{"id":646,"date":"2020-03-17T11:44:50","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T08:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/100steps.info\/?p=646"},"modified":"2020-03-17T11:44:50","modified_gmt":"2020-03-17T08:44:50","slug":"sea-lion-caves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thisamericandream.com\/sea-lion-caves\/","title":{"rendered":"Sea Lion Caves"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I have to disagree with Ylvis\u2026I\u2019d say the seal goes \u201car ar ar\u201d rather than \u201cow ow ow\u201d (but perhaps Norwegian seals speak differently).  You can decide for yourself if you visit the Sea Lion Caves in Oregon between Florence and Yachats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our excursion was on a rare November day with a blazing full sun and no wind.  Drawing on experience from prior visits, I brought along extra layers in preparation for the cool dampness of the cave but had no need to use them.  No swimming mammals decorated the sea cavern during our stop, although when we returned to ground level a couple reported a sighting.  No matter.  We watched a few roll and slither in the waves near the foot of the cliffs.  Even sans pinnipeds, witnessing a piece of Oregon history dating back over 80 years is rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"lighthouse<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Love lighthouses?
Check out the\u00a0Oregon Coast Lighthouse Roundup<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North and south views<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

25 Steps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"sea-lion-caves-3329983\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you find stairs or the steep path too daunting, or you\u2019re on a tight budget, short on time, or claustrophobic, you can skip the cave and head to the left or right of the entrance building.\u00a0 Breathtaking coastline views spread both north and south.\u00a0 With the aid of binoculars you may spy a sea lion in the waters below (particularly from the north side of the store).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terrain:\u00a0Level pavement and sidewalk. There is a curb, but it can be avoided by using one of the sidewalk ramps near each of the store entrance doorways.<\/td><\/tr>
Seating: No<\/td><\/tr>
Fee: No<\/td><\/tr>
Restrooms: Nearest are in the store to right of the pay station. You need to ask a clerk for access, since use is limited to those who find it difficult to negotiate the stairs required to reach the posted public restrooms.<\/td><\/tr>
Directions: From the parking lot, head to the sidewalk on either the north or south side of the building. Both views differ and are worth a look.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Upper landing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

75 Steps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The upper landing on the way to the trails is a destination in its own right.   The bronze statue of a Stellar sea lion trio is a must for photos, both on its own and while sitting alongside.  My husband posed mimicking the expression of one of sculpted beasts.  Heceta Head Lighthouse graces the point across the sea to the north.  And on a clear day, you can see the coast stretching all the way to the Siuslaw River North Jetty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: The walk to the landing bench is nearly all indoors, thus there is no destination map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wheels: Terrain: 37 stairs with hand rails in flights of 9, 6, and 22. Flat level concrete between the building exit and the bench to its left. I chose to hand my cane to my husband and utilize the handrails on both sides, for sturdy support during the descent.<\/td><\/tr>
Seating: One bench at the bottom of the last flight of stairs. One bench to the left of the building exit.<\/td><\/tr>
Fee:\u00a0There is an\u00a0entrance fee<\/a>\u00a0to descend from the store to the landing, trails, and cave. It\u2019s pretty spendy. A quick stop at the Visitors Center on Highway 101 in Florence gets you a booklet that includes the highest discount coupon we could find ($3 off). Be sure to check the hours of operation, which change seasonally.<\/td><\/tr>
Restrooms: Yes, a short walk from the landing bench.<\/td><\/tr>
Directions: Follow the clearly marked stairway from within the store, and you\u2019ll reach this landing.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cave<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Extended<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main attraction of this venue is, of course, \u201cAmerica\u2019s largest sea cave\u201d.  Unique from other coastal settings, this subterranean destination is more challenging than most 100 Steps<\/em> locations, but I found the journey both entertaining and gratifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You pass two benches on the descent from the upper landing (a 10% to 20% grade, according to the Sea Lion Caves website).  The first resting option is nearly 200 steps, the second an additional 100.  Both offer fabulous oceanscape and Heceta Head Lighthouse vantages.  Another 100 steps reaches the elevator waiting area.  After a ride of over 200 feet, you emerge from the elevator in disconcerting dimness to walk 100 more steps to a seat within the cave.  If you\u2019re having trouble navigating, the helpful sea-cave expert can assist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the damp, stony cavern you can watch an educational video, check out both the human and animal portions of the cave, read lighted signboards explaining local wildlife, and perhaps climb a stairway for additional lighthouse views.\u00a0 \u00a0For those keeping track, you\u2019ll notice that from store to cave \u2013 excluding side trips \u2013 you will have chalked up nearly 600 steps.\u00a0 Be sure to rest\u2026the return trip is all uphill!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terrain:\u00a0Downhill grade on wide path of bumpy concrete. Cave has the same bumpy concrete, with a rubber covered ramp and handrail between the elevator and the larger portion of the cave. There is an optional 67-step stairway to reach an alternate view of Heceta Head Lighthouse. Lighting in the cave is dim, so footing can be more difficult.<\/td><\/tr>
Seating: Two benches en route. Another bench in the cave. There is also seating to watch the informative video.<\/td><\/tr>
Fee:\u00a0There is an\u00a0entrance fee<\/a>\u00a0to descend from the store to the landing, trails, and cave. It\u2019s pretty spendy. A quick stop at the Visitors Center on Highway 101 in Florence gets you a booklet that includes the highest discount coupon we could find ($3 off). Be sure to check the hours of operation, which change seasonally.<\/td><\/tr>
Restrooms: No. Nearest are accessed from the upper landing.<\/td><\/tr>
Directions: From the upper landing, follow the trail to the right (north). When it ends, take the elevator to the cave.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

South trail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Extended<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve completed your cave tour and are invigorated for more walking, the south trail is available.\u00a0 The trek to the cave was plenty for me, so I did not tackle it.\u00a0 Viewing the trail from above and on Google Maps, it looks like there are two well-spaced benches along the path.\u00a0 The step counts I provided on the destination map are estimates based on the counts for the cave trail, since the terrain is similar.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if there is a bench at the actual viewing area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terrain:\u00a0Downhill grade on wide path of bumpy concrete.<\/td><\/tr>
Seating: Two benches en route.<\/td><\/tr>
Fee:\u00a0There is an\u00a0entrance fee<\/a>\u00a0to descend from the store to the landing, trails, and cave. It\u2019s pretty spendy. A quick stop at the Visitors Center on Highway 101 in Florence gets you a booklet that includes the highest discount coupon we could find ($3 off). Be sure to check the hours of operation, which change seasonally.<\/td><\/tr>
Restrooms: No. Nearest are accessed from the upper landing.<\/td><\/tr>
Directions: From the upper landing, follow the trail to the left (south).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n