Florence, located directly 59 miles west on the Oregon Coast, offers sand dunes, long white beaches, fresh seafood and Sea Lion Caves . To the south towards California, the coast becomes jagged and wild. Gray whales and Humpback whales may be seen year round off the Oregon Coast, especially during annual migrations when they travel between northern waters and their breeding grounds off Mexico or Hawaii. In any direction, travelers can take exciting raft trips down white water rapids. The area also offers cross country and downhill skiers an endless array of mountain and wilderness paths.
Campers can choose between a vast assortment of wild forests and desert campgrounds.
The Willamette Valley offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities, from flyfish angling to deep sea fishing to relaxing lake fishing. OK, sometimes it rains. Spring bursts forth with a dazzling array of flowers, leading to summers that are warm and sunny with no noticeable humidity. Even during inclement weather seasons, one can see bikers commuting to work and joggers on the trails.