How did you spend your evening of the last full moon? Here at NorthWest EcoExcursions we spent it kayaking on Beaver Creek. A spur of the moment decisions turned into one of the best nights I have had here on the Oregon Coast. The trip was an adventure, unloading and launching in the dark, but it was well worth it once we were on the water. I was in awe of the unruffled beauty, lit solely by the moon. There were no clouds which provided for great visibility, of both the night sky and the creek. The stars were gorgeous and it made me wish I knew more about them so that I could identify more constellations while I had such an extraordinary vantage point.

On a typical trip on Beaver Creek there is a little noise from the nearby Highway 10. It couldn’t have been more different that night. The only noises we heard aside from the wildlife was the ocean. It was stunning to float along the water, listening to the sound of the ocean and watching the moon reflect off the water. It was Beaver Creek in its purest form, and it was absolutely incredible.

I would have been content with the moonlight paddle if it had just been us and the moon. But to our surprise we had a river otter jumping near our boats! I must have jumped a mile high the first time we heard the splash, and I think the kids did too! Throughout the entire trip a few otters playfully swam with us, and teased us by jumping just far enough away that none of us ever spotted them. It was extraordinary to see that they were comfortable with us in their habitat during unusual hours, and that they were willing to jump and play.

Kayaking during daylight is breathtaking, but kayaking by the light of the moon added a bit of magic to the experience. You can join us for our next moonlight excursion. Take a break from your hectic schedule and relax as you paddle and enjoy true serenity. This is a trip you do not want to miss!