Elemental Magnetism of Oregon’s Central Coast: Lincoln City A jade-hued sea washes across the sand spewing white foam and remnants of small shells and shining agates. A lone seagull glides above the ocean’s
thunderous crest calling out in its solitary cry, as the endless cerulean panorama of Oregon’s coast has ebbed and flowed through time.
The ocean’s primordial attraction is for many a source of boundless renewal. Fresh marine breezes and pounding waves inculcate a sense of freedom and
contemplation. With its often rugged and wild seascape, the Central Oregon Coast depicts an elemental magnetism.
Lincoln City, located 88 miles from Portland, features a beautiful seven-mile walkable beach. In addition, families and couples will be delighted with
the numerous activities, restaurants and accommodations.
The region of the Oregon coast features excellent hiking trails that vary from easy to difficult, all with amazingly beautiful scenery. Birding is also a favorite pastime with a variety of over 67 species of birds that range from the north to the south of the Lincoln City coastline and surrounding area. And what visit to the coast would be complete without a go at crabbing and clamming? Any time of year is good if you want cast out a crab ring with some bait or shovel for some tasty butter clams. Both pursuits are easy and fun, as well as a delicious reward for your efforts. Devil’s Lake Regatta Park, located just east of the city, provides multiple opportunities for families to enjoy the beauty of a coastal forest and sparkling lake. Upon entering the park, a huge enchanting sandcastle playground fabricated of elaborate wood is a kid’s dream. A public boat launch is also available and swimming in Devil’s Lake on a hot summer day is reminiscent of a bygone era. In addition, the park provides a short wooded trail that leads to the Grand Father Tree, a giant Sitka Spruce that is one of the oldest in the area. Taft Beach, located at the 51st Street turn-around, is a great place for beachcombing, a long leisurely stroll, picnics and the site of Lincoln City’s popular Float Fairies. From fall to late spring, the Finders Keepers group places over 2000 gorgeous multi-hued glass floats on the beach for visitors to discover. Remember the glass floats that would wash up on shore from Japanese fishing nets? Go on a beach hunt and these coveted handcrafted floats are yours to keep if you find one. The 2000 year-old art of glass blowing is fascinating. And, if you want to watch an artist in action, visit the Alder House III located a few miles South of Lincoln City. The studio provides an intimate setting for guests to view the glass blowing process. In addition, the studio sells beautiful glass art at reasonable prices. The Pacific Coast Center for Culinary Arts, located in the City Hall and Public Library building offers the public professional cooking demonstrations. Learn great cooking techniques by visiting guest chefs and the Oregon Coast’s famous Chef Robert Pounding. Pounding owns the celebrated Blackfish Café in Lincoln City; he has teamed up with the Oregon Tourism Commission to provide visitors knowledge in preparing Northwest cuisine using mainly local and wholesome ingredients. These fabulous demonstrations are easy to follow and offer an inspiring look into the world of gourmet cooking.
There are many excellent places on the coast to view the whales. An informative and interesting place to learn all about whales and even possibly see a few is the Whale Watching Center in Depot Bay. Located just south of Lincoln City, the center offers video programs and numerous hands-on exhibits with in-depth information on a variety of whale species and Orcas. The center is fun and truly interesting, surprising visitors who often harbor misconceptions on the colossal mammals. Lincoln City offers visitors additional activities, such as rafting, canoeing, fishing, golfing and even shopping at the popular Tanger Outlet Center. Its coastal town ambience is captivating with no towering mecca of over-development. The town is friendly, and perfect for exploring during those long spring and summer days. However, fall and winter present another face to the Oregon coastal community. This often-stormy season is a one of the most alluring on the Oregon Coast. There is nothing like retreating to a cozy, firelight room to sip a cup of coffee and watch a storm in all its fury hurl rain and wind against the formidable picture windows of your preferred enclave. If You Go 
Patrice Raplee is an experienced travel photojournalist and editor of Travel Excursion and Seattle Spotlight for Positively Entertainment magazine.
She is a member of North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) and the Recording Academy. Her photographs and articles have appeared in
numerous international publications, as well as NW newspapers such as the Seattle Times, the Stranger, Seattle Weekly and the Oregonian. As a freelance
photojournalist, she has also worked with acclaimed musical entertainers, such as Santana, Billy Joel and Steven Tyler. Patrice has written several
children’s short stories and is currently working on an adult fiction novel for publication.Photos courtesy of Patrice Raplee. |
If you don’t have luck finding a float, there is another fun and exciting way to obtain one. The Jennifer L. Sears Glass Art Studio teaches visitors how
to blow a glass float. From scooping the molten glass (choose your own colors) to creating your own masterpiece with the help of an artist, the
experience is a blast! Once your float has cooled down and cured, you can take it home along with the wonderful memory. This public glass foundry is
ideal for visitors and groups of all ages.
Whale Watching attracts visitors from around the globe. The Gray Whales migrate from the Arctic Seas to Baja California and Mexico starting roughly in
mid-October. The whales pass by the Oregon Coast in late December to early January. The return migration starts in mid-to late March with the whale
mothers and offspring passing near the beach in early to mid-May.
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