The Elegant Tall Ships

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Maggie

Time for the arrival of the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain in the port of Coos Bay, Oregon. These two regular visitors will arrive at harbor on May 1, 2015, for a 12 day stay at mooring on the public docks. From Umpqua River Haven it is a short, 45 minute drive down the beautiful Oregon Coast to Coos Bay.

These two beauties journey here for the annual celebration of the local rich maritime and cultural history of the sea. Visitors have a rare opportunity to experience what life was like onboard these historic sailing ships, see reenactments of battle sails, passages and a healing ceremony with local Native American Tribes, along with local festivals.

The Lady Washington

Venture down to the Coos Bay public docks/park on highway 101 during early May and you will find school children touring these fine ships. Sign up for a tour but do it quickly as they are sold out fast.

You can follow the journey of these majestic vessels on Facebook: facebook.com/GHHSA and Twitter: @graysharborhist.

The Hawaiian Chieftain

The adventure never ends with the crews dressed in period costume. Their expert guidance for both school children and adults is informative, educational and entertaining.

It is fascinating to see all the rigging and practical features when these lovelies are moored with sails furled. And to note the gaps in the toe rail that allow water to flow off the decks.

The Lady Washington

The Hawaiian Chieftain

Here is the schedule for this 12 day, not-to-be-missed, adventure. Be sure to call for tickets asap as, again they are quick to sell out! Ticket information is below the schedule:

Friday, May 1
Dock Side Tours ~4-5PM
Wine Walk~5:00pm-7:30 pm
Highland Dancers on Boardwalk – 3:30pm
Read Proclamation “Coos Bay~Tall Ship Port of Oregon ~” Ribbon Cutting~Chamber of Commerce at City Docks
Surfriders “Endless Summer” Beer & Movie night at the Egyptian Theatre, 8pm

Saturday, May 2
Dockside Tours 10-1:00PM
Battle Sail 2:00PM-5:00PM
Evening Sail 6:00PM-8:00PM
Master and Commander at the Egyptian Theatre, Meet and Greet with Hawaiian Chieftain & Lady Washington Crews.
Coos Bay Boat Building Center Boat Show~On Boardwalk
Boat rides in canoes,Kayaks, sailing skiffs and “Pea Pods”
Open House Coos Bay Boat Building Center at the Hollering Place
Celtic Festival Southwestern Oregon Community College 10am – 4pm
GeoCache Event ( Historic Shipyards on Coos Bay)
Treasure Hunt throughout downtown 11:00AM-3:30PM
Vendors 9:00AM-4:00PM, Non-Profit Showcases~ All non-profits invited to have a booth
Front Street Historic Tour
Confederated and Coquille Tribe – Display on the Boardwalk

Sunday, May 3
Reconciliation Sail with Confederated and Coquille Tribe 11:00AM-1:00PM
Dockside Tours 10:00AM-1:00PM
Adventure Sails 11:00AM-1:00PM
Battle Sails 2:00-5:00PM
Egyptian Theatre Secret of Roanish 2:00PM
Doodad Shanti Boys concert ~ Egyptian 7:30 PM

Monday, May 4 – Thursday, May 7
Dockside Tours 4:00pm-5:00pm
Education Sails with Schools Call 1-800-200-LADY

Friday, May 8
Oh Ship Pub Crawl
Dockside Tours 4:00pm-5:00pm

Saturday, May 9
Dockside Tours 10:00am-1:00pm
Adventure Sails 11:00am-1:00pm
Battle Sails 2:00pm-5:00pm
GeoCache Event ( Historic Shipyards on Coos Bay)
Oregon Regency Society “Top Sails and Tea” (This organization will have activites throughout Coos Bay all dressed in 18th and 19th century clothing. www.orregency.org
Surfriders water activities ~ paddle boards~jousting competion Vendors
Non-Profit showcase about their organization
Harley Davidson Motorcycles on Central Avenue

Sunday, May 10
Tall Ship Dockside Tours 10:00am-1:00pm
Adventure Sails 11:00am -1:00pm
Battle Sails 2:00pm-5:00pm

Purchase tickets by visiting www.historicalseaport.org or by calling 800-200-5239

UMPQUA RIVER LIGHTHOUSE

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Maggie

It’s time to visit the first of Oregon’s 11 historic lighthouses. The Umpqua River Lighthouse at the mouth of Winchester Bay/Umpqua River probably has the most interesting history of all the lighthouses.

