Day 4 - Tilamook to Gold Beach

October 22, 2019
Tuesday evening, Gold Beach, OR

Finally, the day dawned with blue sky and sunshine. As we proceed south on US101, today will be a day of bridges and lighthouses interspersed with dramatic scenery. And a plethora of photos!

Yesterday we crossed from Washington State into Oregon. When what is today known as Highway US101 began construction in 1921, the Oregon DOT's bridge designer was Conde B. McCullough. Responsible for the design of over 200 historic bridges in Oregon, his design approach was to combine engineering with architectural elegance. Many of his iconic bridges encompassed art deco designs. Our passage through Oregon will cross many of his bridges.

Our first stop of the day would be indicative of much of the coastline this day. Behind our trusty steed you see the Three Arches Rocks, (l-<wbr>r) Storm Rock, Finley Rock and Shag Rock lying just off of Maxwell Point near Oceanside, OR.

Our first stop of the day would be indicative of much of the coastline this day. Behind our trusty steed you see the Three Arches Rocks, (l-<wbr>r) Storm Rock, Finley Rock and Shag Rock lying just off of Maxwell Point near Oceanside, OR.

Cape Meares Lighthouse, though small in size, provided an important service.

To surf or not to surf. Hmmm….. (The rock in the background is Chief Kiawanda Rock)

Jr stands at the bottom of the Pacific City Dory launch ramp. Dories are not only famous as a fishing vessel, but Dorymen are known as first responders for distress calls and other marine emergencies.

During our entire trip, large waves were rolling in to the shore.

The Yaquina Bay Bridge was designed by Conde McCullough and constructed in the 1930s. The 600 foot main span rises 246 feet above sea level. Check out that blue sky!

As you approach the bridge, four obelisk shaped finials stand guard. This is typical of all of the early bridges and reflects the art deco design of the time.

The Devil’s Churn is a deep chasm demonstrating the power of waves over time.

The Heceta Head Lighthouse was first lit in 1895. Automated in 1963, it continues to operate today.

Finally, the temperature passed 60° and we figured it was time to let the top down. Thirty minutest later, realizing that riding on the shady side of the highway was still too chilly, we pulled over and put it backp! u

The Siuslaw River Bridge at Florence, OR, is another Conde McCullough design. These huge Art Deco obelisks house mechanical equipment for the draw bridge as well as living quarters for the operator.

The Umpqua River Light was lit in 1894 and automated in 1966. With a range of 21 nautical miles, it continues to serve sailors today.

The McCullough Memorial Bridge is another Conde McCoullough design originally named the Coos River Bridge. Built in the 30s, it was renamed after his death in 1946. The main span is 793 feet in length and clears the bay by 145 feet.

The Alsea Bay bridge was the first bridge designed by Conde McCullough and opened in 1936. The main span is 450 feet in length and clears 70 feet above the bay.

Entering Gold Beach, crossing the Issaac Lee Patterson Bridge. Another Conde McCullough bridge, his signature Art Deco pylons guard the exit. (Never did find where to pay the $6.)

To Day 5