Where I Am Tonight: Honeyman State Park Miles Hiked Today: 8.7 (14 km)
Miles Hiked Overall: 134.5 (216.5 km)
Today I walked north, to finish the section between Winchester Bay and Oregon Dunes Day Use Area. I had hiked the section south of there on day 13, and the section north of there on day 14. My book had me taking a boat ride across Winchester Bay to start the hike today but I figured that wasn't necessary since I could just start on the correct side of the bay. However, it was difficult to find a road where I could reach the beach, but eventually I did.
The ecosystem that butts up to the sand dunes is amazing - it's like walking through a beautiful rainforest! It's thick and varied and it's amazing that it changes to just sand in a matter of feet.
All along this area of the beach (and some up north, too, and I think down south) area protected areas for the snowy plover bird. It's a cute little bird that nests in the sand - so for many obvious reasons, it's endangered. Many areas are marked off for their nesting period (that just finished, by the way). Sea gulls are OK but these little plovers are so cute to watch trying to feed on the incoming tide.
It's also calm enough here that I saw my first paddleboarder. I've seen lots of surfers over the days.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteThere's a great campground near the dunes called William M. Tugman State park. It's on the East side of 101, in Lakeshore. There is no sand, no 4 wheelers, and a beautiful little lake. You might already be past the campground, but if not, it's a very nice park.