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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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
5
Oregon Dunes Ride, Sweet Creek Falls Hike, Wrap-up
Florence, OR
6
Program Concludes
Florence, OR
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.
Best of all, you’ll…
- 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 13 cascading waterfalls.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
T. McCracken
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.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
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.
Carolyn Singh
View biography
Carolyn Singh holds an M.L.S. from the University of Maryland College of Library and Information Science and a B.S. from Barnard College, where she studied urban planning. Following more than four decades as an academic librarian and instructor in three U.S. time zones and Fiji, she now resides in Southern Oregon’s magnificent Rogue Valley. She is an avid hiker, gardener, food ways volunteer, and RYS certified yoga instructor.
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.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Hiking Adventure Along Oregon's Central Coast
Program Number: 4896
Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail
This helpful little volume walks you through 40 consecutive day hikes from Fort Stevens State Park to California. Complete with maps, practical tips, and historical information, this book is sure to be an excellent supplement to your hiking experience.
100 Hikes/Travel Guide Oregon Coast and Coast Range
William Sullivan's wonderful guide to the coast's trails and natural places is the perfect general handbook to the coast. Each of the hikes is well described and the book features many great illustrations and photographs.
The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest
This is possibly the most concise guide to the myriad of intertidal zone creatures you may encounter on the Oregon Coast. It's not exhaustive, but it is pocket-sized and complete enough to help you identify and appreciate the creatures of the shoreline.
Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America
When it comes to the many birds that frequent the Oregon Coast, no guidebook is more complete than Sibley's little handbook. With wonderful illustrations and plenty of information, this is a birdwatching essential on the coast.
Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast
This is the resource for Northwest Coast flora. If you are interested in the trees, wildflowers, and other plants of the Oregon Coast, this is the only book that has them all.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Florence, OR
Program Concludes
Florence, OR
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
13
| 5B |
4L |
4D |
Activity Level
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.)
Best of all, you'll...
- 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 13 cascading waterfalls.
Featured Expert
T. McCracken
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.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Carolyn Singh
Carolyn Singh holds an M.L.S. from the University of Maryland College of Library and Information Science and a B.S. from Barnard College, where she studied urban planning. Following more than four decades as an academic librarian and instructor in three U.S. time zones and Fiji, she now resides in Southern Oregon’s magnificent Rogue Valley. She is an avid hiker, gardener, food ways volunteer, and RYS certified yoga instructor.
Dina Pavlis
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.
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
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 4L | 4D |
3 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Florence, OR
Meals:
D
Stay:
Driftwood Shores Resort
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. and Orientation: 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us in the hotel meeting room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. We will meet in the hotel meeting room for orientation and time to meet the staff. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with two Instructors and a knowledgeable Group Leader who will provide educational content. Hiking field trips will be led by the Group Leader, Instructors, and local experts. Throughout the program, there will be areas where two hike choices will be provided with different distances, durations, and locations. Participants will select Group A or Group B and will stay with their hike leaders at all times. We will have boxed lunches in the field during hikes – no tables or chairs – and each of us will carry out any trash and all waste from our meals. Be sure to bring your personal, reusable water bottle. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel in our meeting room.
Evening:
We will gather for a presentation by our Group Leader and Instructors on outdoor safety. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Heceta Head Lighthouse, Ocean Views & Coastal Rainforests
Location:
Florence, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Driftwood Shores Resort
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 28 miles, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Morning hike: 1.2 miles; paved or gravel surfaces; total elevation gain 75 feet. Afternoon hike: 4 miles, approximately 2 hours; variable terrain including forest trails with occasional tree roots and firm-packed sand; slight elevation gains. Group B: additional 0.6 miles, approximately 1 hour; variable terrain including hard-packed forest trail with occasional tree roots; elevation gain 285 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather in the meeting room for a presentation by our Instructor on Central Oregon Coast geology. We’ll then hop into vans and ride to historic Heceta Head Lighthouse, situated on a cliff 205 feet above the ocean. During our hike, we will learn about the history of the area, including this working lighthouse dating from 1894. We will also observe shore birds and have ocean views to be on the lookout for possible sightings of sea lions and gray whales.
Lunch:
In the keeper’s home at Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of the last remaining Lightkeeper’s cottages on the Pacific Coast.
