Take a hike

Giant Spruce trail by Rick Orbst

As summer winds down, the Newport 60+ Activity Center’s hikes are coming to an end. Don’t despair; there are still some great excursions planned for August and September.

On Thursday, Aug. 24, the Adventure Van will head to John Maré Woodland Trail, located in the center of Waldport. The trail winds through a pristine forest and coastal habitat, offering a moderate hike with views of Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce, the creek and a variety of wildlife. The van will leave the 60+ Activity Center at 10 am and return at roughly 1 pm. The fee to join is $5 for center members, $6 for non-members.

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, the hike will be along the Discovery Loop and Giant Spruce trails in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area near Yachats. The 1.4-mile Discovery Loop Trail is moderately challenging. The 1.9-mile out-and-back Giant Spruce Trail, rated as easy, leads you to one of the biggest spruce trees in the state — 40 feet around, 185 feet high and more than 550 years old. This ancient giant actually sprouted on a nurse log and stands on its roots, forming a small grotto. You can crawl into the root system, making for a fun photo op. The hike is scheduled from 9 am to 3 pm. The fee to join is $10 for center members, $12 for non-members.

Put on your hiking shoes, pack some energy bars, a sack lunch and water, and join for more breathtaking hikes.

The Newport 60+ Activity Center is located at 20 SE 2nd Street. For more information and to register, go to newportoregon.gov/sc and click on “Browse the catalog and register,” or call 541-265-9617.