The Great American Road Trip Season 3, Part 2: S. Coastal Oregon

As we drove north and said goodbye to California for the next few months, Oregon welcomed us with open arms — and rain, wind, and wonderfully cool temperatures. In other words, I was thrilled! No, really, I was. It was exactly how I always pictured this beautiful state and it did not disappoint. In fact, disappointment has been the furthest thing from my mind here. Oregon has allowed me to check off not one but two of my long-time bucket list items over the course of three weeks, temps have remained cool enough for long sleeves and cute hats, and the scenery is more beautiful than I had ever imagined it could be.

We started off in Coos Bay, tucked against the protective trees and sand dunes that separated us from the ocean. The ocean was angry from the off-and-on stormy weather and we could hear the waves crashing day and night. When we ventured across the dunes to the beach on our first night, I remember walking onto the beach and being completely stunned. It was empty. Not “oh, there aren’t many people here at all.” Empty. No one. Not another soul. As far as the eye could see, up and down an endless shoreline, there was no one. I soon learned this is typical of the Oregon coastline and I still don’t understand it… but I’m grateful for the peace and quiet I’ve had the opportunity to experience here.

We hiked and explored while we were in Coos Bay. I hugged a few more beautiful trees and I took a lot of photos. I couldn’t get over just how green everything was! Fresh new ferns, just opening for the first time, lined every trail. We saw seals and sea lions frolicking in the ocean and bald eagles soaring overhead, looking for their next meal. I had to pinch myself multiple times just to make sure this majestic place was, in fact, real.

After Coos Bay, we continued our way up the coast to Florence — and I fell in love. It’s not the place I ever thought I would love. I’m a country girl and I always thought I would want to be someplace high in the mountains, far from the craziness of coastal life but Florence seems to check a lot of my boxes. It’s a small, quiet town with a small population. There are pine trees, hiking trails, and some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. The trees go all the way to the ocean and there are an abundance of scenic views without any houses on the cliffs above the shores. The weather stays cool year ’round. People are friendly and helpful. And when we needed the amenities of a larger city, Eugene was just 1.5 hours away.

Florence also surprised me with two bucket-list items. The first was the amazing opportunity to see the aurora. I trekked out onto the beach around midnight and hiked away from the lights of the hotel by where I parked. While the aurora didn’t look like the magical green waves I’ve heard about, I could see areas that would get taller, smaller, brighter, and dimmer. It wasn’t spectacular to the naked eye — it looked like gray clouds — but once I pointed my camera at it, it came to life. And then I cried. They were tears of joy, tears of gratitude, and tears of sadness that Roxy wasn’t physically there beside me (but I know she was there in spirit). Seeing the aurora had been a dream for so long and here it was actually happening.

The second bucket list item Florence checked off for me was horseback riding on the beach! Ever since watching The Black Stallion as a horse-obsessed young girl, I dreamed of galloping down a wide-open coastline and feeling the freedom that can only come from being on the back of a horse with the wind in my hair. The ride included me, another couple visiting the area, and two guides. I rode a beautiful Paint named Jackson and he was the best boy! We rode from the stable, through some wooded trails, over some sizable dunes, and onto the expansive — and completely empty — beach. It was just the five of us and once Jackson realized I was ready to run, so was he. We had an absolutely incredible time together and I will not soon forget my new equine friend who made my childhood dream come true in the most magical way. 

The Dogs of Southern Coastal Oregon

In between everything, we did photo shoots for our trip sponsors! We felt so lucky to have met each and every one of our amazing models this month. Each pup was so full of personality and each of our models were willing to drive a hefty distance to meet us at some really special locations!

First up was our flagship trip sponsor, Wellness Pet Company. Khaleesi and her mom drove from over 2.5 hours away (one-way!) to meet us, quite literally, in the middle of nowhere. It was one of the most picturesque trails I’ve ever seen and when we found it, I was afraid we wouldn’t be able to shoot there because, clearly, no one would risk meeting total strangers out in the forest without cell reception. Thankfully, we did a good enough job at proving that we were real people (and not serial killers) that Khaleesi’s mom agreed to it! The moss-covered trees on this trail towered over a perfect walking path that followed the edge of a cascading creek with bridges, little waterfalls, and beauty around every bend. I just love this shot we got of Khaleesi and her mom with some Rewarding Life treats that every dog we know loves. Khaleesi and her mom share such a special bond and it was beautiful to see them together.

Our second shoot was with Duck, an incredibly goofy and lovable yellow lab puppy! We spotted him and his family walking around the downtown area and I had to go say hello because, well, puppy. We got to talking and although they were just visiting for the weekend, his mom said she’d be willing to drive back for a shoot the following week! It’s not everyday we get the opportunity to photograph six-month old puppies, so I was really excited! I also knew he’d be the perfect model for P.L.A.Y.! From the moment Duck stepped out of the car, he was ready to go. He loved to explore but he was always checking back with mom to see where she was. When we pulled out the Go-Go Astro Ball and started tossing it in the surf, he couldn’t have been happier! This boy loves to play — and play we did.

Beautiful brindle girl, Ren, was our third model. I had met Ren’s mom a few days prior and when she showed me a picture of Ren on her phone, I knew we needed to schedule a shoot! During our 1.5-hour shoot, we experienced every season Oregon could throw at us. It started off warm, sunny and absolutely gorgeous but some un-forecasted clouds decided to roll in, layer a fine mist in the air, and then drizzle on us. The drizzle seemed like the perfect opportunity to break out the Portland Pullover from GoldPaw, though, so that’s what we did! The Portland Pullover is one of my favorite GoldPaw products and I’m thrilled we got to photograph it in its home state! ;)

Where are we going next?

Next month, we’re heading farther north to the border of Oregon and Washington for more beautiful scenery, tall trees, rocky coastline, and adventure — but not before a quick stop in Tillamook for all things cheese and ice cream! Some good friends are coming to visit us for a few days then it’ll be back to all things dogs! And maybe a little Goonies tour because, hey you guys, I couldn’t possibly pass through one of the most iconic movie locations of my childhood without stopping!

Don’t miss Part 3 of our 2O24 Adventure: Northern Oregon!

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Did you miss the other posts in this series?

Part 1: A New BeginningPart 3: Dogs, New Friends, and Giving Back