
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
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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

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

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.