Charleston to Bandon Tour Route
A short spur off the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, this route showcases a glorious stretch of coastline that includes six state parks, two National Wildlife Refuges, and America's first National Estuarine Research Reserve. A series of beautiful parks await you on this stretch of the route, including Coos Head and Cape Arago.
Download the pdf of this drive.
1.
To Coos Head
Off the highway to Charleston (a working fishing port), you'll pass the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, Coos Head, and Bastendorf Beach County Park.
2.
Out to Cape Arago
A series of beautiful parks await you on this stretch of the Route, including Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres State Park, and Cape Arago State Park. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the surf near Simpson Reef, and migrating whales can be found further off the coast.
3.
Down to the Lighthouse
The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is home to many important species including bald eagles, great blue herons, elk, and Dungeness crab, and offers a number of good hiking and pedaling trails. You will also see many of Bandon'S cranberry bogs, as Bandon is the unofficial cranberry capital of the Pacific Northwest. The Coquille River Lighthouse is another popular attraction in Bandon, and one of Oregon's most photographed landmarks.