The Southern Oregon Coast

When we headed west at the end of December, we knew that by May we would either need to start driving back east or plan to fly home for some family time. Eventually, the lure of continuing up the coast won out over the terrifying thought of flying with our cat so we booked a flight out of Seattle.

So, state park hopping up the Oregon coast we went. And, WOW! When I said the area around Redwood National and State Parks/Crescent City, CA has to be one of the most beautiful areas of the country, our sentiment continues up into southern Oregon. Oregon’s 1967 “Beach Bill” secured public access to the majority of the state’s 360-mile coastline. It is basically one state park after another and the ones that have campgrounds are very nice.

Our first stop was just across the border in Brookings at Harris Beach State Park. When I was first making our reservations, there was nothing available but we ended up nabbing a last-minute cancellation for the weekend.

We had really wanted to stay in Brookings in order to explore the overlooks of rock formations and short but steep trails to secluded beaches along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. Our two favorite stops were Secret Beach and Natural Bridges.

Afterward, we walked around Harris Beach and caught a hauntingly beautiful sunset. We loved the campground, which even has some full hookup sites if you book early, and is a place we’d like to stay at again.

On Sunday afternoon we moved 85 miles up the coast to spend the workweek at another beautiful campground at Bullards Beach State Park. I’d say the biggest draw to this area is the cute touristy town of Bandon, where you can try local cheese from Face Rock Creamery, cranberry goodies from locally grown cranberries, and fresh seafood from one of the dueling waterfront crab shacks.

A couple of times during the week we biked the 2 miles out to Bullards Beach and to the Coquille River Lighthouse. This was the first of all nine Oregon lighthouses we visited, which wasn’t an original goal, but after seeing a few of them, became one.

We also walked at Bandon Beach a couple of times because, unlike Bullards Beach which is just sand and dunes, Bandon has numerous rock formations and some tidepools that can be explored.

My mom kept saying that the pictures that I was sending her looked ominous. Well, Mom, I guess it’s time to tell you that you were on to something. Scientists think that the Cascadian Subduction Zone, located a short distance offshore, is overdue for an earthquake. After a major earthquake, folks in low-lying areas, including all 4 state parks we stayed at, would have 15-20 minutes to get to higher ground before a tsunami. Oregon takes its responsibility of warning you very seriously and there are signs everywhere.

Instead of worrying too much about a middle-of-the-night tsunami, we tried to focus on seeing as much of the coast as possible. A half-hour north of Bandon are 3 state parks – Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago – that are connected by a trail. We walked between the first two and then drove to Cape Arago. Part of the trail we walked had gorgeous water views. Other parts were so muddy that we swore off “muddy” trails for the rest of our time in Oregon.

Shore Acres is the former estate of a wealthy Oregonian. It had some very interesting geology in addition to curated gardens with blooming azaleas and rhododendron this time of year.

The highlight of Cape Arago State Park was viewing Shell Island (with binoculars), which is the largest haul-out for seals and sea lions in Oregon.

We also explored several areas south of Bandon. This is a lookout from Sisters Rock State Park.

And, took an awesome 6-mile hike through mossy trees and ferns to the summit of Humbug Mountain, the highest peak on the Oregon coast.

Last, we took a little detour on our way back to see the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, located on the state’s westernmost point.

Next up, we spend a couple of rainy weeks on the northern coast of Oregon.