: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor by Gary Hayes

A Journey Through the Wild Rivers Coast

June 26, 2014 (Updated July 22, 2016)

Adventures of all kinds await on this fun-filled itinerary that shows off some of the best that the Southern Oregon Coast has to offer. You’ll get your fill of adventure, beautiful scenery and an Oregon Coast experience you won’t forget.

Day 1: Brookings to Gold Beach

Start your journey at the Oregon-California state line for a photo of the “Welcome to Oregon” sign before heading to Crissey Field State Recreation Site, where you can hike along a pristine beach and explore the native wetlands and river frontage. Have lunch at the Port of Brookings-Harbor and wander the shops around the marina.  Next up is Brandy Peak Distillery, a family-owned micro-distillery where you can tour and sample smooth, rich and aromatic spirits.

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Wrap up your day with a drive along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the West Coast: the 12 miles that make up the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Plan plenty of time to explore the views of trails and steep coastline interrupted by stretches sandy beaches and rocky coves. Hike the trails to popular viewpoints like Indian Sands or Arch Rock, then spend the night at Jots Resort or Pacific Reef Resort in Gold Beach.

Day 2: Gold Beach to Port Orford

Start with breakfast at Rollin ‘n’ Dough in Gold Beach followed by a walk on the beach to find treasures; hunt for agates, sand dollars and even glass floats. Make your way to the Port of Gold Beach to take a ride on Jerry’s Jet Boats up the Rogue River and look for bald eagles, otters and bears. If you’re not too worn out from your adventures, make a stop at the Prehistoric Gardens as you take the short drive to Port Orford. Stay over at Sea Crest Motel or the Compass Rose Bed & Breakfast.

Day 3: Port Orford to Bandon

Start your day with one of the famed cinnamon rolls at Paradise Café to power up for a hike to Cape Blanco, where you’ll stand on the westernmost point of the continental U.S. The Port Orford trails will provide spectacular views of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and ocean reefs. Have lunch at Redfish Restaurant overlooking historic Battlerock or stop at Langlois Market for their famous hot dogs and housemade mustard. From here, head west to Floras Lake for your choice of kiteboarding, windsailing or kayaking. Arrive in Bandon in time to enjoy a sunset stroll through the more than 50 shops and restaurants downtown. Cozy up for the night at the Table Rock Motel or the Bandon Beach Motel.

Day 4: Bandon to Coos Bay

Stop for breakfast at Bandon Coffee Company before heading north. Take 7 Devils Road to Charleston to experience hiking on the Cape Arago Pack Trail or the longer Oregon Coast Trail. Both will take you through stunning forests with ocean views and through Shore Acres State Park and Botanical Gardens. Have lunch at one of the many quaint seafood restaurants in Charleston for fresh fish & chips or clam chowder.

For your next adventure, go crabbing off the docks of Charleston or take a kayak out at Sunset Bay State Park or on one of the many estuary trails at South Slough National Estuarine Reserve. Pair your dinner with a local brew at 7 Devils Brewing in downtown Coos Bay. Stay the night at the Edgewater Inn on the waterfront or the Best Western just steps from the boardwalk. On your last day, wake up to fresh pancakes at the famed Pancake Mill. You’ll need to power up before catching low tide to experience clamming in the Empire District of Coos Bay or to get ready to ride the famed Oregon Dunes at Spinreel ATV & Dunebuggy Rentals.

About The
Author

Emily Forsha
Emily is a digital marketing pro living in TrackTown USA. You’re likely to find her cheering on the Oregon Ducks, running on Eugene’s riverfront path, cooking up new recipes in her kitchen or road tripping around the state with her husband and two boys.