Afternoon:
Next, we will divide into two hiking groups. Both groups will hike 4 miles on the Valley Trail, Hobbit Trail, and ocean beach. Group B will hike an additional 0.6 miles (approximately one hour) on the China Creek Loop through lush coastal forests with moss-covered trees. Returning to the hotel, we will have some time to freshen up. We’ll gather in the hotel meeting room before dinner for a review of tomorrow’s hiking choices with our Group Leader and Instructors.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Giant Spruce & Old Growth Forests
Location:
Florence, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Driftwood Shores Resort
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 45 miles, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Morning hike: 0.5 miles, approximately 1 hour; hard-packed gravel surface, slight elevation changes. Afternoon Group A: 4 miles, approximately 4 hours; paved asphalt and variable terrain forest trail over roots, rocks, stairs; up to 200 feet elevation gain. Afternoon Group B: 6.5 miles, approximately 4 hours; variable terrain forest trails with roots; elevation gain 1,100 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our vans and drive 25 miles north along scenic Oregon Coast Highway 101 to the 803-foot summit of Cape Perpetua. We’ll then walk together for about half a mile along the Whispering Spruce Trail, with incredible views of the coastline and a stop at a historic stone observation shelter built in the early 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). We will then divide into our two hiking groups for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon. Group A will cover about 4 miles total, broken in segments of 2 miles each. In the first segment, we will hike on the Captain Cook, Cape Cove, and Restless Waters trails along the rocky basalt coastline with some stairs. In the second segment, we will hike on the Giant Spruce trail to an impressively large, 500-year old Sitka spruce. It stands more than 185 feet tall and has a circumference of 40 feet. Group B will cover about 6.5 miles over four hours, hiking on the Cook’s Ridge, Gwynn Creek, and Oregon Trail/Pioneer Road loop trail through lush old growth forests.
Lunch:
In the field, we will have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
Our Cape Perpetua hiking field trip will continue in two groups. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We will enjoy a lecture given by a speaker from the Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative.
Day
4
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Umpqua Lighthouse
Location:
Florence, OR
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Driftwood Shores Resort
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 70 miles, approximately 3 hours total riding time. Hiking 2-3 miles, approximately 2 hours; packed forest trail with loose sand, firm sand trail on beach; elevation gain 200 feet. Group B: Hiking 6.2 miles, approximately 4.5 hours; hard-packed forest trail followed by soft/firm sand trails; elevation gain 430 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our vans and drive south along scenic Oregon Coast Highway 101 to visit sites around Reedsport and Winchester Bay. We will explore the wind-swept dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and visit vantage points to see the year-round population of Roosevelt Elk that live in this area. We will tour the Umpqua Lighthouse and learn about the history of this unique area where the Umpqua River empties into the Pacific Ocean.
Lunch:
In the field, we will have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
We will enjoy hiking in the area on our way back to Florence. After our field trip, we’ll return to the hotel for the remainder of the afternoon. Take some time to rest at the hotel or explore Old Town Florence.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There are many appealing local restaurants to choose from.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Oregon Dunes Ride, Sweet Creek Falls Hike, Wrap-up
Location:
Florence, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Driftwood Shores Resort
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 70 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Getting on/off a dune vehicle. Dress in layers for dune field trip. Afternoon hiking 3 miles, approximately 2 hours; mostly hard-packed forest trail with elevated catwalks, steps, tree roots, wet spots, some broken rock surfaces; elevation gain 280 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather in the meeting room for a presentation by a local expert on topics relevant to the area. Following the presentation we will board our vans and ride south of Florence to the Sand Dunes Frontier. Here, we’ll climb aboard a large, slow-moving dune transport vehicle to explore the stunning dune geology. A local expert will discuss the past, present, and uncertain future of the Oregon Dunes. We’ll see grand vistas with great opportunities for photography. We’ll then drive 25 miles east into the coastal foothills to the Sweet Creek Falls trail, considered one of the best hikes on the Oregon Coast.
Lunch:
In the field, we will have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
Next, we will walk up a 1.5-mile trail past thirteen cascading waterfalls to Sweet Creek Falls, then return via the same trail back to the trailhead. The trail surface is mostly hard-packed forest trail with elevated cat-walks, steps, tree roots, wet spots, and some broken rock surfaces with a 280-foot elevation gain. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Back at the hotel, the Group Leader will lead a wrap-up session as we review highlights of the program. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Florence, OR
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
- Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
- Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
- Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
- Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
- Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 35 Reviews
Sort By:
Hiking around the Florence OR area was wonderful because of my fellow participants and experienced group leaders. Caveat: I did not accurately assess my own physical fitness. If you “amble” at home, you might not be able to keep pace with hikers. There are also elevation changes that add to the challenge if you are a “flat lander” with your home regimen. Be sure of your ability so that you select the right program for you & them!
