Central Coast: Florence, Lincoln City
Darlingtonia Wayside Botanical Garden - Florence
Location: Just off Highway 101, five miles north of Florence
Why Go There? Nice stretch break while driving along the coast; botanic preserve (parking lot, picnic tables, restroom) short, level, one quarter mile stroll, observation area of unique Darlingtonia californica, also known as cobra-lily, pitcher plant (carnivorous, digests bugs).
More Information: Oregon State Parks
Connie Hansen Garden- Lincoln City (not curator reviewed)
Daily, dawn to dusk
Location: 1931 Northwest 33rd Street
Why Go There? Private garden turned into public conservancy open to the public; hosts events; seasonal gift shop; no cost entrance (donations welcomed).
More Information: Connie Hansen Garden
Drift Creek Falls - Lincoln City
Location: Six miles east of Lincoln City, follow Forest Service well-marked, graded road for 7-10 miles (depends on approach) to trailhead.
Why Go There? Easy 3.1 mile roundtrip well maintained trail features a very pretty waterfall after crossing a suspension bridge. Makes a nice leg stretch stop after a drive from Portland, or before heading to Portland from the beach. Well known, popular, so don't expect solitude, even on rainy weekdays. Pay permit required (or senior pass displayed).
Access: Parking area well marked; vault toilet.
More Information: Oregon Hikers Field Guide
Sweet Creek Falls - off Hwy 126, east of Florence
Location: Highway 126 to the Siuslaw River Bridge, Mapleton (15 miles east of Florence or 46 miles west of Eugene). Cross the bridge from town, immediately turn west on Sweet Creek Road for 10.2 paved miles. Take paved turnoff to the right to Homestead Trailhead turnaround.
Why Go There? Easy, 2.2 round-trip mostly level trail (350 feet elevation gain) wanders along a series of waterfalls on creek with lush greenery; USDA National Forest, parking fee (or pass, senior pass displayed).
More Information: Sweet Creek Falls
Additional Resources
Cascade Head - Lincoln City
4-6 mile view hike north of town (trailhead near Otis)
Oregon Coast Hiking - Lincoln City
Local hiking trails
Yachats Trails - Yachats
Local hiking trails
Gerdemann Garden Tours - Yachats
Preserve public trail, 3.5 acre property