Head any direction from Oregon’s Bay Area and discover a recreational wonderland -- from the vast Oregon Dunes, to lakes, rivers and waterfalls, to miles of unspoiled, lovely beaches. 
   From seaside to mountaintop, let this guidebook lead you to the region’s world-famous scenery, and to some of its overlooked treasures. 
   Coos Bay outdoor writer Tom Baake explores the region’s popular scenic spots and visits the “back road” places, with an emphasis on easy day-hikes and driving “loop” tours. Among destinations are the spectacular seaside gardens at Shore Acres State Park, the twin cascades at Golden and Silver Falls State Park, and South Slough, the nation’s first protected estuary. 
   You’ll pass through parts of Coos, Curry, Josephine, Douglas and Lane counties on back-country byways, with plenty of places to stop for a picnic and fun. 
   Wander through old-growth forest, some containing specimens of the world’s largest trees, and see unusual geology, inspiring waterfalls, soaring ridges, and intriguing slices of life, both two and four-legged. Wildflowers, wild rhododendrons and azaleas line the way on many of the roads, while the  colors of autumn are a delight. 
   There’s added information on camping, biking, boating, paddling, fishing, even a chapter on “what to do on a rainy day.” Most of all, it’s a book about picnics -- so let’s go! 
   Our other popular guidebook is “Oregon South Coast Canoe and Kayak Guide,” now in an expanded and updated edition. Written by longtime local paddler Ron Wardman, this book covers all the recreational paddling opportunities from Florence to the California border just south of Brookings.
   From freshwater lakes and coastal rivers, to quiet estuaries and lively harbors, Oregon’s South Coast is a paddler’s paradise. You can ride the tides on excursions along the inlets and sloughs of the Umpqua, Coos and Coquille rivers, explore the nation’s first estuary preserve, or venture to the many freshwater lakes and streams of the Oregon Dunes.
   Enjoy the fabled Rogue River, and paddle the Chetco, Elk, Winchuck and other protected “wild and scenic” rivers of the southern Oregon coast. It’s all here – easy outings for beginners and youngsters, and challenging trips for experienced paddlers.
   The book offers information on more than 50 paddling excursions, with easy-to-understand maps along with information on put-ins, distances, times and other important features.
   You can launch a leisurely paddle from an in-town lake, explore the Oregon Coast’s only official “canoe trail,” or paddle a unique north-running river within sight and sound of the Pacific Ocean.
   Waterways have always been an important part of life on Oregon’s South Coast, and our rivers and bays still serve a wide variety of craft. These waterways teem with wildlife as well, and a quiet approach in a canoe or kayak is the perfect way to get an up-close view.
   Every season brings its own rewards and experiences in this recreational wonderland – so let’s paddle!

   You can order our books online through this website, or send us an e-mail, or call us and order….or purchase the books at bookstores, visitor information centers and gift shops throughout the region.