— Review left September 23, 2024
If you get the hike leaders T and or Bob V you will have the best experience. The 4 days were an easy stroll and not as described which was disappointing. An exclamation was never given as to the discrepancies between the original itinerary and the actual hikes
— Review left August 18, 2024
Fantastic trip! I would highly recommend this learning adventure.
— Review left July 2, 2024
A good introduction to the Oregon coast; forests, ocean, sand and history
— Review left June 23, 2024
This was a wonderful experience. I especially appreciated the great variety of experiences, the expertise and friendliness of the instructors, and the chance to be part of this unique environment
— Review left June 22, 2024
This was a beautiful trip which I recommend to anyone. The lodging was very convenient and the trip leader and guides were excellent.
— Review left October 16, 2023
The Oregon central coast has very unique geography, flora, fauna and weather. This trip is an excellent way to learn about it. The trip leaders are outstanding. The description of activity level is very accurate. Highly recommended.
— Review left September 24, 2023
Great trip with a variety of hikes for those with different abilities, interests, and preferences. The leaders were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and gifted at sharing their knowledge in accessible and entertaining ways. The motel also is very convenient for walks into town.
— Review left September 19, 2023
A perfect combination of exercise, learning, and making new friends.
— Review left September 12, 2023
This program was so interesting! I have been hiking in forests for many years, but learned so much about how to "read a forest" that I will never look at another forest the same. Our leaders not only were very friendly and approachable, but also had so much knowledge to share and did it so well.
— Review left September 9, 2023
This program is a great opportunity to become acquainted with coastal Oregon. The lodging was convenient, the box lunches were amazing, the trip leaders were friendly and knowledgeable, and the hikes were interesting and varied.
— Review left September 7, 2023
What a great program! This was my first time on the Oregon coast and I was amazed by how varied and beautiful it is. I echo what other reviewers have said - beaches, a lighthouse, a dune, waterfalls, and old-growth forests - this program has it all! Jennifer, Bob, and John were great leaders and taught us so much.
— Review left July 10, 2023
The Central Oregon Coast hiking trip was terrific. The scenery was gorgeous, the hikes were diverse and invigorating, and the guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. What a beautiful and fascinating part of our country!
— Review left July 5, 2023
I had been up the Oregon coast several times in my life but this trip gave me a new appreciation of the variety of landscapes and the interesting history. I enjoyed the variety of hike locations (forests, dunes, beaches, waterfalls) and the challenges (The Dune of Death!). Our leaders Jennifer, Bob and John were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
— Review left July 2, 2023
Wonderful outdoor experience. This is especially an eye-opener for participants unfamiliar with this part of our country. Excellent leader and teachers.
— Review left July 2, 2023
I can't recommend Road Scholar hiking Oregon coast trails highly enough. Spectacular area!
— Review left July 2, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this program. Did not want to leave.
— Review left September 23, 2022
I absolutely loved it. The accommodations at Driftwood Shores were awesome. as was the whole team of leader, faculty/hike guides, food preparers and server. The hikes are all in my memory treasure chest as are the fellow Road Scholars. Thank you for such a great week!
— Review left September 23, 2022
Gorgeous hikes, stellar hike leadership, amazing hotel on the beach, great lectures and on-the-trail learning experiences--this program is not to be missed! Truly a beautiful experience!
— Review left September 22, 2022
Great hikes. great leadership, comfortable hotel.
— Review left September 13, 2022
This program provides wonderful hikes, knowledgeable outstanding guides, and a room with an ocean view!
— Review left September 8, 2022
The hikes on this program were lovely and interesting--old-growth forests, beaches, dunes--but what really made this program special was the amount of information I gained from the study leaders, Dick and John. Both leaders gave great presentations to the entire group, and they both continued to educate us about the flora, fauna, and geology we were passing while on the trails. There was a choice of hike difficulty on 3 of the 4 hiking days, which was a good way to accommodate hiker abilities and preferences. Jennifer is a wonderful (and well-organized!) group leader, too!
— Review left July 5, 2022
This program explores the areas N,S and E of Florence, Oregon. The terrain is varied and each day provides new opportunities to discover and learn. The two Study Leaders were terrific about relaying relevant background for this adventure. The hiking among the towering Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce was incredible.
