Trip Report

On a rainy, overcast Friday, seven Obsidians left Eugene to gather at the hike leader's oceanfront home in Yachats for a weekend of hiking. By 3pm that afternoon, 6 Obsidians had gathered and headed out for a 6 mile hike back through town and then continuing south on the OCT (Oregon Coastal Trail) towards Cape Perpetua. Under cloudy, misty skies, the Obsidians turned around at the Amanda Statue after presenting an offering to this memorial site. We headed back to the beach house in Yachats in time for a happy hour as the 7th Obsidian arrived. Later, we shared a potluck dinner as we relaxed and enjoyed the ocean view from our dining table. It was a pleasant night sleeping as the waves crashed against the rocky shore. We arose in the morning for a quick breakfast and then grabbed our hiking packs and walked to the bus stop about 1/4 mile away for the 9:20am bus. We boarded the bus for a ride up to Waldport where we disembarked to begin our beach hike south back to our accommodations in Yachats. The day started out overcast, but clearing with temps in the mid 50s. We were hiking along at low tide so the beach was expansive. About an hour into our hike, the sun was shining nicely and temps rose to the mid 60s. We stopped for a few pictures at the ancient Redwood stump. A sign there claimed the stump had been carbon dated to be 1700 - 1800 years old. Apparently, Redwoods grew in this region of coastal Oregon at one time long ago. We continued on to our lunch break spot at the Beachside State Recreation Site, where we could use their facilities and a picnic table. After our lunch break, the sun grew more intense and most lathered up with sunscreen. On we hiked as we crossed many freshwater creeks flowing into the ocean. Some of us removed their shoes while crossing, while others waded through, oblivious to water logged shoes. As we approached Yachats, the hike left the beach and continued on the higher ground OCT. About a mile further, the OCT passes right in front of the beach house where we were staying. We finished our 8 mile hike just after 1pm as the day seemed to be getting hot - even though it was only about 70 degrees. The hike was very pleasant, starting out cool and warming nicely under bright sunshine and no wind at all. We spent the afternoon lounging on the deck watching the ocean churn against the rocky shoreline. That evening, we walked to a lodge & restaurant located next door for a fine dinner overlooking the ocean. A most fitting end to a great hike on a perfect coastal day. Another night sleeping while the ocean waves lulled us to sleep and a fine gourmet breakfast cooked up by the hike leader before we all departed on our ways.