Gerdemann Garden — Attraction in Oregon

You can access the Gerdemann Botanical Garden via a gate behind the Earthworks Galleries or from the Ya’Xaik Trail at the east end of Diversity Drive off 101. We walked the 804 trail that parallells the beach, walked across HWY 101 close to the Overleaf Lodge and up Diversity Drive to enjoy a wonderful trail through old growth forests, a collection of rhodedendrons, shrubs, flowers, and a peaceful flowing creek. The trail is perfect for a hike with some wood steps, but not meant for bikes. There is parking at the end of Diversity drive where you can walk along the old growth Ya’Xaik trail, then enjoy the Gerdemann’s Gardens. The website says no pets allowed on the trail. Smelts Sands State Recreation on the west side of 101 has a public bathroom, but there are no bathrooms at the...

What a delightful feast for the senses—the eyes in particular—is Gerdemann Garden! I have seen a number of impressive rhododendrons, but never so many, so varied, and so at home in their environment. From May to August, there is wildly beautiful color at at every turn in the winding trails. A small portion of the four-acre garden is open to the public, but the full experience is available only if you book a private tour with the engaging Andrea, who is both the owner, head gardener, and primary steward of this very special spot along in southern coastal Oregon....

This was a beautiful surprise at the end of our hike along Ya'Xaik Trail. Although it is winter, there are still many plants to see and many more birds in the garden than out in the forest proper.

The narrow path winds among the plantings and over a couple of streams. Grandmother Spruce spans Mitchell Creek - it runs right under her roots. I've never seen anything like that before. Well worth a visit -...