75 miles
Gas $2.75/gallon (thank you, Oregon!)
Pacific Reef Inn, Gold Beach
$99/night + $20 pet fee
Oceanfront room with full ocean view and private patio
Before cruising out of Klamath (minus several $$$ left behind in the Redwood Casino), I cruised through town. Whenever I’m in redwood country I feel compelled to drive through a tree. It’s not PC, I know, but you kinda have to admire the business model, at least. All day long, Jewel at Tour Thru Tree (I think Drive-Thru Tree was already taken) sits there (or goes to the post office and leaves a note), collecting $5. And there can’t be much maintenance on a 785-year-old tree.
I think Panda thought it was one of those drive-through car washes. He doesn’t like those.
After Panda took a quick stroll with Bigfoot…
…we finally reached the Trees of Mystery. Greeted by a 44-foot tall Paul Bunyan, and Babe the Blue Ox, it’s hard to miss this classic roadside attraction. You can take a gondola ride up above the trees, but I’ve always had a dog with me, so I haven’t gotten to do that. Yet. It’s good to have something to look forward to.
I almost bypassed the Klamath River Overlook but made a last-minute exit from Highway 101, and I’m so glad I did (thanks, Trip Advisor). It’s interesting to me when rivers empty into the ocean (how far up does the saltwater go???). A 10-minute drive up a beautiful road ends at an overlook that lets you just look (which is amazing enough), or take various trails down to the beach.
River…meet Ocean…
Finally in Oregon!!! Guess how I knew…
Plus all the beautiful Viewpoints (in California, they call them Vista Points)…
Finally landed at the fabulous Pacific Reef Inn in Gold Beach, Oregon. What a great find! The room was huge, immaculate, and had a full view of the ocean plus a private patio. And Laurie at the front desk was super-nice and helped me book an extra night. And they’re super pet-friendly! It’s an unusual place with an outdoor movie amphitheatre (they show a wonderful film about the Oregon coastal attractions), a random totem pole, and easy access to a beautiful beach. They also own the Chowder House restaurant next door, so instead of a lame buffet breakfast you get a $10 credit for a nice hot breakfast.
obsessive hobbyist 