MAKING WAVES W
ith 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 16 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, 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 Midcoast Wave 2021–2022
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. Siltcoos River offers an extraordinary paddling adventure along a threemile journey from Siltcoos Lake to the Pacific Ocean. Launching at the
ADVENTURES AFLOAT
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.
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 Surfing the Siuslaw River. The For the brave souls more adventurous also willing to brave the elecan jump waves while ments, the Siuslaw River windsurfing off the genand area beaches offer tly sloping beach behind the chance to surf — wet- the South Jetty. Take suit recommended. South Jetty Road all the way to the end to disWindsurfing cover some great ocean Florence has a well-de- windsurfing. served reputation for
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REGENCY FLORENCE
R
REHABILITATION CENTER A Regency Pacific Community
Bringing independence to living and quality of life Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
541.997.8436
1951 E 21st Street, Florence, OR 97439 www.regencyflorence.com
A Siuslaw News Publication
