. Ford has held many titles. He was part of a touring rock band, spent time as a photojournalist, and worked as a federal ranger at Yaquina Head Lighthouse and as a marine mammal biologist. He is also a first responder with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network and a member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. John has been an instructor with Road Scholar for over 20 years.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

John Ford View biography

T. McCracken View biography

T. (Theresa) McCracken has been a naturalist, historian and humorist on the Oregon Coast for over 30 years. She's fought forest fires, was once named Forest Service Pacific Northwest Interpreter of the year, hitchhiked up much of Africa, recuperated from elephantiasis at Jane Goodall's Gombe National Park, took a barge 1,500 miles down the Congo, had cartoons published in hundreds of magazines and books, wrote a book titled "Holy Rollers: Murder and Madness in Oregon's Love Cult," and flossed every day of her adult life.

Dick Mason View biography

Dick Mason is a former Navy fighter pilot and retired United Airlines Boeing 777 captain. He spent time as a Forest Service volunteer at the Cape Perpetua visitor center as well as an Oregon State Parks volunteer with the annual “Whale Watch” program for 12 years. Dick previously worked with Road Scholar as a hiking and resource expert for 10 years, and still contributes his extensive knowledge and trail updates to current programs. Dick lives in Florence with his wife, Karen, and their Labrador, Louie.

Lesa Carnahan View biography

Lesa has been a Road Scholar group leader since 2001 and led numerous programs in the Pacific Northwest. She is passionate about Oregon and loves to share her knowledge about the region while taking groups to explore local cuisine, culture and wildlife. When she’s not out leading programs, she spends her time helping students gain self-control and achieve their goals in the classroom and out on educational field trips around Oregon.

Dina Pavlis View biography

Dina Pavlis has been a U.S. Forest Service volunteer interpretive ranger on the Oregon Dunes for 20 years on the central Oregon coast. Producer/host of the syndicated radio show, "Beyond Your Front Door Northwest," and author of "Secrets of the Oregon Dunes," Dina is an avid hiker, outdoor enthusiast, and nature photographer. She has been featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting's "Think Out Loud" and NPR's "Oregon Grapevine." She is an Oregon Coast Quests builder and member of the Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative.

A Hiking Adventure Along Oregon's Central Coast

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

At a Glance

What You'll Learn

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