BaCkYaRd aDvEnTuReS
Photos by Andy Cameron
Boats are seen docked along the Skipanon River.
Try these bucket list destinations on the North Coast
BY ANDY CAMERON
January – Fort to Sea Trail
Start the year with an homage to the
miserable winter experienced by the Lewis
and Clark Expedition in 1805-1806. Rain-
soaked and subsisting on meager rations,
the explorers and their crew made several
treks to the beach. The Fort to Sea Trail,
which connects Fort Clatsop and Sun-
set Beach, off ers intrepid winter hikers a
chance to walk a path similar to that taken
by the expedition corps. A full round trip
comes in at a little more than 13 miles.
February – Youngs River Falls
Though penned in misery, the rains
documented by Lewis and Clark can bring
signifi cant beauty to the rivers and water-
falls of the North Coast. Locally, Youngs
River Falls off ers the best view of this
hydrological display. The hike is short, but
February rains also bring mud and slip-
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pery conditions. For hikers willing to go
slow and heed caution, the reward is worth
the soaking.
March – Columbia Shore Disc Golf
Course at Fort Stevens
Rated as one of the best courses in
the region, Fort Steven’s 18 holes off er
breath taking views of the Columbia estu-
ary, wandering elk and passing ship traffi c.
Disc golf may be unfamiliar to many, but
the premise is identical to that of the club-
based sport from which it takes its name.
March can still bring soggy conditions,
but golfers can play a full 18 without the
pressure of summertime crowds. Park at
the fort’s museum and be sure to pay the
day use fee.
April – Trout fi shing
Mid-spring has the Oregon Depart-
ment of Fish and Wildlife stocking several
See Page 5
Many trails on the North Coast off er a chance to see the region’s natural environment.