A few weeks ago, we had an amazing day of 75 degree sunny spring weather.
According to the forecast, which has proved to be absolutely correct, that would be the ONLY day for a while to enjoy the warmth and the sun.
I happened to wake up around 4 AM that day, and decided shortly after my morning coffee that we would head to the coast to check out this Hobbie Beach I had heard about. It's about a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from our place, so we needed to get on the road fast.
My hiking party consists of me (Angela, co-owner and chief adventurer of WFO), my son, Oliver, and my two daughters, Madeline and Stella. Oliver is always down for adventure, while the girls need a little bit of convincing.
When I woke them up at 6:30 AM, they needed a whole lot of convincing.
We headed out shortly after 7 AM, and enjoyed a really nice drive to the coast.
I had heard that the trail down to Hobbit Beach, as well as the beach itself, was very whimsical and enchanting. I didn't know, until we arrived, there was another trail leading to the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
After sitting in the car for so long, the girls were up for the longer hike up to the lighthouse before heading down to the beach. It was still a little chilly, so this sounded like a great idea.
The sun was coming out, as promised, and shone through the trees making the whole trail very magical.
This forest featured unique trees and a different atmosphere than we're used to hiking in the Valley.
Stella really liked the big roots coming out through the trail like stairs. It really was like a little hobbit forest.
The hike to Heceta Head is an out and back, 1.5 miles each way.
There is a gentle, yet constant elevation gain for the first half of the trail. Steady switch backs take you into the forest and then peek out over the ocean.
This was our first glimpse of the ocean. We found a little hideout off the trail and ate some breakfast.
I really enjoyed the wonky trees throughout the hike. You can't tell me that isn't a doorway to an underground magical world.
The steady climb continues, and we finally get a really good glimpse of the beach.
After we turn another corner, we start to descend steeper switchbacks, and then a steep stair case only to turn again and climb up another.
Then, we reach the lighthouse!
The Heceta Head Lighthouse is beautiful! The overlook is breathtaking.
Stella tells me she's glad we are here, even though she didn't want to come.
We sit and have second breakfast before heading back to Hobbit Beach.
Remember the sharp elevation change? Stella decides she's done walking so I get to carry her back!
We trek the 1.5 miles back to the turn off to go to Hobbit Beach. Suddenly, Stella can walk again and starts exploring the little tunnels along the half mile stroll to the beach along with Oliver and Madeline.
And, there's another portal to the Hobbit world!
The last little part of trail to Hobbit beach is a narrow path with high sides of beach and growth. The top of this stretch of mounds is littered with crab shells. We're pretty positive that's where the Hobbits eat their lunch. And maybe second lunch.
And finally, Hobbit Beach!
The kids find a shallow stretch of water to play around while I take the opportunity to lay in the sand and feel the sun on my skin for one of the first times this year. There was not a cloud in the sky. It was truly a perfect day!
If ever you are in the Florence or Yachatz area, I highly recommend this hike. It is absolutely enchanting and just the right amount of challenging if carrying a child on your back.