In 1851 Congress appropriated $15,000.00 and 33 acres of land on the Oregon Coast and construction on the Umpqua River Lighthouse was begun. There were many delays along the way due to a foundering materials ship in September of 1853, and due to Native Americans stealing critical tools. The Natives wanted to avoid an attack from nearby Fort Umpqua so they worked to stop construction activity in this manner. These lands for centuries were prime hunting and fishing grounds for Native Americans and they resented the progress being made on the building of this important coast lighthouse.

At the time it was believed that this port would become very important due to the “green gold” that extended everywhere nearby—that being the timber. Native Americans believed this was their land and acted accordingly. The construction workers did not want a confrontation as they were outnumbered. But when one saw his sledge hammer leaning against a Native hut and went to retrieve it he was jumped by the residents of the village. Mayhem broke out between Natives and workers but a quick thinking foreman lit a stick of dynamite frightening away the Natives. The Native threat was mostly over but long winter storms continued delays until the spring of 1857 when the lighthouse was finally completed making it the first light on the Oregon Coast.

The sandy soil location for the lighthouse was poorly chosen and following a winter gale combined with record mountain runoff in 1861 and more violent storms in 1863, the structure’s foundation was undermined and it came crashing down.

For 20 years there was no light here and commerce was stalled. In 1888 Congress appropriated $50,000.00 to build another Umpqua River Lighthouse, this time inland on the headlands above the mouth of the river. It is the farthest away from a river or ocean of all Oregon Coast lighthouses. And yet it is a beacon for ships out at sea that can be seen for miles.

The lens of a lighthouse is its most important feature. The Umpqua River Lighthouse lens is a special one. Manufactured in 1890 by a company in Paris, France, it truly is a thing of beauty. With twenty-four bull’s eye panels it completes a revolution every two minutes producing a signature of two white flashes followed by a red flash. The inside is as beautiful as the extended beams of light in the night. The lucky visitor will be permitted to step up inside the lens to view the revolving light that produces real butterfly images as it goes around.

Over the years this unique and very beautiful light has been threatened with being decommissioned. In 2010, Douglas County, Oregon, took over ownership of the lighthouse. In a ceremony in 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard officially turned over control of operation and maintenance to Douglas County. U.S. Coast Guard families are still housed at the lighthouse but work down the road at the Coast Guard Station in Winchester Bay. This important Oregon Coast lighthouse which operates 24/7 is a destination for visitors both local and out-of-state. When you visit Umpqua River Haven, this is a “must see!”

Let’s Go Fishing!

Posted on April 12, 2015 by Maggie

Every once in awhile we are going to take a break for “Fishin’ Tails.” So you can learn about and enjoy the year around fishing offered on the Umpqua River and the seasonal ocean fishing.

Meet Rob. Rob is a native Oregonian but also a native to Scottsburg here in Douglas County. Rob has lived here his entire life. He has worked here that long and reared 2 children here with his wife. Doesn’t get any more native than that unless you are actually Native American which Rob’s wife partially is.

Rob has worked in lumber mills most of his career and often works the night shift. He frequently works security when the mills shut down for short periods which makes him the only one on the premises. He’s just good at what he does.

Rob and his family love bass. Small mouth bass fishing on the Umpqua is considered as some of the best in the world! It’s possible to catch more than 100 bass in the summer months by a reasonably capable fisher person.

