About the magazine
An online magazine and discovery guide to Florence and the Siuslaw region.
Siuslaw Country explores the places, people, and stories that make this part of Oregon worth knowing. From Florence's waterfront and historic streets to the dunes, coastal lakes, and river communities stretching inland toward Mapleton, we bring together local stories and practical information to help you discover the region.
Our magazine covers food, history, recreation, local businesses, wildlife, and community life. You might come here looking for a hiking trail and find yourself reading about a longtime restaurant, planning an afternoon of antique shopping, or learning how Florence has changed over the years.
Whether you are visiting for the weekend, settling into a new home, or have lived here for decades, there is always something else to discover.
A lifelong connection to Siuslaw Country
For founder Alex Ziwahatan Chase, the story of Siuslaw Country begins before his birth.
Alex was conceived in the region while his parents were planning to become lighthouse keepers at Heceta Head. During her pregnancy, his mother swam in the Pacific every morning.
When his parents learned they were expecting him, they decided to return to Eugene to be closer to family. His grandmother was seriously ill, and his mother wanted her child to spend as much time with her as possible.
But the coast remained a constant in his life. His family returned to Florence, Newport, and Yachats throughout his childhood — sometimes for a few nights, sometimes for the day, and sometimes simply to share lunch or dinner. Those visits became the foundation of a lifelong connection to the region he would eventually call home.
Getting to know his new home meant finding places to eat, exploring unfamiliar roads, learning the area's history, and discovering what everyday life here had to offer. Siuslaw Country grew from that curiosity — and the desire to share what he found with others.
That curiosity continues to shape the magazine: Who built this place? What keeps it going? What deserves more attention? And what might its future look like?
Explore with us
Alongside the magazine, our discovery guide helps you find trails, lakes, fishing spots, historic landmarks, restaurants, campsites, paddling routes, and places to experience the Oregon Dunes.
Our aim is to make that information useful: where to begin, what to expect, and what to check before heading out. We value clear descriptions, local context, and honesty about what we know.
Read a story. Find somewhere you haven't been. Get to know the place a little better.
Welcome to Siuslaw Country.
Write in
Conditions, corrections, or a place worth writing about?
Send it over. Reports from people who were actually out there are how this guide stays honest.