Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience!
The next installment of this series is SCP Depoe Bay on the Central Oregon Coast – a wonderful little spot in a quiet coastal town just begging to be a home base for a little running getaway!
First the Running:
Maybe its the drive or the weather most of the year, but the Oregon Coast is really a underexplored location when it comes to trail running. I have run in a few locations along the coast here and there, but definitely have not made the trek nearly enough. Depoe Bay sits smack dab in the middle of the bigger cities of Lincoln City and Newport, both of which have some solid locations and are only 20 minutes away. Here are a few recommendations in those spots:
- Wilder Trails in Newport
- God’s Thumb in Lincoln City
If you are willing to head a little further south into Yachats, there are some really awesome trails perfect for longer trail runs.
However, even though Depoe Bay is pretty small, there are some pretty decent running locations too. The South Depoe Bay Creek Loop is great for if you are looking for an easy jaunt near to the hotel, or maybe if you have kids with you. The loop is less than 2 miles in length, making it perfect to get any distance you may need.
Luckily for us, the trail runs right alongside SCP, making for an easy on and off. Simply head down to the harbor parking lot and take the grass section towards the City Park. Head to the far side of the park (following the Nature Park signs) and you will soon disappear into the trees. I recommend staying left at the fork in the road, and then making a clockwise curve on the short lollipop loop. Head back to the fork and take the upwards trail until you hit the road. Then follow that road to downtown (beware of cars!) and turn right on Bay St. and head back to the hotel. Simply repeat this to enjoy a long trail and road run while still saying close to the hotel.
There are always a few races nearby each year, so consider checking them out and using SCP Depoe Bay as your hub.
- Ardor Adventures – This race company puts on a bunch of events on the Central Oregon Coast
- Lincoln City Half – It is yet unclear if this is returning for 2021 (and beyond), but it has been a staple in Lincoln city for over a decade!
The Spot:
SCP Depoe Bay is a small boutique hotel boasting only 13 rooms – 8 with single beds and 5 with two beds. It sits right on the Depoe Bay Harbor just off the main 101 “drag” – a quiet spot in an already quiet location.
First of all, let’s delve more into SCP as a whole. There are currently four SCP properties in the country, including two here in Oregon – Redmond and Depoe Bay. SCP stands for “Soul. Community. Planet” and their commitment to this is absolutely showcased by this spot.
Every stay does good. Good for self, for others, for the planet.
It is evident that SCP Depoe Bay seeks guests who are looking for a little coastal adventures, a little rest, and absolutely caters to the vibrant and active PNW mindset. They even host small retreat groups focused on personal enrichment and wellness.
Lobby hallway and tons of goodies for the pups
Their cleaning abides with positive green practices, they offer earth-friendly food and beverages, and they even plant a tree for each guest who stays through One Tree Planted.
There is also a surprising amount of open and shared space – way more than a 13-room hotel feels like it should have. Their Great Room is a lovely communal working space that should provide much more personal interconnectivity post-pandemic. Until then, it’s a great spot to utilize as a “work-from-home” location (come on, your boss won’t know).
Great room
SCP Depoe Bay has this feeling of freshness – perhaps a combination of its recent renovation with the salty coastal air – and left me with a feeling of motivation. They have a small, yet mighty gym on-site which includes a yoga space and Peloton Bike (the Pandemic splurge purchase I invested in).
Small, but mighty fitness room (peep that Peloton)
SCP Depoe Bay, and their other properties, also utilize what they call “fair trade pricing.” In a nutshell, if you don’t feel your stay met the standards you expected, guests can name their rate when checking out to something you feel is “fair”. Obviously, they take pride in providing an experience that results in positivity for the traveler, not just the dollars. That’s impressive stuff right there.
Our Room:
During our stay, we checked out their Twin Bunk room – which is perfect for families, as well as IDEAL for a running group to get together to explore. Shoot, with it’s two bunk beds and private bathroom, a group of four could split the coast for less than $40/each per night.
Bunk room
This room, as with all at SCP Depoe Bay has a harbor-front patio – making it perfect to watch the boats come in and the sun go down. There are other room options with 1 or 2 queen beds – and even the option to select a room with no TV (I kinda like this). Some even include a Himalayan rock salt lamp, a sound machine, and a spa-style bathroom.
The room, and the hotel in general, definitely focuses on a minimalist style that uses sustainable and regionally-sourced materials. The color schemes are absolutely reminiscent of coastal living. There is reclaimed wood and an homage to the local fishing community is evident. It just feels like Depoe Bay.
Refueling:
Dining area
SCP Depoe Bay offers a free continental breakfast each morning, and also has a local spot on site – called The Kitchen – which provides healthy, fresh, plant-forward, and locally-sourced food and drinks with ingredients from local companies such as The Honey Pit, Walker Farm, and Gathering Together Farm.
I don’t believe this is operating at full capacity right now, but historically the Kitchen is open 8-11am and 4-8pm. Here is a sample menu from late 2020.
Beautiful deck overlooking the harbor
If you are in need of lunch, there are a handful of restaurants in Depoe Bay (and the larger surrounding Coastal Communities) that can meet the need, but we will recommend The Horn – a hop, skip, and jump from SCP. The Horn has really great views, solid pub-style food, and they even brew their own beer via Depoe Bay Brewing Company. Speaking of beer, there are actually quite a few breweries all within 20 miles from SCP, including
- Rogue (Newport)
- Wolf Tree (Newport)
- Newport Brewing Co. (Newport)
- Bier One (Newport)
- Beachcrest (Lincoln City)
- Rusty Truck (Lincoln City)
- McMenamins (Lincoln City)
Overall:
As the State starts to open up and summer nears, we feel the Oregon Coast is going to get pretty busy. This is definitely a good thing for much needed local economies, but it’s also smart to ensure that we are being safe – by still adhering to distancing as much as we can. Additionally, a little mental health break is probably also in the cards considering what the previous 12+ months has felt like.
With those things in mind, we really feel like SCP Depoe Bay is absolutely a perfect spot to meet both of these needs. Allow yourself to (safely) get away, decompress in the cool Coastal air, and also stay active and healthy with the amenities that the hotel brings forward.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
SCP Depoe Bay details:
Address: 235 SE Bayview Drive Depoe Bay, OR 97341
Phone: 1-541-765-2350
Many thanks to SCP Depoe Bay for allowing us to check out their property! Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