Rob knows a very secret fishing hole where catching bass is easy at the right times. He hasn’t shared his secret with very many people but if you visit us in your RV at Umpqua River Haven, we might be able to entice Rob to tell you where one of the best bass fishing holes in the world is!

Scottsburg

Posted on April 12, 2015 by Maggie

18 miles inland from the Oregon Coast is the official Ghost Town of Scottsburg, Oregon, with its long and rich history. Originally the home of the Penutian-speaking Lower Umpqua native people in the present-day Scottsburg/Wells Creek area, it was named for pioneer and politician Levi Scott who’s birthday is still celebrated every year at the Community Center. Levi, from Illinois, homesteaded here and founded the town in 1850.

And then more “Scottsburgs” were established creating an Upper Scottsburg, Middle Scottsburg and Lower Scottsburg. Whew! Upper Scottsburg became a shipping and distribution port for the mining regions and communities of southern Oregon and northern California. Hundreds of pack animals loaded here at one time.

And it was news! The Umpqua Weekly Gazette was the first southern Oregon newpaper to be published out of Scottsburg.

Scottsburg declined as ports opened up closer to the market points in both Oregon and California. In 1861 a great flood wiped out Lower Scottsburg which caused further decline. A bit of a revial came during the 1940’s and 50’s as Scottsburg had a boom when the timber industry ramped up production in this area.

On the south side of the river and up river a bit from the town (on Lutsinger Creek Rd) was a settlement known still as “Family Camp.” Housing there held 350 people who worked in the timber or as staff in the timber camp on the north side of the river at Scottsburg.

I was hiking Lake Marie on the coast one day when I stopped to ask a fisherman if he was catching anything. In the course of our chat, he revealed that he had grown up during this period of time as his dad was the camp cook. He was well acquainted with one of our long time residents at Umpqua River Haven. He described growing up in the timber camp and being around kind of rough men who worked the timber. A bit frightening for a small boy.

Eventually timber in an area “plays out”. The timber is re-planted to grow again over the course of 15 or more years. But, the people move on which is what happened here. All of the houses at “Family Camp” were moved out and only a large, flat, treeless area remains. But everyone around knows about “Family Camp.” Scottsburg declined rapidly after that.

A few old timers remained in the area and “Bob’s Market” opened in 1950. Owned by Bob House the market eventually was taken over by his two sons, Tom and Bob and their wives.

In recent times, young Bob who lived across the highway from Umpqua River Haven, owned a Llama named Larry. Larry liked to wander and came meandering up our road one day at a fast walk with Bob chasing after him. The residents went out to help Bob round up Larry and get him back home inside the fence again. No easy task. Much as everyone wanted Larry back home, it was also some interesting entertainment during a quiet afternoon.

Llamas are raised in the Umpqua River Valley but also you will find them pastured with flocks of sheep as they are superior guard “dogs” against predators. Larry was just a member of the House Family.

The market is actually at Wells Creek which is 2 miles from Scottsburg and was recently sold by the brothers. But it is still there providing groceries to the locals and tourists. The market is often a destination for people who love Taylor Sausage which has been a staple item here for many years.

Scottsburg is on the Registry of Historic Ghost Towns but is very much alive. Walking distance east of the market is the Wells Creek Inn Restaurant and Lounge.

Two doors west of us at Umpqua River Haven is the volunteer fire department with a staff of well trained fire-fighting and EMT personnel. When the whistle blows, they come quickly and are very professional in fire-fighting and emergency services. The fire chief lives next door to us and we consider him and his family to be good friends.

Present day Scottsburg boasts a Community Church and US Post Office. Several residents live within the town including the Mayor, Henry Fryer and his wife, Patty, who was a long term US Post Master. Many of the buildings in Scottsburg are designated as Historic Sites.

