© Photo by Forinash of Newport.

Newport, which overlooks the Yaquina Bay and the pristine coastline of the Pacific Ocean, is very accessible, and there are several routes to get here from the Willamette Valley. Avoid the traffic: Take I-5 to Corvallis, Exit #228, (Hwy 34.) Head west on Hwy 20 to Hwy. 101.

With so many things to see, do and enjoy, you should plan to stay awhile. Plenty of overnight camping is available, or you can take your pick of wonderful places to stay.

Guest will find many shops, galleries, and bookstores, throughout Newport, nestled all along Hwy. 101, the oceanfront in Historic Nye Beach, and the Historic Bayfront, as well as across the bridge in South Beach.

The "Discovery Season" from October through April is the very best time to visit! Break away from the crowds, enjoy a popular attraction without standing in line, see more watch able wildlife, enjoy greater solitude, and find that campsite you want at a lower price.

Note: the week between Christmas and New Years and again during March, gray whales can be spotted migrating between Alaska and Baja California. At these times volunteers are on hand at state parks and view points to aid in your search for these beautiful mammals. For a closer look see Marine Discovery Tours.

For all beachcombers, 1998 and 1999 have rewarded the beachcombers with possibly the best collecting of the past 25 years. Collectors have been finding a bounty of treasures washed up on our storm swept beaches. Here I will introduce my favorite collecting trips to the wonderful Oregon Beaches at Newport, where the forest meets the sea. Have a safe and enjoyable visit, and do come back again.