4 Hidden Activities in Toledo, Oregon

Toledo, Oregon is a small town with many hidden activities that are well worth checking out!

In this city you will find the Yaquina River running right through the center.

The river is the reason that Toledo exists and the reason people flock to it right now.

The everyday travel misses so many amazing adventures when they pass by it without giving it a second glance.

History of the Yaquina River

Toledo is located 8 miles from Newport, Oregon.

The graceful Yaquina River flows through it.

By following the river 14 miles up the river, boats can easily access the natural harbor at Newport.

The Yaquina River is 59 miles long.

It originates in the Coast Range and flows through several communities before emptying into the Pacific Ocean.

The river is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

It is also home to various wildlife, including beavers, otters, bald eagles, and nutria.

The Yaquina River is an integral part of the local ecosystem and provides many benefits to the community.

Many sites that will take you back in history have been built near the Yaquina River, making it a great afternoon place.

Hidden Activities in Toledo

Here are five hidden gems that can be found near the river:

1. Go back in history at the Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Museum

2. Take a walk or bike ride along the river path at the Port of Toledo Waterfront Park

3. Float down the river in a standing Paddle Boat at the Port of Toledo Marina and Boat Yard

4. Take in the artistic creations at the Waterfront Market

Hidden Activity #1 Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Museum

What if you could take a trip back in time and experience historic train rides?

The Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Museum offers this opportunity.

Start your adventure walking on the platform.

These platforms are not only beautiful, but they also provide an immersive experience for visitors.

Next, take an exclusive look at the different train cars with your personal tour guide.

The first car you will come to is the train engine.

Move the levers and look out the window as your tour guide explains how the Conductor operated the train.

Then walk through the Baggage car, where you will be able to see historical items that were once present on board the train.

The library car is up next. Books of all types were available for passengers to read here.

The final car is the RPO car. Walk into the car to see what the mail system was like on the train.

Search through the train to find what the mail train carried and how they managed to get their mail where it needed to go.

As you leave the exhibit, pay one quarter to hear a recording of a train coming in and out of the station.

Next to the train exhibit, you will find a life-sized toy train for the kids to explore. The train was donated to the Museum by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

While the kids play on the train, pull out a packed picnic lunch to eat at one of the numerous picnic tables.

Hidden Activity #2 Port of Toledo Waterfront Park

Next, on your journey, take a step next door to the Port of Toledo Waterfront Park.

This park was built in 2012 with Oregon's State Parks Local Government Grant funding. Find out more information here at portoftoledo.org.

Here you can eat lunch at the detailed pavilion while watching the sea life swim in the Yaquina River.

Then walk along the path picking seasonal blackberries.

As you adventure down the Yaquina River, read all about the wildlife in this natural landscape.

Read signs that tell you the history of the logging company and how the Yaquina River was involved.

Pay close attention to the detailed decorations that stand at every turn.

You can find beautifully crafted benches, monuments made from boat anchors, and tall pillars.

If you are lucky, you may even find a painted rock that you can choose to keep or hide for another random person.

Hidden Activity #3 Port of Toledo Marina and Boat Yard

You will soon discover the Port of Toledo Marina and Boat Yard as you return along the path.

Here you will find ships of all sizes, from tiny house ships (that you will be surprised can hold a person) to giant ships that make you wonder how they got in the river in the first place.

If you are visiting during the Summer, make sure to come on a Thursday afternoon when you will be able to steer boats of many kinds in the Yaquina River for free.

Boats range from paddle boats to sailboats to canoes. Life jackets are provided and must be worn while in the water.

The Port offers many amenities for travelers. One of these amenities includes an electric car charger outlet, gas for boats, a tie-up station for boats, and a boat loading zone.

Hidden Activity #4 Waterfront Market

During Summer Months, you will find the Waterfront Market. It is open on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3.

The Market offers a variety of local goods, including fresh vegetables, flowers, and fruit.

You can also find souvenirs, such as personalized apparel and postcards, or delicious treats like chocolates and candies.

Make sure to stop by the front booth to see if you are the lucky winner of the day!

Visit Toledo, Oregon

There are so many places in Toledo to go and experience historical sites.

The best part is that they offer various things to see and do that will keep you entertained for hours.

Video on the adventures to be had in Toledo, Oregon.

So whether you are looking for history, scenery, or just a great place to spend an afternoon, check out Toledo, Oregon. In the comment section below, let us know what fun facts you learned at the Train Museum.

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Melinda