The Scottsburg Post Office is much like a coffee shop where people meet, greet and visit as they pick up mail and do PO business. Patty, and subsequent postal employees, was always very helpful and could relay about any information you might need or want. I walked into the post office one day and asked Patty if she knew of anyone who played a string instrument. She was immediately able to give me the name of a cello musician who lived across the river on Lutsinger Creek Rd. I was able to contact the cellist and we played together as a duo, in a trio (The Glissandoes) and in the Southwestern Oregon Community College Orchestra in Coos Bay for many years.

The advantages of moving to a small town!

The population surrounding Scottsburg increase the number of residents by many. Lutsinger Creek Rd runs east from the bridge and contains houses up and down the road. There is also a Friesian horse farm. Traveling due west of Scottsburg before crossing the bridge is the Scottsburg West Rd with many very nice homes taking in their river views.

On the north side of the river heading east out of the Wells Creek Area (remember Bob’s Market) are streets leading to river property on the south with a variety of unique housing. There are also streets on the north leading to more housing and to the Historic Scottsburg Cemetary.

Boating and fishing, which we will discuss more in a bit, are year around activities on the Umpqua River. Two miles west of the town of Scottsburg is the Scottsburg Park which contains a boat ramp/dock, big parking lot, restroom facility and picnic areas. Quite a nice park for such a small community.

A bit further west is the Umpqua Wayside State Park which has a nice picnic area. Oregon has beautiful, well kept state parks. And the beauty of Oregon never ends. She is a scenic paradise!

Traveling The Umpqua River Highway To The Coast

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Maggie

TRAVELING THE UMPQUA RIVER HIGHWAY WEST TO THE COAST

Heading out of Umpqua River Haven traveling west on Oregon State Highway 38, every inch of the scenery is breathtaking.

We travel past the local volunteer fire station and 2 miles on into Scottsburg, quickly passing through town and onto one of Oregon’s historic bridges crossing the river.

In winter the river is sometimes brown with its bottom having been stirred up by rains and water runs from the inland Cascade Mountains carrying along logs and debris. But in calmer weather the river is a distinct green. The river bottom is covered with a layer of rock on which water moss forms. Add that to the reflection of all the green trees on the mountain sides and you have a very pretty green river. When the sun shines it is literally dazzling.

Two miles down the road after crossing the bridge is the Scottsburg park with a large parking lot for vehicles and trailers that have launched boats there. Grassy picnic areas surround the parking lot and there is a modern rest room facility. The locals often take their children and grandchildren to the park to swim. The traditional 4th of July Scottsburg Community picnic is held here each year.

A bit further along the highway is the Umpqua State Park. A very pleasant place to rest and view the river though not as fully developed as the Scottsburg Park.

Moving on down the road about 11 miles from Umpqua River Haven there is a turn off to go up to Loon Lake. This is a small, inland lake up in the Coast Mountain Range with a very nice public beach maintained by the BLM. Boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are all available at Loon Lake. Stop in at the lodge for a sandwich. The drive up is a few miles from Highway 38 and traverses along the picturesque Mill Creek.

One of the owners at Umpqua River Haven took this photo of Mill Creek:

The photo at the top of the page shows a river barge dredging the river bottom for rock. Periodically rock is removed mostly for commercial purposes and you can see the barges doing their job.

When traveling this highway during the rainy season, many small and sometimes not so small waterfalls appear along the mountain sides. It can be quite spectacular to come around a curve and see water splashing downward toward the river.

Four or five miles from the coast is Brandy Bar Landing. These long established condominiums are on the river with fantastic views.

Coming close to Reedsport on the Coast we find the Dean Creek Elk Preserve. Seldom do I pass without seeing the largest elk in the world—the Roosevelt Elk. They are beautiful animals. At the right time of year they can be seen locking antlers vying for position in the herd. Mostly they are peaceful grazing on the lush grass. There are several places designed for viewing and picture taking. Do be careful on the highway here as the elk are not hampered by fences and occasionally can be found lunching alongside the road.

