South Coast: Bandon, Brookings, Charleston, Coos Bay, Gold Beach, Port Oxford
Shore Acres State Park - Charleston/Coos Bay (between Bandon, Coos Bay)
Year-round, 8:00am-dusk (Holiday Lights: 4:30pm-9:30pm)
Location: 89428 Cape Arago Highway. From Highway 101 Coos Bay, follow signs 9 miles to Charleston, continue straight four miles; after passing Sunset Bay State Park, turn right into Shore Acres entrance.
Why Go There? Former estate of wealthy timber baron; extensive gardens, multiple garden events; expansive views along the coast; trail to a small beach, connects to Oregon Coast Trail. Good for short strolls around gardens or several miles of easy-moderate hiking along Cape Arago/Oregon Coast Trail. During the season, can spot migrating gray whales. Community organizations participate in popular annual Thanksgiving through New Year's Day daily holiday lights display; gift shop; fee parking (no additional fee to visit park).
More Information: Oregon State Parks + Shore Acres
Chetco River Redwood Nature Trail loop - Brookings
Location: From Highway 101, just north of Chetco River bridge, turn east (right if you're driving north, left if you're driving south) onto Constitution Way, immediate right onto North Bank Chetco River Road, go past Loeb State Park (7.5 miles), another .5 mile to pullout at the Redwood Nature Trail trailhead.
Why Go There? A wonderful stretch stop during long drives; 1.1 mile walk, 290 ft elevation gain/loss through Siskiyou National Forest redwood tree grove. Trail connects to Chetco River; refreshing swimming hole (very popular during peak season, hot weather), and Alfred A Loeb State Park day use parking. State park has three rentable rustic cabins (reservations required); first-come-first serve fee campsites.
More Information: Redwood Hikes
Cape Sebastian Trail - Gold Beach
Location: Six miles south of Gold Beach, signs lead to upper, lower parking lots.
Why Go There? Part of Coast Trail system, scenic views on clear days (whale watching and wildflowers are seasonal pluses); good exercise for hikers who like steep ascends, descends; options to extend hike, or just short 1.5 mile leg stretcher.
More Information: Gold Beach Oregon + Oregon State Parks
Humbug Mountain - Port Orford
Location: Part of Humbug Mountain State Park, approximately four miles south of Port Orford; clearly marked trailhead; parking area off Highway 101.
Why Go There? Five-six mile round trip, 1756 feet elevation gain/loss loop trail with ocean, forest views; limited view at the top, due to trees. Beautiful seasonal wildflowers, gushing crossable small creek waterfalls along the trail. Trail open year-round; each season offers beauty though can be blustery and wet (best time to have trail to one's self!); popular.
More Information: Humbug Mountain Trail
Additional Resources
Great Oregon Coast Hikes - Brookings (north eight miles)
Thomas Creek to Whaleshead Beach scenic hike
Chosi Japanese Garden - Coos Bay
Mingus Park; 0.33 mile loop trail around manmade lake
Golden & Silver Falls - Coos Bay
Highway 241, 24 miles east: Golden & Silver Falls hike
Elk Creek Falls Trail - Coos Bay
AllTrails
Easy Hikes - Oregon Coast
Selected easy hikes Oregon Coast Trail