Some interesting sights happen this time of year that illustrate the variety of experiences in the South Coast region. Like the annual salmon run or the passing of migrating whales, these phenomena occur at a certain time of year when conditions are right.
There are actually many things that make only fleeting appearances in the course of a year. The aforementioned salmon is an example. In the realm of fishes, other seasonal migrations range from smelt to shad to striped bass.
In the plant kingdom, it’s an ever-changing palette of conditions through the seasons. Many things -- such as mushrooms and wildflowers – have brief bloom times.
In the natural world of elements -- such as the ocean – there are other short-lived occurrences, ranging from King Tides in winter, to luminescent summer tidepools.
All manner of celestial events such as eclipses, meteor showers and planetary alignments have equally narrow windows of opportunities for viewing and enjoyment.
Getting back to seasonal plant showcases, one of the best is Shore Acres State Park near Charleston. It’s often referred to by its complete name -- Shore Acres Botanical Gardens State Park – for its unrivaled show of rhododendrons and other species of flowers and blooming plants.
A lesser-known but equally impressive rhodie show happens now at the Hinsdale Garden east of Reedsport. Once part of an estate -- most of the buildings are gone -- and now a Bureau of Land Management site, it’s open all year with free admission, Some of these awesome plants are over 100 years old. Further flowering specimens in the 55-acre showcase include magnolias, camellias and azaleas.
Getting there
From the intersection of US 101 and Highway 38 in Reedsport, go 3 miles east on Highway 38. The Hinsdale Gardens are about a quarter-mile beyond the O. H. Hinsdale Interpretive Center. Look for the unmarked entry road on the north side of Highway 38. A gate keeps out vehicles but can be walked around by visitors. Parking is limited. Park well off the highway and don’t block the gate. GPS N 43°41’45.59” W 124°01’00.79”
You can also visit during one of the upcoming Spring-season opening days, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 or Saturday, May 10. Park at the nearby Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area for a shuttle to the garden.
Another seasonal appearance is the 1929 wreck of the steam-powered cargo ship Sujameco, which missed the Coos Bay entrance by a few miles and ran aground directly west of today’s Horsfall Beach.
You can walk right up to it, or view it from a sturdy, wheelchair-accessible ramp/vista structure. In a winter with an average number of storms, the Sujameco gets slowly unburied from her sandy tomb so that you can see her outline along with some interior features.
Getting there
From the Bay Area, go north on US 101 and cross McCullough Bridge. In 0.9 mile turn left (W) on Transpacific Parkway and cross the causeway. Just past Boxcar Hill turn right (N) on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Horsfall Beach access road and follow it to the beach The road has some high-water spots so it might not be recommended for low-clearance cars. A $5 day-use permit or seasonal pass is required.
Here’s hoping you can visit one or both of these places – time is short!
(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of local guidebooks.)
