The Journal of
Siuslaw Country
23 stories · Updated November 3, 2026
Long-form writing out of the Siuslaw country: the walks, the water, and the weather that decides both. Published in order, newest first.
Cascadia 2.0: Are You Prepared for What’s Coming?
A major Cascadia earthquake could leave Florence facing more than shaking and a tsunami: damaged roads, interrupted medical care and days or weeks without essential services. Understanding that risk means looking at the connections our community depends on—and what happens when they break.
Top 5 Places to Look for Bigfoot in Siuslaw Country
A branch snaps beyond the trail, and suddenly you’re listening a little harder. From old-growth groves to shadowy coastal forests, these are five places around Siuslaw Country to look for Bigfoot—and see what else catches your eye.
Also in this issue
20 storiesThe Haunted Siuslaw: Something in the Woods
Before Bigfoot became a roadside attraction, before the Gray Lady haunted the halls of Heceta Head, and long before Halloween reached the Oregon Coast, people were telling stories about the things they could not explain. Some were warnings. Some were memories. And some still leave us wondering what waits beyond the trees.
Historic Newport Bayfront Fire Forces Evacuations
A fire at a Pacific Seafood plant disrupted Newport’s working waterfront Sunday, bringing a regional emergency response and uncertainty for residents and businesses.
Haunted Nights on the Central Oregon Coast
From CROW’s twisted fairy tales and Lovejoy’s Halloween celebrations to a lighthouse keeper’s house with a lingering legend, Florence and its coastal neighbors know how to make October memorable.
When the Salmon Come Home
Each autumn, salmon return from the Pacific to the Siuslaw watershed, carrying the ocean’s nutrients inland. Their journey reveals how closely the region’s streams, forests, wetlands, and communities depend on one another.
The Day Florence Blew Up a Whale—and Never Lived It Down
An attempt to clear a beach in 1970 sent blubber flying, crushed a car, and gave Florence one of the most unforgettable stories on the Oregon Coast.
Wild Neighbors of Siuslaw Country
The animals that call Siuslaw Country home, and the pleasure of learning to notice them.
On Foot in Siuslaw Country
From the familiar paths at Heceta Head to forest trails above Florence and waterfall country inland, eight places to discover the region at walking speed.
The Art Around the Corner
Painted sea lions, outdoor sculpture, and artist-run galleries offer a different way to explore Siuslaw Country—one that rewards a closer look.
Exploring the Siuslaw Estuary Trail: Nature, History, and a Different View of Florence
There’s more to Florence’s waterfront than the view from Bay Street. Discover the Siuslaw Estuary Trail, where forest and wetlands invite you to slow down and see another side of our coastal town.
Upriver A Slow Day in Mapleton and the Siuslaw Valley
Follow the river inland from Florence for a day of small communities, public river stops, and a covered bridge worth taking the side road to see.
The Meaning of Belonging: Community in Siuslaw Country
Community grows through everyday acts of care, shared experiences, and the feeling that there is a place for you here.
Where the Rivers Run: Fishing in Siuslaw Country
From salmon fishing near Old Town Florence to winter mornings along forested tributaries, the waters of Siuslaw Country offer a close connection to the Oregon coast—and plenty of reasons to follow the river inland.
Has Florence Outgrown the “Retirement Town” Label?
Florence has long been called a retirement town, but that label overlooks much of the community it is today. Discover how families, workers, entrepreneurs, and older residents are shaping a future that belongs to every generation.
Where the Forest Meets the Sand: Exploring the Oregon Dunes of Siuslaw Country
Just south of Florence, forests give way to sweeping dunes, freshwater lakes hide behind sandy ridges, and the Pacific wind keeps reshaping the view.
Florence in the Rain: A Local Guide to a Really Good Gray Day
Coffee, books, local art, a little history, and an unhurried pot of tea make a wet day in Florence worth looking forward to.
Stay a Little Longer: Camping in Siuslaw Country
From forest campsites and freshwater lakes to nights among the dunes, camping offers time to discover the Siuslaw area beyond its roadside viewpoints.
Antique Shopping in Florence Oregon
From Highway 101 to the side streets of Old Town, Florence offers a browsing trip built around older objects, unexpected discoveries, and the pleasure of finding something you want to keep.
Take the Scenic Route: Sightseeing in Siuslaw Country
Historic waterfronts, a lighthouse above the Pacific, towering dunes, and carnivorous plants tucked into a coastal wetland—around Florence, an ordinary drive can become a day of discovery.
Between Forest and Dune: Exploring the Lakes of Siuslaw Country
From the broad waters of Siltcoos to the wooded shores of Mercer and the trails leading to Threemile, the lakes around Florence offer countless reasons to spend a little longer here. Bring a paddle, a fishing pole, a picnic—or simply enough time to watch the water.
10 of the Best Historical Sights in the Siuslaw Region
A lighthouse above the Pacific, a train depot that changed towns, and covered bridges tucked into forested valleys: the Siuslaw region rewards anyone willing to look a little closer. These ten stops reveal the stories behind some of our most familiar scenery.