The dunes, waterfalls and lighthouse excursions were great. There are two hikes daily and you can choose what suits you best; longer or shorter. The accommodation was wonderful with all rooms facing the ocean.
Meals were provided in a private dining room with our own server, who was excellent. The group leader and van drivers kept us all informed and happy. This was my first trip with RS but far from my last. I highly recommend this trip to visit the Oregon Coast.
— Review left July 3, 2022
In addition to some varied and beautiful hikes, I learned a lot of interesting things about the geology and indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and the Oregon coast in particular.
— Review left July 2, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar trip and it was all I expected and more. A beautiful part of the country to explore and leaders were knowledgeable.
Other participants were friendly and as a single attendee I was included. Thanks, Road Scholar!
— Review left September 28, 2021
This trip is marvelous. Reasons for that are the number of marvels you will witness as you take invigorating hikes, get to know interesting people and benefit from the intelligence and expertise of guide Mark and instructor John. The wilderness and the dunes are gorgeous, as is the ocean out your balcony window. We enjoyed the location, the activities, the camaraderie and the local culture of Florence. Be prepared to eat well, sleep well, and learn well.
— Review left September 27, 2021
The Road Scholar ‘A Hiking Adventure Along Oregon’s Central Coast’ program was a wonderful experience! The magnitude of personal achievement by travelling during the current pandemic is experienced only through a journey of this genre. The privilege of spending time exploring and hiking Oregon’s Central Coast, marveling and experiencing the diversity of the rain forests, waterfalls, Dunes, and magnificent coastline was unforgettable, invigorating, and enlightening in countless ways.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, from beginning to end, the Road Scholar staff, website, correspondence, program itinerary and travel information were exceptional. Our Road Scholar guides, Mark, John, & Theresa (“T”) were phenomenal! They took the time to observe and attend to the needs of each of our team members. Their passion, knowledge, and willingness to ensure a wonderful experience was commendable. Current pandemic safety precautions were taken and always a priority. Without reservation, I look forward to my next adventure with Road Scholar.
-Jodi J De Luca, PhD
— Review left September 27, 2021
I highly recommend this program to people who enjoy the outdoors, hiking in varied areas of the Oregon coast. Just a fabulous trip with wonderful accommodations on the beach and the best food you’ll ever have on a trip! Wonderful, knowledgeable leaders and instructors.
— Review left September 18, 2021
I've just returned from Hiking Along Oregon's Central Coast!! Fabulous trip of beautiful coastal, forest and dune hikes - varied levels of challenges. The leaders are great people, very knowledgeable, supportive and enjoyable folks! I happily give this trip FIVE STARS!!!!!!!
— Review left September 18, 2021
A Hiking Adventure Along Oregon's Central Coast was a wonderful way to see and feel the expanse of the ocean, forest and dunes. The hikes were beautiful and the instructors were very knowledgeable and eager to share that knowledge. The scenery was breathtaking around every corner. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left September 5, 2021
A fun and interesting hiking adventure.
— Review left September 4, 2021
Another stellar program by Road Scholar! I was so invigorated by the physical and mental challenge; the breath-taking landscapes from the ocean, through the dune, into the old-growth forest; the knowledge imparted by our leader Collin and instructors John, Dick and "T;" and the fellowship of life-long learners! This challenging hiking trip is a winner.
— Review left September 23, 2019
If you enjoy hiking and want to explore and learn about the central Oregon coast and forests, this is a great program with fun and interesting leaders. At the Driftwood Shores you'll be at the ocean's edge with private balcony and full ocean view.
— Review left July 8, 2019
This was a wonderfully organized trip with a dedicated team of leaders. We stayed at the Driftwood Shores Resort where every room had an unobstructed view of the beautiful Oregon coastline. So relaxing to come back to each night. The evening presentations were excellent. The daily hikes were all different with a variety of choices/options. The last day's hike on Sweet Creek Trail was spectacular!
We knew some of the leaders from a prior trip and were delighted to have them again for this trip -- engaging, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and totally entertaining -- guaranteed to make you laugh.
Bear with the weather -- it's Oregon -- might have some clouds or some rain -- but the trip was still awesome.
— Review left July 1, 2019
Great program. Interesting hikes with well organized, friendly leaders. Hotel view awesome. But virtually NO phone or internet service! I would happily do another program with this group of leaders (Collin, John, Dick, and T). My best RS experience so far!
— Review left June 29, 2019
