Welcome to Westways Press
Guidebooks
by Tom
Baake
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 yo u 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.
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