From Wildspring, we continued up the 101, driving slowly through the small coastal towns. When we entered the Siuslaw National Forest In Florence, the view got pretty spectacular. If we had more time, we would have stopped at America's largest sea lion caves. I almost made Hal turn the car around, until we saw the breathtaking Heceta Head Lighthouse vista point further down the road and pulled over to snap some pics. The sea lions were sunning themselves on the rocks below, barking up a storm.
On the mid-Oregon coast, you'll find 40 miles of sand resulting from millions of years of wind, sun, and rain erosion, the largest amount of coastal sand dunes in the U.S. Some dunes tower up to 500 feet above sea level! Naturally, we had to see this natural phenomena with our own eyes.
Using the Roadtrippers app, I discovered the world's first sandboard park was right off the highway. Originally, we were going to rent a board for Hal and let him do his thang. But the dune buggy was calling my name and I wanted in on the fun. They called it a "tour", but it felt more like the wildest roller coaster we've ever ridden! Our driver was hardcore. He gave us goggles to wear, but every time I opened my mouth to scream, I ate sand. We had to smile and laugh with our lips covering our teeth. We left Sand Master Park dirty and dizzy and ready for round two.
Just south of Lincoln City, we arrived at our next hotel, Salishan Resort in Gleneden Beach. I fell right in love with the zen-inspired 70's architecture. It sort of reminded me of the mountain lodge we stayed at in Snowbird, Utah. We oohed and ahhed over our ultra luxe canyon suite and immediately hit the dueling showers to wash off our second skin of sand before dinner.
Is this not the coolest indoor mid-century pool you've ever seen? It's open 24-hours!
Salishan has quite a beautiful golf course and ocean-front spa, but we didn't get a chance to experience either. The funny thing about road trips.. you feel the need to wake up early to get the most out of the daylight. But on this particular morning, we slept in (gasp), splurged on room service, ate breakfast in bed, and lazed around in fluffy robes.
Before leaving the area, we tooled around Gleneden Beach doing silly things like this. Tomorrow, we'll be in Astoria, the final leg of our adventure! Stay tuned...
West Coast Road Trip 01 - Los Angeles to the Madonna Inn
West Coast Road Trip 02 - San Luis Obispo to the Trees of Mystery
West Coast Road Trip 03 - Legget, California to Wildspring Guest Habitat
West Coast Road Trip 05 - Gleneden Beach to Cannery Pier Hotel in Astoria
This post is sponsored by Salishan Resort. The content and opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Happiness Is running!
