Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, OR

Our Harvest Host overnight stay included a stop at Nelson Family Vineyard. We had been here once before and enjoyed our time. We purchased a bottle of wine, met another HH couple, sat on the Adirondack chairs, and enjoyed the evening. The next day we headed out for Harris Beach State Park.

Harris Beach State Park (https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=58) is across the street from the beach and an excellent location for day trips up the coast. We took the Lone Ranch South trail to the beach during low tide. With no one else on the beach, we could explore the tide pools brimming with marine life. The giant starfish clung to the rocks as the waves lapped at their bodies. The massive amounts of mussels were on nearly every rock we explored. Seagulls flew overhead and landed in the shallow water, seeking something to eat. The amount of driftwood on the beach, some actual trees, was in abundance. One has to stop and consider the force of the water needed to push the heavy wood to its resting place in the sand. It almost looked like a lumber yard by the sea.

We took a hike on the Grove of Titans Trail to experience the majestic redwoods this area is known for. These trees have been around for hundreds of years, and their beauty has not diminished over time. As your eyes scan the tree trunk to look for the top, your neck begins to arch backward until finally, you see the tree top among the blue sky. Compared to the height of these trees, even the tallest man would be negligible.

The next day, we took a five-mile hike to Fern Falls via the Boyscout Tree Trail. We got our fill of ferns and, at times, needed to duck under fallen trees that lay across the trail. To my disappointment, the falls lacked the height and force of other falls we haven visited.

The evenings at the campground were peaceful and enjoyable around the crackling of our campfire. Often times, the fog would set in and one could hardly see the outline of the trees. It was eerie and intriguing at the same time. We really enjoy this part of the country.

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