Water Activities

SETTING sail ADVENTURES ON LAKES, RIVER & OCEAN

With the Pacific Ocean as well as many lakes and rivers in and near Florence, water-related activities are as much a part of the Florence scene as Historic Old Town. In fact, neighboring Bay Street is the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk and campground, right on the Siuslaw River. The river, named for the Siuslaw Indians, is an active part of coastal culture. For information on the restoration of the Siuslaw, 14 visit Siuslaw Watershed Council at Siuslaw.org.

Boating

Fishing and crabbing are the principal boating activities around the Florence area, but water skiing on Woahink and Mercer lakes are also popular, as well as sightseeing. Most lakes have easily accessible public boat launch areas. The Siuslaw River has several boat launch ramps between Florence and Mapleton. There also is a launch location along the Siuslaw River North Fork tributary.

The many other lakes near Florence offer additional paddling opportunities for bird watching, fishing and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddleboarding

Florence is gaining a reputation as one of the best paddle destinations on the Oregon coast, if not the entire state. Both the Siuslaw and Siltcoos rivers have designated paddle routes. The 30-mile Siuslaw Water Trail extends up both the Siuslaw and North Fork rivers, as well as circumnavigating Cox Island. Launching from Florence’s Old Town, the trail consists of several separate routes to allow for trips of any duration.

For more information, visit siuslawwatertrail.com, or pick up a brochure at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

Siltcoos River offers an extraordinary paddling adventure along a three-mile journey from Siltcoos Lake to the Pacific Ocean. Launching at the boat ramp on Siltcoos Lake, the narrow, meandering river will take you under Highway 101, over a kayak portage ramp next to a small dam, along intimate beaches and forested hillsides and finally out to the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean, just in time for a picnic lunch on a nearly deserted sandy beach.

Surfing

For the brave souls willing to brave the elements, the Siuslaw River and area beaches offer the chance to surf — wetsuit recommended.

Windsurfing

Florence has a well-deserved reputation for being windy. This is good news for windsurfers. Rivers and lakes, especially the ones near the ocean, are known for consistent winds for much of the summer season. The Pacific Ocean near Florence also has steady winds that build in strength in the afternoon.

Windsurfers can catch a ride almost any day on the Siuslaw River. The more adventurous also can jump waves while windsurfing off the gently sloping beach behind the South Jetty. Take South Jetty Road all the way to the end to discover some great ocean windsurfing.

Bringing independence to living and quality to life.

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skilled nursing • rehabilitation therapy

regency Florence rehabilitation center offers skilled and long term care services while focusing on the unique qualities of each individual in a compassionate and caring environment. our experienced team of nursing, dietary, social services, therapy, therapeutic recreation and certified nursing assistants provide physician-directed care, based on the needs of each individual.

our programs offer a full range of treatments when recovering from a serious injury, illness or surgery. through collaboration with the residents, their families, medical providers and our staff, we develop a personalized plan that promotes a faster recovery with the goal to have our residents return home sooner.

residents can choose from a variety of amenities that make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable, such as, engaging in social activities, beauty salon, and services and warm social gathering areas to visit with friends and family.

regency Florence rehabilitation center accepts admissions 24 hours daily, seven days per week. whether your need is for recovery following a postacute stay, or you are transitioning to long term care, we invite you to visit regency Florence rehabilitation center and experience our commitment to bringing independence to living and quality to life.

Port of Siuslaw

Many outdoor activities ic Old Town. Other port on the Siuslaw River revolve amenities include a fuel around the Port of Siuslaw. dock, boat hoist, cable Its boat moorage docks, boat launches, boardwalk, TV and Wi-Fi. The port docks of15 RV, camping and biker/hik- fer short-term transient er campsites along the river moorage and long-term in Florence and the conve- monthly or annual moornience dock in Mapleton age to both recreational are all under the jurisdiction and commercial fishing of the port. In all, the port is vessels. Visitors often find responsible for almost 700 commercial fishermen sellsquare miles of the Siuslaw ing seasonal catches, such River watershed. as fresh tuna, right off the

The Port of Siuslaw Camp- boat. ground, located along the During the summer, the banks of the Siuslaw Riv- port’s boardwalk area is er, includes 91 RV hookup the location for the popular sites, 11 campsites, 12 bik- open-air Old Town Market, er/hiker campsites, a wind as well as the Rhododenprotected gazebo, boat dron Festival carnival in launch and moorage, and a May and the city’s Fourth fish-cleaning station. of July fireworks show. The

All guests have access boardwalk provides a drato laundry and shower/re- matic, up close vantage stroom facilities on site. point.

The campground is con- Stop by the Port of Siuveniently located within slaw Office, 100 Harbor St., easy strolling distance of or call 541-997-3040 for the many shops and restau- more information. rants in Florence’s Histor-