Here, too, are found the Aleutian Geese from both Canada and Alaska. They migrate here in abundance during cooler months before flying north in warmer weather.

Our 18 mile road trip concludes when we reach the coast town of Reedsport. Reedsport was built on the Estuary of the Umpqua River which was partially filled with sand to create the town along the Southern Pacific Railroad line extending to Coos Bay. It was a camp for railroad construction workers and also has a long history with the timber industry. Today Reedsport thrives with tourism, is a sea port mostly for repairing boats and boasts two grocery stores, a hospital, an Old Town District with antique stores and a variety of restaurants and motels. It is a quaint, small Oregon Coast town that is part of “Dune Country” and is fun to visit.

One of our favorite places to visit in Reedsport is Mumbly-Peg. Mumbly-Peg stocks cutlery and collectibles and buys and sells gold and silver jewelry. The owner is fun to visit with and has many stories to tell.

We also like the Myrtlewood Gallery with its unique display of all things Myrtlewood. Some of it is made right there on site. More about the unique and rare Myrtlewood trees of Oregon another time.

These are just two of the interesting places to visit in Reedsport on the Oregon Coast.

Welcome to the Umpqua River Haven Blogsite!

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Maggie

Hello! We are excited about our new blog site!

We will pass on information and photos from the areas near us and up and down the Oregon Coast. We will visit nearby Historic Scottsburg, Oregon.

Scottsburg is an official, registered Historic Ghost Town although there are people living there. We will take you on the journey of Scottsburg’s history from it’s origins as a port for vessels to it’s hey-day as a timber town to it’s present day ghost town status. We will also travel the scenic Umpqua River to the beautiful Oregon Coast and see what there is to see along this route.

Once we reach the coast, we will visit places like Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Coos Bay, Charleston, Langolis and Bandon going south, and, Florence, Newport, Heceta Head, Cape Perpetua, Depot Bay and other points both north and south along the coast. We will also touch on Eugene and Roseburg, Oregon. Each community has it’s unique and varied offerings.

We will report on the many community activities in these places such as the Newport Symphony, the Seacoast Entertainment Association concerts at the Florence Events Center, Astoria Street Opry Company, Florence Little Theater, the Southwestern Oregon Community College Orchestra, Bandon Playhouse, Hofferber Repertory Theater, Florence Playhouse, Coast Theater Playhouse, On Broadway Theater and the On Broadway Thespians, the Coast Chamber Ensemble and Oregon Coast Community Orchestra, Gold Beach Summer Theater, Oregon Coast Children’s Theater, The Rhody Festival, Little Theater On The Bay and the historic Egyptian Theater facility, the Last Resort Players, the Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts and Lane Community College Florence extension’s dance studio history. And much more.

We live in a fisherman’s paradise and will bring in-depth information about the great, year-around fishing on the famous Umpqua River, and fishing, crabbing, jigging and more on the Oregon Coast. We have the perfect small RV park to camp in when you are partaking of these and other activities!

We will visit the Sea Lion Caves north of Florence, the aquarium/zoo and Hatfield Marine Science Center at Newport, the West Coast Game Park Safari/Zoo, Shore Acres Botanical Gardens, kite flying on the beaches, the coast casinos, coast museums, Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill, Lake Marie and so much more. And the Dunes. Oregon is famous for its Dunes for hiking, viewing and riding the Dunes.

Stretching from Coos Bay to Florence, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a treasure on the coast. Plus the beaches. Oregon beaches are owned by the people of Oregon and are easily accessed. They reach as far as the eye can see and many have unique sites and history.

We will discover the real jewels of the Oregon Coast—her 11 lighthouses. Each one is unique with a most interesting history and truly haunting tales.

And of course the breathtaking natural beauty that is Oregon!

Stay tuned….”We’ve only just begun!”

Adventures along the Umpqua River and the Oregon Coast