Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/751464
46 nDecember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Felicia Morgan There's absolutely no disputing the mesmerizing lure of the West Coast's famous Pacifi c Coast Highway. Stretching from Los Angeles on the south end to Tumwater, Washington, in the north, the legendary wonder spans some 1,540 miles across the three states and skirts along the cliffs and canyons of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the world. Though the southernmost sections include con- gestion in some California cities, the more northern segments are sparsely inhabited and narrower with rugged seascapes that can, quite literally, take one's breath away. Our adventure to get away from it all started with the section just 20 miles south of the Oregon-California border at the seaside community of Crescent City, California. Though the coastal ride was just under 500 miles, we spent a full week soaking up the sights. Crescent City is where you can still see the majestic giant redwoods, but the full experience means getting off the highway a bit. Just nine miles east of Crescent City on Highway 199 is the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park where you can camp, RV, or rent cabins in the midst of a phenomenon that can be downright spiritual. The ancient, old-growth trees seem to vibrate with an energy that makes a trip through the forest an experience you'll not soon forget. (Currently, there is some bridge work being done on South Fork road so be sure to check progress in order to avoid the traffi c delays.) As we crossed into Oregon from there, we spotted a black bear grazing on berries beside the highway, engulfed in a fog bank. There were also deer and elk nibbling on the tall grasses that crowd the roadside so be aware and slow down to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. This is good practice along the entire route since both sides of the highway are enchant- ing, particularly the seascapes on the left side of the road. The highway is seldom out of sight of the ocean, includes crossing some of Oregon's famous art deco bridges, and affords trips to view nine of the lighthouses listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Oregon coast is vastly dif- ferent from the California experi- ence. From weather, road textures and conditions to the scenery and residents, there's a notable change. Signage goes from huge billboards down south to smaller, quaint signs announcing things like local venison, elk, and salmon jerky, to fruit stands, animal-viewing areas and tsunami warnings. Don't expect to just zip up the Oregon coast on a mission since this route is an opportunity to slow your pace, soak up the scenery and appreciate the hospitality of the little communities scattered along the cliffs. You'll defi nitely ride away with a connection to Mother Nature in all her glory. In other words, pack your rain gear. Towns here are more rural with several fi shing communities and res- idents have a laid-back, live-and-let- live attitude. Don't be alarmed when approached by someone at the gas sta- tions. You're not allowed to pump your CATCHING OREGON'S COASTAL WAVE Rugged and raw roads Soaking up the sights "The highway is seldom out of sight of the ocean, includes crossing some of Oregon's famous art deco bridges, and affords trips to view nine of the lighthouses listed on the National Register of Historic Places." All the cool kids, both young and old, hang out at Shark Bites Seafood Cafe, which shares space with Waxers Surf & Skate Shop across from the waterfront in Coos Bay The shores between Cannon Beach, Garibaldi and Rockaway are particularly breathtaking but scenes like this are common along Oregon's rugged coastline Misty fog and salt air is perfect for recharging batteries, but keep a sharp eye out for the critters that lurk beyond the edges of the mist and play an occasional game of chicken with passing traffi c T O U R I N G W I T H T H U N DE R P RE S S L I F E I S A H I G H W A Y