Amy Laws

July 13

Pacific Coast Road Trip

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As my boyfriend Stephen and I navigate the demands of our full-time jobs, we eagerly anticipate the weekends when we can break free and go camping. Last year, to celebrate my birthday, we decided to plan a memorable trip to the coast. Although our initial adventure was touched by the haze of nearby wildfires, Stephen was determined to revisit the area and explore further south.

This time around, we carefully crafted an itinerary that would allow us to make the most of our time away and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the coastal region. Join us as we share our experiences from this unforgettable journey and showcase the breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems we discovered along the way.

Penrose Point State Park

In the photograph, you can observe a veil of smoke hovering over Kopachuck State Park, a testament to the wildfires that impacted our previous trip. Despite the hazy conditions, the landscape remains undeniably beautiful. That evening, we retreated to one of our favorite camping destinations, Penrose Point State Park, where we were greeted with an unparalleled sense of tranquility.

Cape Lookout State Park in Oregon

We embarked on our journey down the Pacific Coast, beginning with a memorable stay at a charming campground near Tillamook, Oregon. Surrounded by lush forests and the tranquil waters of Tillamook Bay, this idyllic location provided the perfect base for our adventures.

Our exploration extended beyond Tillamook as we ventured to nearby destinations like Cape Lookout State Park. As we reflect on our journey, we feel grateful for the opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in such a stunning part of the world.

Continuing our Pacific Coast adventure, we bid farewell to Tillamook, Oregon, and set our sights on the beautiful state of California. We stayed at a hotel near Crescent Beach, CA, where we woke up to a spectacular view of the ocean and the delightful scent of flowers. The Crescent Beach Overlook provided an great vantage point, offering sweeping vistas of the coastline and sea stacks. It was a picture-perfect moment that made our trip even more memorable.

Our journey continued to an area known as California's Lost Coast, a place where remoteness and natural beauty intertwine. As we ventured further into this remote region, we encountered more cows than people, adding to the feeling of isolation.

Despite the solitude, the Lost Coast had a secret to share—breathtaking wildflowers. From the coastal lupines that attracted countless hummingbirds to the captivating Whitethorn and Blue Blossom shrubs, these botanical wonders adorned the landscape with their vibrant colors and varied forms. As we delved deeper into the region, we discovered the fascinating adaptations of these plants, like the Ceanothus leaves that shrink and toughen to withstand dry summers. It was a rare opportunity to witness the resilience and diversity of nature in such an untouched setting. The Lost Coast provided us with a glimpse into a world where the wild reigns supreme, and humans are mere observers. The combination of remoteness and floral splendor made our experience truly unforgettable.

Being in the presence of such immense natural wonders was a truly special experience that will forever remain etched in our memories. The redwoods' timeless beauty and commanding presence served as a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable value of our planet's ecosystems.

Crater Lake had long been on our travel bucket list, and it did not disappoint. The stunning blue waters and dramatic caldera walls left us awestruck. However, we found ourselves amidst a crowd of fellow adventurers, a reminder that this natural wonder is no hidden secret. To complete our journey, we ventured to Crescent Lake, where we found solace in its tranquil beauty. We also spent time exploring the Deschutes River, a gem nestled in Oregon's diverse landscape.

This adventure proved to be one of our most cherished trips yet. Each destination offered its own unique charm, ensuring that our memories of this trip will remain vivid and treasured for years to come.