Please advise.

Question

Retired 70 y.o. Nature lovers,budget concious looking for advice on must sees.

Starting from Portland and staying one night in McMinneville. We will then travel to Coastal Hwy to Florence. From there we are planning one more overnight location dependent on must sees. Our final destination is Arcata with intended 4 nights there to visit surrounding areas. Returning to Portland with one overnight not yet determined dependent on must sees along the way, perhaps Canyonville. We like to short hikes as well as ocean views.

Answer

For a retired couple visiting the Redwood National and State Parks area and traveling along the Oregon and Northern California coast, there are many scenic highlights and short hikes that can fit a budget-conscious plan. Since you enjoy nature, ocean views, and short hikes, here’s a suggested approach.

From Portland to McMinnville:

McMinnville is a charming wine country town, so consider a short stroll through the historic downtown and maybe a small tasting if desired.

Coastal Hwy to Florence:

Drive along the Oregon Coast Highway (US-101). Stop at Cannon Beach for the iconic Haystack Rock and short beach walks.
Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach offers easy trails with amazing coastal vistas.
Further south, stop at Cape Perpetua for short hikes and stunning viewpoints over the Pacific. Trails like the Captain Cook Trail are short and rewarding.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area near Florence has scenic sand dunes with optional short walks.

Overnight between Florence and Arcata:

Consider staying in Coos Bay or Bandon. Both towns have easy access to coastal viewpoints and short walks.
In Bandon, the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint provides a short, accessible trail to dramatic ocean views.

Arcata base for 4 nights:

Visit Redwood National and State Parks: short hikes like Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Big Tree Wayside, and the Prairie Creek area are accessible and showcase old-growth redwoods.
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a must-see; it’s short and unforgettable.
Drive the scenic Coastal Drive and Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway for easy stops and wildlife viewing.
Local ocean views: Trinidad Head Trail is an easy, short walk with coastal vistas.

Return to Portland (overnight suggestion):

Canyonville or Roseburg are good mid-way stops. Enjoy a short hike at nearby parks like the Umpqua National Forest for waterfalls and forest scenery.

Additional tips:

Many of the short trails in the Redwoods are well-marked and suitable for seniors.
Allow extra time for scenic stops along US-101, as the coast is dotted with viewpoints.
Bring layers and comfortable walking shoes, as coastal weather can be variable.

This itinerary balances ocean views, iconic coastal towns, and redwood hikes, while keeping walking moderate and travel manageable for a relaxed pace.

Please advise.

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