Notes, birds, nature, meanderings.

Musings about birds, nature, and our meanderings on the Central Oregon Coast

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint/Wayside

Last Sunday, we ventured south to visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center's nature trail - one of our favorite patches.  On the drive south, I spotted a bald eagle as we were passing Whale Cove, so we stopped at the next turnout -- Rocky Creek State Wayside 
 


The view from the main parking area...










A walk over to the partial wooden fence reveals an inlet in the rocks with strong currents and waves.









But the hidden treasure is the meandering path through the woods, with its own spectacular views, curving all the way around to Whale Cove near Whale Cove Inn.







The path starts out paved and wide enough to walk side by side, but the pavement quickly ends, and eventually becomes a muddy single track.  Most of it is still an easy walk.

We didn't see the BALD EAGLE again, but were treated to a herd of seals, with calves, sunning themselves in the cove.









 




The cove has some beautiful small waterfalls and intriguing caves.  




A solitary CANADA/CACKLING GOOSE caught our eye, looking out of place amongst the rocky shoreline in the cove.








Turning back toward the path, we caught some movement along the near rocks, and were lucky to spot two BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS foraging.







Some photos we took while walking back to the car...

















Rocky Creek State Wayside is about ten miles north of NEWPORT.  Plenty of parking, picnic tables and benches.  The rocks and cliffs are exposed - beautiful but treacherous!  Stop there, but don't let the kids out of your sight!

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