1859 Summer 2009

Outdooregon
SAND PLAY
Riding a dune buggy, hiking the 10 miles of unobstructed beach, frolicking
on the sands of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are
but three of many attractions near the quaint seaside town of Florence.
Others include the sea lion caves north of Florence and the historic
Heceta Head Lighthouse.
WHITEWATER/CLEAR WATER
Take crystal clear cold water, mix in verdant riverside foliage and
bright sun, and you have whitewater rafting on the North Umpqua
River. It's a drop-pool river with the rush of each rapid followed by
calm waters and time to sightsee.
HIGH LAKES DRIFTER
With snow-covered mountains serving as a backdrop, Central Oregon's
forested, clear water High Cascade Lakes offer a myriad of
paddle opportunities for kayakers and canoeists. Good campgrounds,
fishing and photo ops are bonuses.
BE A CULTURE VULTURE
From Shakespearean drama performed outside to new plays and classic
revivals done indoors, musical theater, fine restaurants, and a bucolic
setting, Ashland delivers theater and aprés-theater in spades. And
for a change of pace from Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival,
head over to nearby Jacksonville for music—classical to jazz, blues and
folk—in the Britt Festival’s outdoor amphitheater.
Photo courtesy Oregon Shakespeare Festival
The outdoor theater in Ashland,
where the Bard himself is always in
season and in vogue.
At Elk Lake and with South Sister
behind, rugged beauty is the norm in
the Cascade High Lakes.
Mike Houska
summer 09 1859 oregon's magazine 21