Bandon, Oregon

Bandon, Oregon, located on the Southern Oregon coast, is about 90 miles north of the California border and about five hours south of Portland. In other words, it's just far enough away so that it has not become a touristy, seaside destination. And that's good news for all of us.This sleepy seasid...

The Bandon State Natural area is a wide, mostly undeveloped section of the South Coast that is perfect for beachcombing, exploration, and fat tire biking with fun driftwood for tricks and jumps along with large flat shallow areas extending far out into the ocean.  Sure you will get wet and always...

If you find yourself in or around Coos Bay in Oregon, don't miss the opportunity to witness the most dramatic wave action you'll ever see. These gigantic waves are just mesmerizing! Shore Acres State Park is on the Cape Arago Hwy, 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay/North Bend and U.S. Highway 101. Th...

Located at the state's westernmost tip and perched over the Pacific Ocean, the Cape Blanco Lighthouse was built and 1870 and features views up and down the rugged Oregon Coast. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, tours cost $2 for adults (free for youth 15 and younger). Tours: April-Oct. 31...

The Port Orford Heads State Park comprises a drastically pronounced peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean from the southern Oregon coast, providing breathtaking views both north to the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and south to Humbug Mountain and beyond. The Port Orford Heads Trail is the main l...

Starting out at the pullout on the highway across from the Humbug Mountain State Campground, follow the winding trail up through the forrest to the top of the mountain. There is a nice bench at the top for a snack (or a beer).  The hike is fairly long and demanding, but isn't too steep due to th...

I think the greatest appeal of the John Dellenback area is its diversity.  The varied coastal ecosystems, including a creek and forest with moisture-loving souls like the newts and gigantic slugs contrasts significantly with the expansive sand dunes just beyond the edge of the tree line.  In one ...

Getting here was half the adventure. Google led us in quite the wrong way. Whatever you do, approach this park from Allegany, outside of Coos Bay. From Allegany there are signs to the park. The road is about 9 miles from here. Drive until the road dead ends with cement blocks. Here you will have ...

The Umpqua State Lighthouse is an emerald gem of Oregon Coastal perfection: dense forest intermingled with lakes and streams spill out onto a massive dune system that plays gatekeeper to the Umpqua River as it empties into the roaring Pacific Ocean.  Lake Marie sits nestled in the heart of the pa...

The Steelhead run on the Rogue River is famous the world over and for good reason. Like anywhere, local guides are the gatekeepers to the right spot and should be contacted accordingly.  Steelhead run December through March and Chinook April through Fall, with Coho making an appearance in the lat...

The Rogue River is famous the world over for rafting and for its Steelhead runs, possessing a dramatic undeveloped canyon untouched by road and man, and being one of the Original 7 Wild & Scenic Rivers designed by Congress. And not only is it fantastic for rafting but entire sections are perf...