Oregon Coast - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 616

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SWEET HIKING

What's the best-kept secret in the area? One local recommends hiking to Sweet
Creek Falls, an easy 2.2-mile round-trip journey that starts 15 miles east of
Florence on Hwy 126, toward Eugene.
Not only is the hike itself beautiful, but you'll pass several pretty waterfalls to end
at the multi-tiered Sweet Creek Falls (day-use fee $5). It's a secret, so that's all
we'll say.

Festivals & Events

Rhododendron Festival PARADE
( 3rd weekend May) A beauty pageant, parade and flower show are highlights of the
three-day Rhododendron Festival, which has been celebrated for more than 100 years to
honor the ubiquitous shrubbery.

Sleeping
For camping south of Florence, check out the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
About 4 miles north of town is pleasant Alder Dune Campground ( 541-547-3679;

89630 US 101; sites $22) .

Port of Siuslaw Campground CAMPGROUND$
( 541-997-3040; www.portofsiuslaw.com ; cnr 1st & Harbor Sts; tent sites $22-26, RV sites $26-32;
) RV-oriented, but tents accepted. Pleasant and very centrally located close to the
old town, at the Marina (some sites have water views).

Blue Heron Inn B&B B&B$$$
( 800-997-7780; www.blueheroninnflorence.com ; 6563 Hwy 126; d $125-150; ) Four beauti-
ful rooms are available at this pleasant B&B, 2.5 miles east of Florence right on Hwy
126. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable; there's a basement movie room and a
great river view from the living room. Breakfast is gourmet. Best for ages 14 and up.

Edwin K B&B B&B$$$
( 800-833-9465; www.edwink.com ; 1155 Bay St; d $160-185; ) Sitting across the street
from the Siuslaw River is the flowery Edwin K, which comes with six comfortable