Coast Explorer Magazine - The Explorer's Guide to the Oregon Coast and Washington Coast

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Parks & Natural Areas Features Library

A listing of features tagged with "Parks & Natural Areas"

  • Attractions

    • Diverse Playgrounds on the Pacific Northwest Coast: The Pacific Northwest coast is renowned for its beaches, but several other dynamic ecosystems are represented here. Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2012
    • Wild Thing: Roosevelt Elk: During the quieter seasons of the year, Roosevelt elk that frequent the dense lower wooded slopes of the rainforest areas on the Oregon Coast can be seen grazing and resting in open meadows in herds of a dozen or more. Appeared in Online Extras Spring 2012
    • Exploring Beyond Seaside : Seaside, Oregon offers scenic viewpoints, historical stops, culinary diversity, unique shopping and fun for all ages. Yet there are places beyond Seaside worth a look and near enough to fit into a day's excursion. Appeared in Seaside Visitor's Guide 2012
    • Sea Lion Caves: For over 130 years, the Sea Lion Caves, 11 miles north of Florence have attracted visitors to see Steller Sea... Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2011
    • Summer's Natural Splendor: With longer days, warmer weather and long-awaited rays of sunshine, the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest erupt in vibrant celebration. Step out and join the party! Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2011
    • Venturing Off the Beaten Path: The Three Capes Scenic Loop near Tillamook provides great viewpoints of sand dunes, lighthouses and dramatic ocean panoramas not seen on the Coast Highway. Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2011
    • Day Trips from Seaside: Six day trips from Seaside offer a collection of diverse experiences, including Ecola State Park & Haystack Rock, Pacific Vista Drive, Astoria and the Columbia River, Cape Disappointment and Washington Lighthouses, Tillamook and Three Capes, Mountains and Meadows Appeared in Seaside Visitor's Guide 2011
    • The Nature of Cannon Beach: Wildlife, marine life, the rainforest and Haystack Rock are all part of Cannon Beach's wonderful natural environment. Appeared in Cannon Beach Visitor's Guide 2011
    • Best Spots for Photographing Haystack Rock: Our publisher and resident photographer shares his favorite places to photograph a coastal icon. Appeared in Coast Explorer Fall/Winter 2010
    • Discovering Lincoln City: With all there is to see and do in the Lincoln City area, visitors need to allow themselves some extra time in order to take in all this Central Oregon Coast gem has to offer. Appeared in Coast Explorer Fall/Winter 2010
    • The Coast's Most Inspiring Viewpoints: The coast offers innumerable inspiring panoramic viewpoints that are spectacular anytime of year, but truly special in the offseason. Appeared in Coast Explorer Fall/Winter 2010
    • Top Stops on the Long Beach Peninsula: There are attractions aplenty to be found on the Long Beach Peninsula. Here is a collection of some of our favorite stops. Appeared in Coast Explorer Fall/Winter 2010
    • Experience Ecosystems: Hike the nature trails and experience the experimental forest and scenic research area at Oregon's Cascade Head Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2010
    • Gardens of Intertidal Wonder: The seven Marine Gardens along the Oregon Coast offer extraordinary opportunities for learning about intertidal zones and the flora and fauna they support. Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2010
    • Mearely Spectacular!: Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint offers spectacular exploring opportunities. Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2010
    • Spectacular Seal Rock: Volcanic rock formations create visual interest as well as wildlife refuges. Appeared in Coast Explorer Spring 2010
    • Cannon Beach's Best Get Up and Go Adventures: Hike the moss-draped rainforest, catch a wave, paddle quiet waterways or go on a scenic bicycle tour. Outdoor recreation areas surrounding Cannon Beach offer a wide range of active adventures. Appeared in Cannon Beach Visitor's Guide Winter 2010
    • It's Only Natural: In Cannon Beach, the Pacific Northwest coastal rainforest meets the ocean, where vibrant natural ecosystems offer special experiences for hikers, photographers, wildlife lovers, bird watchers and even casual sightseers. Appeared in Cannon Beach Visitor's Guide Winter 2010
    • Must See Spots For Your Cannon Beach Visit: With spectacular stretches of long sandy beach, famous Haystack Rock at the edge of the shore and the dramatic views from Ecola State Park just five minutes away, you don't need to go far to soak up the scenery and experience the best of the remarkable beauty of the Oregon Coast. Appeared in Cannon Beach Visitor's Guide Winter 2010
    • Hikes to Spot Spouts: Whether you're a hiker who might fancy seeing a whale or two, or a whale watcher who's not afraid of a little leg work, these coastal headland hikes invite you to unite two popular Northwest pastimes. Appeared in Coast Explorer Fall 2009
    • Standing Guard: Heceta Head Lighthouse, said to be the most-photographed lighthouse on the coast, stands high atop a bluff between Yachats and Florence. Appeared in Coast Explorer Fall 2009
    • Weather Worthy: Cape Disappointment State Park is the most visited in the Washington State Park system. It encompasses 1882 acres, fronting on the Pacific Ocean with spectacular views of the sea, Columbia River, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and North Head Lighthouse. Appeared in Coast Explorer Fall 2009
    • History & Mystery: Oregon's tallest lighthouse has stood guard over the Pacific shore north of Newport at Yaquina Head for 135 years. The... Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2008
    • Park It: Oswald West State Park: Situated between Cannon Beach and Manzanita on the North Coast of Oregon, Oswald West State Park is an excellent place to indulge a desire for hiking, photography, water sports and other outdoor activities, with beach, mountain and meadow as a playground. Appeared in Coast Explorer Summer 2008

  • Living