"boardman park north"

One of the most scenic stretches of the Oregon Coast Trail is the area just north of Brookings, Oregon. William Sullivan (ISBN 978-09677830-2X) does a good job dividing this 12 1/2 mile length into a north and south section. I will defer to him on the southern section (5 miles one-way), as I have only done the northern section (approx. 7 1/4 miles one-way). The south end of this section begins at the Whalehead Beach Picnic Area turnoff, just south of milepost 349, on Pacific coastal highway 101. Park on your left almost immediately after turning off of the highway. The complete 12.6 mile trail is in the designated Samuel H. Boardman State Park (or St. Scenic Corridor). From the parking area, hiking north, travel through coastal forest 1 1/2 miles to Indian Sands, which is very striking landscape. Skirt the dunes here right, or away from the ocean, to find a difficult (I disagree with Sullivan's "moderate" rating here) trail uphill through forest again. There is no trail through Indian Sands due to drifting, so route-find here. You will then travel through several coves to Thomas Creek Bridge, where you must walk the highway. Next, .7 miles through the forest is China Beach, which is great. Be warned that navigation of China Beach cannot be accomplished at high tides. Then uphill again to the highway, and the final 2 1/2 miles passes a wonderful series of rock formations, including bridges and arches. If you are planning an out-and-back on the northern section of "Boardman", it will be a very full day's workout. Consider a shuttle, which would be parked at the northern terminus, Arch Rock Picnic Area.

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"john day fossil beds"

Pictured: Painted Hills & Clarno (Leaf) Fossils......100 more photos here.
I could not normally, in good conscience, recommend a hiking network that is scattered among hundreds of driving miles. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has enough to offer and overcomes the inconvenience.
My advice, stay in Mitchell at the historic Oregon Hotel (rustic, with community shower and toilet). After early check-in go to the nearby Painted Hills. There are about 2 1/2 miles of trails and the hills are beautiful deposits, changing texture and color with the weather. Before leaving Mitchell in the morning, take another look at the hills from the overlook. (All 3 units of the park are free access.) Head for the Sheep Rock Unit (park headquarters) for a museum and maybe five miles of hiking. The Sheep Rock Unit is the "History Channel" section. Finally, drive almost 80 miles to the Clarno Unit near Fossil, Or. for two or three very short hikes. That is hard to justify, but the leaf fossils and natural arch were great.
The second day was a very long day, with 200 miles of driving plus about 6 miles of hiking, with a museum. That's why I recommend just a quick morning look at Painted Hills.
No trails in the Monument are difficult. Blue Basin Trail has a little grind involved.
This area of the Oregon desert is uncomfortable in summer and winter.
Access to Painted Hills is off of Rt. 26 west of Mitchell, Or. Sheep Rock Unit is 40 miles east on the same highway. Clarno Unit is accessed from Rt. 218, west of Fossil, Oregon.

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