Oregon Coast - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 636

the city with his samurai sword, which was in his plane during the bombing; it's
now displayed in Brookings' library.
Sights & Activities
Chetco Valley Historical Society Museum MUSEUM
( 541-469-5650; 15461 Museum Rd; admission by donation; noon-4pm Sat & Sun) Once a
stagecoach stop, the 1857 Blake House is now home to this museum. Stop in to see a
quilt from 1844, an old Native American cedar canoe and an iron face supposedly cast
resembling Queen Elizabeth I. Outside is the 'world's largest Monterey cypress.' Off-
hours private tours are possible; call Julie Paine on 541-469-3144.
Azalea Park PARK
(Azalea Park Rd) This is a glorious, hilly park showcasing hundreds of azaleas, along with
other pretty flora. Blooms are best from April to June. On Memorial Day weekend, the
park becomes the focus of the annual Azalea Festival , with a floral parade and craft fair.
There are Sunday concerts in July and August and a holiday light show in December.
Samuel H Boardman State Park PARK
Four miles north of Brookings, US 101 winds over 11 miles of headlands through Board-
man State Park, which contains some of Oregon's most beautiful coastline. Along the
highway are a number of roadside turnouts and picnic areas with short trails leading to
secluded beaches and dramatic viewpoints. Marching far out to sea are tiny island chains,
home to shorebirds and braying sea lions.
Pretty Lone Ranch Beach , the southernmost turnoff, has picnic opportunities and tide
pools in a sandy cove studded with triangular sea stacks. Half a mile north is the turnoff
to Cape Ferrelo , with great ocean vistas. A further mile north is House Rock View-
point , a high windy promontory with more stunning views.
North of the Thomas Creek Bridge (Oregon's highest at 345ft) is the turnoff for Natur-
al Bridge Viewpoint , where you can see rock arches - the remnants of collapsed sea
caves - just off the coast. And at Arch Rock Point , about a mile north, are interesting,
eroded volcanic headlands.
Harris Beach State Park PARK