Imagine a place where rugged cliffs meet the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, where pristine beaches hide beneath misty horizons, and where windswept dunes stretch out for miles. This is the Southern Coast of Oregon. It’s brimming with natural wonders, charming coastal towns, and untamed beauty. From the scenic views at Sammuel H. Boardman State Park to the otherworldly Oregon Sand Dunes, this corner of the Pacific Northwest beckons travelers to explore its diverse landscape. Whether you’re seeking adventurous hikes or a chance to escape and unwind with tranquil moments by the sea, the Southern Coast of Oregon promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the allure of Oregon’s Southern Coast.
1. Top Spots to Visit on the Southern Oregon Coast
You could spend months driving along the Southern Coast of Oregon and still not witness all that it has to offer. But seeing as how many of us don’t have months to drop everything and hit the road I’ve come up with a list of what I think are some of the best places to visit. I took a long weekend trip to the coast and was able to fit in each of the following spots; Sammuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Meyer’s Creek Beach, Sister’s Rocks, Frankport Sea Cave, Thor’s Well, and the Oregon Sand Dunes. This is not even close to an all encompassing list of places to see, but they were some of my favorite stopping points.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
If you’re short on time, this state park needs to be on your list. There are multiple stunning view points and hikes within this area, and if you’re trying to see a lot in a little amount of time, then this is the place to do it. The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor stretches along 12 miles of Highway 101. The drive in itself is scenic, but the real magic lies within the countless turnoffs that feature, beaches, scenic viewpoints, picnic areas, and numerous trailheads. The main trail connecting the different sections is called the Oregon Coast Trail. You could choose to simply hike this 18-mile segment of the trail or drive between each turnoff and hike parts of the trail separately. I chose the second option.
There are many side trails within this park and things are not always obviously marked. I would suggest having some form of GPS that operates without cell service. I used All Trails and it was mostly accurate. Some of the highlight points in this park are Cape Ferrelo, Whaleshead Beach, Natural Bridge, Indian Sands, China Beach, Secret Beach, Thunder Rock Cove, and Arch Rock. I’ll be creating a second blog post to dive further into visiting Samuel H. Boardman State Park.
Meyers Creek Beach
This beach was not planned on my list of places, but it was too stunning not to stop. You’ll find it about 7 miles south of the town of Gold Beach off U.S. Highway 101. There are multiple access points to get down to the beach which stretches over approximately 2 miles, amidst large sea stacks. The day I visited happened to be particularly windy, which isn’t uncommon for this area. The sand actually made the air glitter as it was blown across the beach. These conditions can be inconvenient for a casual beach stroll, but they allow it to be a great spot for windsurfing.
Sisters Rocks and Frankport Sea Cave
Sisters Rocks are a group of three isolated peaks along the coast. The 1 mile out-and-back trail out to these peaks includes beautiful beach views, rocky cliffs, and a sea cave! The trailhead starts at the parking lot just off of Highway 101. It is slightly overgrown in some areas and very rocky in others. Use caution and wear appropriate hiking shoes.
Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn
Another stop along Highway 101 that you can’t miss is Thor’s well. There are a few places to park along the highway to reach this trailhead. The best spot is the Cape Cove Trailhead parking lot. From here you can take the trail down and to the left until you reach a set of stairs leading to the coastline. If you have trouble spotting Thor’s Well, it’s likely the area surrounded by a circle of onlookers. The best time to view the well is high tide. This is when the water is more likely to come over the top of the surrounding rocks and pour into the well. However it will be more difficult to get safely close to the well at high tide. I visited a few hours before and was able to see quite a few large waves that came up through the well from underneath.
Another thing to see in this area, just to the left of the stairs and across the inlet, is Spouting Horn. Which is very much what it sounds like; an ocean geyser that is propelled by waves funneling up through a sea cave. This entire coastal area, known as Captain Cook Point, is a great place to explore tidepools as well. Just be aware of changing tides and sneaker waves.
Oregon Sand Dunes
This may have been one of my favorite stops. I was simply not expecting the Dunes to be what they were. Walking through the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area makes you forget you’re even in Oregon. Miles and miles of windswept sand dunes, some towering up to 500 feet above sea level. There are many places to enter the dunes, but I chose the John Dellenbeck Trailhead. Use of this area requires a day pass, which you can get for $5, or any valid recreation pass such as the Northwest Forest Pass or American the Beautiful National Parks Pass. There is also a campsite nearby, Eel Creek Campground, with 38 sites, including some perched along the dunes.
In my opinion the best time to visit here is sunset. The golden hues of the sand at this time are simply mesmerizing. The John Dellenbeck Dunes Trail which ends at the beach is only 2.7 miles, but trekking through soft, steep, sand dunes can make this hike feel much longer. There are wooden post markers along the trail, but I would again advise the use of All Trails, as it is easy to lose where you are once you’re in the dunes. If you stray too far from the path they begin to all look the same.
2. Where to stay on the Southern Oregon Coast
With the multitude of quaint coastal towns that line the Southern part of Oregon, there is no shortage of places to stay. Whether you choose an Airbnb with an ocean front view, a vacation rental, or a more budget friendly motel in one of the beach towns, the options are endless. I stayed in a vacation rental at Whaleshead Beach Resort booked through VRBO for two nights, and then at a lovely Airbnb in Reedsport for my second night. Both places were ideal for their locations. Whaleshead Beach Resort has spectacular views of the beach, and is right off the section of Highway 101 that runs along Samuel H. Boardman State Park. And the small town of Reedsport is only a 15 minute drive from the John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead.
3. Towns to Stop In Along the Coast
As mentioned before the Southern Coast of Oregon is dotted with cozy sea towns with plenty of local restaurants and shops to visit. The seafood is some of the freshest you’ll find, and the local artisans shops are full of handmade creations.
Brookings
This small town is located just 6 miles north of of the California border. It’s about an 8 minutes drive from here to the first stop in Samuel H. Boardman State Park.
Bandon
From incredible ocean vistas to sand dune golf resorts, the beach community of Bandon has it all. Top things to see here include State Rock Scenic Viewpoint and the Coquille River Lighthouse.
Coos Bay
One of the largest bays on the coast, the town of Coos Bay is known for its fresh coastal cuisine, museums, and local shops. It is also located near the Southern entrance of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Gold Beach
This is another great spot for fresh local eats. If you make a stop here, check out Barnacle Bistro and their local brewery Arch Rock Brewing.
The Southern Coast of Oregon is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure. Whether you’re in search of secluded beaches or coastal towns brimming with culture, this place has something to offer for every traveler. So hit the road and head out to scenic Highway 101. Happy travels!
