About This Event
Chevy Rides and Ocean Tides \n55th Northwest Meet \nCoos Bay, Oregon \nJune 9-12, 2026 \nSponsored by the Willamette Valley Region of VCCA \nREGISTRATION FORM\nWelcome! The Willamette Valley Region is happy you could join us in Coos Bay for the 55th Annual NW Meet. The southern coast has some wonderful places to explore for the next three days. You do need to remember it is the Oregon coast and the weather can be unpredictable. We will be visiting lighthouses, rhododendron gardens, which should be in bloom, the Marine Life Center and the Discovery Center. As always there will be good food and lots of visiting with old and new friends. We are looking forward to seeing you. \nMeet Hotel: Red Lion Hotel, 541-267-4141, 1313 Bayshore Drive, Coos Bay, 97420 \nMention WVR-VCCA for your room rate. \nRV Park: Ko-Kwel Casino, (800) 953-4800, ask for Reservation Center before May 19. \n3201 Tremont Av., North Bend, 97459 \nmention booking ID#11730, Willamette Valley Region Chevrolet Club RV Block. \nGetting there: Coming from either the North or the South take I-5 to Exit 162. This is Highway 38 going the coast and Reedsport. This route has the most places to pass and follows the river, so it does not have many hills. Recommended by local folks. At Reedsport take Hwy 101 south to Coos Bay. Note: North Bend and Coos Bay are adjacent with no break. Tremont Ave, Bayshore Dr. and Hwy 101 are the same road. Once you are in Coos Bay the Red Lion is on your right about a mile past the Ko-Kwel Casino. The Ko-Kwel Casino is where the RV parking is. Hauler parking is at the Red Lion. \nATTENDANCE: \nThis is a VCCA Regional Meet and is open only to VCCA members and their passengers. \nMembership in a local region or driving a vintage Chevrolet is not required. \nMeet registration deadline is May 15, 2026, Hotel registration deadline is May 26. If rooms are still available our rate will still be honored. \nThere will not be judging or a ladies’ event. Swap Thursday afternoon in the parking lot or anytime we are there. \n3 Tours: BANDON: We will drive a backroad along the Coquille River to get to Bandon where there are many interesting shops, a museum and a variety of eateries. Tony’s Crab Shack is a highlight. The walkways among the boats in the harbor are open to the public. If the two masted sailing ship, a barque, is present, be sure to have a good look. South of the harbor \narea about a mile is a good ocean overlook. On the north side of the harbor is the original Coquille Light House. It is not functioning, but the building has been maintained and is sometimes open. A good place there for a walk on the beach. \nSIMPSON GARDEN includes Sunset Bay and Cape Arago. The day starts with a private tour of the Marine Life Center in Charleston. Admission included in your registration. You will enjoy the Simpson Gardens and the history of the area involving lumbering and ship building. There are some ocean overlooks, trails down to the water and places to observe marine life. You will have a box lunch. On that day we will depart together at 9:00 so we arrive at the Marine Life Center at 9:30. \nWe will divide the Simpson Garden and Bandon tours, so we aren’t all on the same highway at once. Indicate on your registration form which day you choose, Wednesday or Thursday, and your box lunch will be given to you at departure time. Your name will be on it. \nYou are encouraged to travel with others for the camaraderie and help if you need a navigator, or with a breakdown. The route along the Coquille River may not have cell coverage. \nUMPQUA LIGHT HOUSE: The final day, Friday is open ended. We will tour North, stop by the Myrtlewood Factory if you wish, and on to the Umpqua Lighthouse where you can have a tour of a beautiful functioning lighthouse. There is a giftshop and museum there. About 3 miles farther north is the Umpqua Discovery center in Reedsport. Plenty of parking even for haulers, and two restaurants right there by the discovery center. When you are finished here, you may depart for home or return to the Red Lion for Friday night. \nThings to bring: \nWater bottle \nLawn Chair \nraincoat \ncar passport \nOregon State Parks Pass needed for Sunset Bay State Park. Have an annual pass or purchase a Day Pass at the park entrance. Our Senior Pass for National Parks does not cover state parks. \nIf you have questions, please call Nancy Rice, the Registrar, 971-241-9008 or Mike Rice, tour leader, 971-241-9009.
