Our Memorable Journeys

Day 8- 9/02/15 Giant Spruce Trail and Heceta Head Lighthouse

Today we went back to Cape Perpetua. We first watched an interesting movie at the visitor center theater about the work the men at the CCC camp did building the roads, trails, and stone shelter in the area. Tom's father (Grandpa Turton I) worked for the CCC in Idaho back in the 30's.

We walked the 2 mile Giant Spruce Trail to find the 500 year old Sitka spruce tree. The trail parallels Cape Creek and goes through a forest that has many of the characteristics of an old-growth forest : lush ferns, nurse logs, and big trees. We loved all the friendly and helpful park rangers but never believe them when they tell you it's an EASY trail....because it sure wasn't!

Tom by THE giant spruce

Judy by THE giant spruce

Our next stop was at Strawberry Hill where you could take a short walk down toward the ocean and see many sea lions sunning themselves on the lava rocks and swimming in the huge waves. It was amazing to see how easily they swam while avoiding being beaten against the rocks by the powerful waves.

A few miles south on 101 is the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Sitting at the top of a high cliff, it sends out the strongest beam of light on the Coast and is considered the most photographed lighthouse along the west coast.

This afternoon we drove the loop along Ocean Road State Park to view the beach in the village of Yachats.

Yachats from Ocean Road

We also revisited Devil's Churn and Spouting Horn at Cook's Chasm at high tide.

Devil's Churn

Spouting Horn

We wrapped up the day sitting on a bench in front of our lodge watching the high tide come in.

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