Before your family transitions to the coming school year, consider a food trail trip around the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. The South Willamette Valley Food Trail, launched in April 2019, is ready to explore this fall and your foraging options have now expanded west to the Pacific Ocean.
The Central Coast Food Trail is open to visitors throughout the year and is designed to be explored at your own pace – you are welcome to start and finish wherever you like. Pick up a printed guide at our Visitor Center (754 Olive Street) or download an online guide.
Developed through Travel Oregon’s Oregon Food Trail Program, the South Willamette Valley Food Trail and the Central Coast Food Trail provide locals and visitors an opportunity to experience world-class wines, wild fields and foods, family friendly farms, and highlights businesses that are committed to sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients. Take your time exploring the coast between Florence and Lincoln City and you can find:
- Fresh caught seafood served in gourmet restaurants or sold in seafood markets
- Bakeries, breweries, cafés and coffee roasters using wild foraged and locally grown ingredients
- Lodging properties where the views are as phenomenal as the food
Before setting out, map your route to make it easy to navigate remote areas without cell service and consider calling ahead to inquire at individual businesses about seasonality and hours of operation. The working farms and fishing charters along this trail provide some of the most unique and engaging experiences.
When on a farm, we ask that you respect the invitation to enter each property and be cautious around farm animals and equipment. Children must be supervised at all times and you should be prepared to follow all site-specific rules. For your safety and comfort, be prepared with appropriate footwear, sun protection and water.
High season varies per business but is typically April-October. If you are out to harvest some ingredients from the wild, please refer to ODFW & the U.S. Forest Service for regulations, permits and tips. Seasonality of key products is listed below:
Farmers Markets: Mid-May to October
• U-Pick Blueberries: July to August
• Pink Shrimp: April to October
• Dungeness Crab: December to August
• Salmon: May to August
• Halibut: Summer
• Wild Mushrooms: Fall
Your experience along the Central Coast Food Trail should not end when you leave the area. We encourage you to bring a taste of your journey back home to share with friends and family as a reminder of the bounty available on the Central Oregon Coast.
Learn more about the Central Coast Food Trail and other food trails at OregonFoodTrails.com.
