Exploring Alsea Bay by kayak

When the wind finally dies down, Alsea Bay is a haven for kayakers. This shot was taken this week on a rare calm summer day, just as the fog was starting to roll in. I usually put in just a half-mile from the shanty, next to the motel, or there's a sandy beach near the port, just across the bay in old town. Depending on the tide, the wind and the current, you can paddle upstream for miles, or just make a circuit out near the surf and back around the footings of the bridge. The animal life in and around the bay is amazing: harbor seals, cormorants, herons, eagles and occasionally deer.

There is also excellent flat-water kayaking on Lint Slough (immediately upstream from the docks), Beaver Creek (north of Seal Rock), and Drift Creek (tributary of the Alsea) up to tidewater. I keep a kayak at the shanty, but you can also rent them during the summer at McKinley Marina. Kayaking is a wonderful way to experience the raw, scenic beauty of the Oregon coast.

Good eats in Waldport

Waldport is sadly lacking in good places to eat, but we're happy to report that the Sea Dog Bakery and Cafe is the best hash house in town. We highly recommend it--especially the breads and pastries. Stick with the breakfast menu, as lunches are nothing special. You'll find it downtown on Highway 101 just south of the traffic light.

We've tried the Mexican restaurant, La Roca, at the south end of downtown, and it's acceptable. We recommend against the Chinese restaurant, and Grand Central is a good idea only if you enjoy being around screaming kids and crave deeply fried food. I like to have a burger and fries once in a while at Big Wheel mostly because of its old-school, diner-style service. For dinner, it's worth the drive to Yachats or Newport, both of which have many good restaurants.