Top Photo: Foggy, rainy day on the beach.
This is our last stop on our short trip to the Oregon coast this fall. We scored a campsite that we had in a previous year. Nice!
Campground name - Carl G Washburne Memorial State Par, near Florence, OR: Site #40 (62 RV sites total) - This site has: full hookups • electric hookup • water hookup . Campground Notes: • flush toilets • showers • dump station available • lake/river access • trails from campground • trails nearby • 122’ elevation. Nov 1st - 4th. Miles traveled: 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣
Overall Experience:
With the new Oregon State Park system, same-day arrivals have to register online before occupying an available campsite. Which is tricky when the park has no cell service. However, they provide limited Wi-Fi near the front entrance, which means after finding a site, you have to drive back to the entrance, get online, and pay. Then find a place to turn the truck & trailer around. All this in the rain! This new system totally stinks. The one redeeming thing about all this was that cold beers were waiting in the fridge when we were finally situated.
Our annual Day of the Dead toast with Dead Guy ale for our departed loved ones. This year, we are cozy in our RV at Carl Washburne SP, listening to the rain on the roof. And nachos, just in case they are hungry.
Located along the rugged and picturesque Oregon coast, the Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park is a true natural wonder. Located just 14 miles north of the charming town of Florence, this 1,091-acre state park offers visitors a wealth of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery.
A Campground Surrounded by Beauty
The park's centerpiece is its creekside campground, which sits just north of the iconic Heceta Head and about 10 miles south of the equally impressive Cape Perpetua. The campground features 54 sites with full or partial hookups, making it an ideal destination for RV and tent campers alike. Campers can enjoy the soothing sounds of the nearby creek and easy access to the park's sandy beach and hiking trails.
Exploring Nature's Treasures
Beyond the campground, the park boasts a diverse array of natural attractions. Visitors can explore the park's lush old-growth forests, home to a variety of wildlife including deer, elk, and a multitude of bird species. The park's network of hiking trails offers ample opportunities to immerse oneself in the stunning coastal scenery, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Siuslaw National Forest.
Discovering Florence: A Coastal Gem
For those seeking a change of pace, the nearby town of Florence provides a charming and vibrant coastal experience. This quaint community, situated at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, is known for its historic Old Town district, which features a variety of locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can stroll along the Siuslaw River Boardwalk, take in the stunning views of the river and the Pacific Ocean, or explore the town's many outdoor recreation opportunities, such as kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful camping getaway, a scenic hike, or a lively coastal town experience, the Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park and the surrounding area of Florence, Oregon offer a truly unforgettable adventure.
