A river roads through it
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
If you’re longing for a bit of country life, look no further. The Yachats River Valley Farm Tour may be your golden opportunity for a unique and scenic experience on the Oregon coast.
Now in its 13th year, this iconic outdoor event is a slice of rural life in the rich fertile land just east of the Pacific Ocean. Seven farms are participating this year on Saturday, Aug. 12.
“The Farm Tour gives us the opportunity to share our life’s work in a casual setting that is free, fun and informative,” said Catherine Lucido of Forks Farm at the “fork” of North and South River Roads. “It is a way for the farms to feature their own brand of country hospitality. This is a family-friendly event and the farm owners enjoy introducing children to a rural lifestyle. The cattle, pigs and chickens will delight the child in everyone.”
The drive up scenic Yachats River Road offers a showcase of elk, deer, birds and other wildlife in their native habitats, certain to provide a memorable experience.
The participating farm locations range from Milepost 1 to Milepost 10 and there will be clear signage or balloons on Yachats River Road.
The first farms on the tour, Seeds of Oregon and K & R Beef, offer greenhouse plants, flowers, vegetables, eggs and grass-fed beef.
Forks Farm, near milepost 7, has organic fruits, blueberries, produce, cut flowers, jams and homemade aprons. The farm’s greenhouses feature a wide array of mixed cut flowers and visitors are welcome to walk the lush field and visit with the four boarded horses.
River Wind Farms is owned by master gardener Ann Jensen, whose fresh picked vegetables and fruit are frequently served in popular coastal restaurants. She will be available to talk to interested visitors about the vegetable growing process.
The nationally known Yaquina Nursery features varieties of cacti and succulents from all over the world.
The Yachats Forest Farm is a working pig farm that offers pasture raised pork and a variety of garden greens and corn. Owners Laura Perazzoli and Will Susich are happy to meet with visitors and talk about their processes on this 20-acre pasture and forest-based farm.
The final stop on the tour is The Ranch, located in a peaceful meadow setting overlooking the river just beyond Milepost 10and featuring an original 100 year old house that has been lovingly cared for and continues to serve as the homestead, with cows and chickens wandering through the adjacent pasture. The Ranch has u-pick blueberries and blackberries, homemade bread, pies, jams and grass-fed beef, as well as museum quality pottery and also offers free coffee and live music.
Some things to know before you go:
“The tour is upriver and temperatures will be warmer than the coast,” Lucido said. “While some farms will have beverages, baked goods and food, things can sell out quickly. It is a good idea to plan ahead and bring food and water. And some of the farms do not accept debit or credit cards, so plan on bringing cash with you.”
It’s a tour worth taking on a road less traveled.
The one day, self guided and free tour takes place from 10 am to 4 pm. A tour map is available at the Yachats Farm Tour page on Facebook.
Locations:
Seeds of Oregon/K & R Beef: 1603 Yachats River Road
Forks Farm: 8 North Fork River Road
River Wind Farms: 8402 South Fork River Road
Yaquina Nursery: 9724 South Fork River Road
Yachats Forest Farm: 10140 South Fork River Road
The Ranch: 10740 South Fork River Road