When it comes to sunsets, the Northern Oregon Coast will not be outdone. As the sun dips below the horizon, its waning light ricochets off the evening clouds and is reflected in shiny white beach sand below. Mountains to the east glow in pinks and purples, rocks and arches in the Pacific Ocean are backlit jet black against the glowing sky.

Arcata Beach is a small beachside park approximately 10 miles north of Manzanita on Highway 101. The beach offers breathtaking sunsets with backlit rock formations. At the north end is a natural cave. (Know your tides - do not get stuck inside a cave at high tide.) There is parking for about 20 cars, restrooms and a few picnic tables. The park is open year round, and there is no fee for park use.

One of the best places to see a different sunset every night is from the overlooks between Manzanta and Oswald West State Park on Highway 101. There is a large area with ample parking approximately three miles north of Manzanita, or choose any one of several smaller pull-outs. Get out of your car for the full experience! Most viewing areas have wide, low rock walls - perfect for sitting and watching the light show. (Please keep children behind the wall and away from the edge. Never stand on the rock wall - the producer of the TV show Cops fell to his death here when standing on a rock wall posing for a photo.) See "Byways" for more information.

One of our very favorite places to catch a sunset is right on Manzanita Beach. North or south off Highway 101, take Laneda Avenue west into Manzanita (at Manzanita Junction). The beach is about eight blocks west. Park on the street and take the path to the beach. Take a slow stroll or perch on a large driftwood log on the beach or one of the large rocks at roadside. Be sure you're way back from the surf line. You won't be disappointed. There are several hotels in Manzanita with rooms that front the beach, most with balconies. See "lodging".