Message from Roxanne

Dear Adventurers,

Welcome to the Wild Routes newsletter!

roxanneandfamilyphoto

I'm thrilled to have you on this journey with me. Here, we'll explore the beauty of nature, share travel tips, and inspire each other to seek out new adventures.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Let's make unforgettable memories together!

Happy Travels,

Roxanne McCredie


Why the Name:
Wild Routes by Roxanne

In the woods, a North American Elk, majestically stood there. Tall. Muscular. Antlers powerful enough to command respect without effort. As it grazed calmly in front of me, I didn’t feel fear. I felt stillness. I felt grounded. I was just a young teenager then, but that moment stayed with me.

Growing up, my parents took us on many adventures, experiences I will forever be grateful for. I remember, from a young age, gravitating towards the woods, taking small adventures just beyond my back door. Always searching in the forest, through the leaves, under the rocks for critters. I was completely content in the quiet curiosity of nature.

To no surprise, I went to college and majored in Fisheries and Wildlife. The animals and the outdoors have always been in my blood. As I grew older and started my own family, the adventures continued. Those adventures expanded into journeys to experience different cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Each one shaping how I see the world and my place in it.

Today, I still find myself in the woods, off the beaten path, searching for mushrooms and the quiet beauty they hold. From that place, Wild Routes by Roxanne was born. The name simply felt right. It represents the untamed paths we choose, the ones that lead to deeper connection, calm, and a sense of wonder. As my adventures continue, I want to share them with you. To inspire you to find your own wild routes and help plan the journey along the way. My hope is to help others experience what I feel each time I step into the great outdoors, the awe, the peace, and the thrill of discovery.

Wild Routes by Roxanne is about following those paths, wherever they may lead, and letting your journey change you.

Poem of the Week

FREEDOM

"Give me the long, straight road before me,

A clear, cold day with a nipping air,

Tall, bare trees to run on beside me,

A heart that is light and free from care.

Then let me go!-I care not whither

My feet may lead, for my spirit shall be

Free as the brook that flows to the river,

Free as the river that flows to the sea."

by Oliver Runner


Location Spotlight

Newport, Oregon

Stop for a moment. Close your eyes. Stretch your arms out. Take a deep breath in...and now exhale. Feel the mist of the coastal rain on your face. Hear the waves crashing against the rocky shore. Seals barking in the background. As you open your eyes, you see fishing boats drifting in and out of the harbor. A warm bowl of clam chowder in your hands. Welcome to Newport, Oregon.

Newport holds a special place in my heart. During my college years, I spent time working at the Hatfield Science Center and Oregon State University. Studying the Pacific Tree Frog one summer and collecting samples during low tide another, examining the critters found in the sand samples. My boyfriend (now my husband) and I would visit there often during college while my parents built their home in Depot Bay, Oregon (about 20 mins north of Newport). I gained hands-on experience and created memories that still shape my love for the Oregon Coast today. Over the years, my husband and I have returned many times to celebrate our wedding anniversaries, often staying aboard the charming Newport Belle. Beyond the coastline, Newport offers peaceful forest escapes where you can play a round of disc golf or wander through the woods searching for seasonal mushrooms.

The welcoming coastal town blends harbor charm, marine education, outdoor adventure, and incredible local dining. Whether you're traveling for relaxation, learning, or exploration, Newport offers something for every type of traveler.

Here are just a few highlights you won't want to miss:

  • Oregon Coast Aquarium
  • Hatfield Marine Science Center
  • Yaquina Head Lighthouse
  • Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not!
  • Sea Lion Docks
  • Nana's Irish Pub
  • Clearwater Restaurant
  • Wilder Disc Golf Course
  • Newport Belle Bed and Breakfast