Consider Saturday
spook-en for
Masks have always been part of the
allure of Haunted Taft. But, as Lincoln
City’s popular walking ghost tour returns
this weekend, Sasquatch and the skeletons
won’t be the only ones covering their faces.
All tour guests will be required to wear
masks as the spooky history stroll sets
out for its Summer Solstice Tour “Ghosts
and Legends of the Oregon Coast” this
Saturday, June 20.
This spine-chilling walking tour of
Historic Taft offers guests the chance to
hear the tale of Whiskey Jack, learn about
the mysterious Ghost Schooner of Siletz
Bay, puzzle over an eerie local Bigfoot
sighting and experience a surprise or two.
Participants are encouraged to stay close
to their party during the tour and try to
maintain a six foot distance from other
parties. Guides will be equipped with voice-
amplification devices so that guests can hear
stories from a safe distance.
Lasting about one and a half hours, the
tour covers just under a mile of walking
on flat, wheelchair-accessible surface. The
tour is conducted rain or (moon)shine, with
ponchos available in case of rain.
Tickets must be purchased in advance,
and each party should send just one
member to check in for the entire group.
Tickets, $20 for adults or $10 for
kids aged eight to 17, are available
at hauntedtaft.com. The tour is not
recommended for children under eight.
Bay to go!
The harbor boasts a locally-beloved US
Coast Guard crew, vessels and training
station. There are benches and interpretive
signage along the harbor wall, as well as
easy access over a footbridge to a large
waterside park with wooded hiking trails,
a gazebo, picnic tables and ocean-themed
play equipment.
Though small, this is a bustling
harbor with over a dozen charters for
fishing and crabbing, while 10 boats of
varying sizes provide whale watching and
sightseeing tours. There are three resident
commercial vessels and a constant stream
of recreational boats. Depoe Bay’s harbor is
also a recipient of Oregon’s Clean Marina
Program award — a voluntary recognition
program recognizing those that adopt best
management practices that improve water
quality.
“There is just something about small
towns that capture the imaginations of
Americans,” said Jeannie Henson, who
leads social media efforts for Depoe Bay
Chamber of Commerce. “Although Depoe
Bay may be the world’s smallest harbor, it
more than makes up for it with the heart
and soul of the fishermen, the businesses
and local residents.”
Depoe Bay has long billed its harbor as
the “World’s Smallest” and now it can add
“America’s Best” after topping an online
poll to find the number-one mooring spot
in the US.
The poll, run by US Harbors, saw Depoe
Bay come out ahead of 785 other harbors to
claim the top spot.
“This is a delightfully pleasant
recognition of our harbor and community
that many of us think is the best place in
the world to live,” said Depoe Bay Chamber
Board President Bill Johnson. “Beautiful
location, wonderful fishing, great place to
see whales, and a fantastic community of
people.”
For decades, the harbor has been a
much appreciated gathering place, hosting
thousands of locals and visitors each year
at popular community events, such as the
Fleet of Flowers, Salmon Bake, Crab Feed,
Wooden Boat Show and Ducky Derby.
In late 2019, Depoe Bay was added to the
Oregon Film Trail with signage in the
harbor to commemorate the filming of
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
get out!
The chamber will soon be unveiling a
Best US Harbor logo and hosting an event
to celebrate and commemorate the win.
“I joined the chamber a year ago
primarily because I love this town,”
said chamber Executive Director Laura
Furgurson. “One of my goals has been to
get more exposure for our quaint, busy
and productive harbor. For some unknown
reason, I have always been drawn to boats
and marinas. This award is a great way to
share this love of harbors and highlight the
wonderful Depoe Bay community and its
strong maritime history.”
oregoncoastTODAY.com • facebook.com/oregoncoasttoday • June 19, 2020 • 7