From the vantage point of the Umpqua River Lighthouse you can view the unusual triangle shaped breakwater that forms the south edge of the river mouth. Enclosed in this triangle jetty is calm water, a mix of cold tidal sea water and fresh river water. A perfect habitat for raising delicious oysters! You can spot the dark uniform blobs in the water that are the suspended lines that the oysters grow on, aptly named Umpqua Triangle Oysters.

We’re on the coast, so of course there are LOTS of lighthouses! This is the Umpqua River Lighthouse at the mouth of the Umpqua River in Winchester Bay. Built at the same time and from the same plans as the Heceta Head Light, they are virtually identical.

We headed to Winchester Bay to go crabbing and had our most successful catch! 5 Dungeness crabs in 3 hours!

…in nature! A fallen ‘nurse tree’ nourishes the next generation.