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Bicycling
Coos Bay, North Bend to
Charleston and Bandon -
The Second Part of the Cycling Trip
After surviving the walk across the Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge, bicyclists will enter North Bend.
The cycle ride from the Bridge, into North Bend and through Coos Bay is about 5.5 miles (9 km), but there is another almost 5 miles (8 km) until Route 101 becomes rural again. There are alternatives to biking through this industrial section (see below).
The rural section of Route 101, The Pacific Coast Highway, continues south of Coos Bay to Bandon well away from the coast and offers few scenic points. Just prior to Bandon is Bullard's Beach State Park and the Bandon Wildlife Refuge (more about that in the Bandon cycling section).
Lodging
Coos Bay / North Bend has perhaps the largest selection of lodging along the coast. Choose from those located along Route 101 which include small hotels, a casino, and national chains.
Bandon has a wide selection of hotels, ranging from the inexpensive, to the lush, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Camping
Camping along this section requires some planning, especially if going directly through Coos Bay and missing the scenic route. Campgrounds are located immediately north of North Bend / Coos Bay, prior to crossing the bridge. Recommended is the Bluebill Campground (only 18 spots) located 1.5 miles north of the bridge.
If not taking the scenic route, the next campground is located at Bullard's Beach State Park, just north of Bandon, approximately 25 miles south of Coos Bay (all the more reason to take the scenic route - see "Side Trips" below) and 2 miles north of Bandon. Bullard's Beach State Park is another example of the excellent Oregon State Park System that caters to bicyclists (along with hikers, equestrians, campers and RV's).
Side Trips
On crossing the Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge, look for route signs leading to the Charleston / State Parks. The signs will lead cyclers to turn right (west) on Virginia Avenue, turn left (south) on Broadway, then right again on Newmark, past the shopping strips and out of town. Those looking for a little more in-town scenery can try staying on Virginia Avenue, past Broadway to Oak Street. Turn left on Oak, then right on Lakeshore Drive. Follow the windy Lakeshore, which becomes N. Wasson to Cape Arago Highway. Turn right (west) and follow Cape Arago Highway to Charleston. The trip is about 9 miles. Note that shoulders are not particularly wide on this portion of the trip - be careful.
Charleston is a working seaport on Coos Bay near the Pacific Ocean. Take the time to bicycle around and enjoy the authentic scenery. There are many fine restaurants offering freshly caught seafood.
After Charleston, continue cycling west along Cape Arago Highway towards Bastendorff Beach County Park, Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres, Cape Arago State Park and lighthouse - all offering amazing views of the Pacific and excellent places to enjoy the unspoiled coast and all it has to offer. Cape Arago Highway continues past Bastendorff Beach, Yoakam Point State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres, and dead ends at Cape Arago (5.4 miles - 8.7 km each way). Enjoy the views along the way as well as the seals and sea lions off of Cape Arago. Cape Arago road is a bit hilly and the shoulders are not always wide.
Camp for the night at Sunset Bay State Park or Bastendorff Beach County Park, that offer a dedicated hiking / cycling camping and are excellent facilities.
The next morning, cycle back towards Charleston (breakfast?), then, just prior to entering town, turn right (southeast) on 7 Devils Road. 7 Devils Road becomes West Beaver Hill Road and ends at Route 101. Turn right (south) on Route 101 and cycle towards Bandon. The trip to Bandon is 22 miles (35 km) from Charleston. The 7 Devils / West Beaver Hill Road portions of the trip are not heavily traveled and do not have much in the way of shoulders. If camping, plan on staying at Bullard's Beach State Park located 2 miles north of Bandon.
From maps, it looks like it is possible to stay on back roads with very little time on Route 101 from Charleston to Bullard's Beach State Park, but this writer does not have experience with those roads and cannot comment on that route. Please send comments / suggestions to:
Bastendorff Beach
Bastendorff Beach is a county campground, day use area and beach. The park consists of 89 acres and is a beautiful place to camp. There are 91 campsites of which 56 are secluded RV sites with electrical and water hookups. There are an additional 35 sites for tent campers and additional sites for hikers and bicyclists. There are restrooms and coin-operated showers.
For reservations, call 541-396-3121 x354.
For day use, there are picnic areas and a fish cleaning stand. For group activities, there are two picnic shelters with kitchens and a fire pit - barbecue. Bastendorff Beach is located directly west of Charleston, just north of the Cape Arago Lighthouse. Also nearby is Shore Acres, Sunset Bay State Park, and Cape Arago State Park.
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Bluebill Campground
Bluebill Campground has 18 sites available for tents, cars, RVs, and trailers. Pit toilets and drinking water are available. The campground is a short distance from the beach and the Pacific Ocean / Oregon Coast in shorepine, waxmyrtle and huckleberry near Bluebill Lake. Bluebill Trail is a 1.25 mile hike around the Lake. While nearby campgrounds are oriented towards ATV activities, Bluebill Campground is located in the dunes area that is closed to motor vehicles ... more
Cape Arago Lighthouse
Cape Arago Lighthouse was constructed in 1889 and it was decommissioned in 1993. The Coast Guard removed the Fresnel lens from the tower, and placed it on display at Coast Guard Air Station North Bend. On January 1, 2006, the light was discontinued. The footbridge to the island is fenced off, as are the surrounding grounds on the mainland. As of 2009, the lighthouse is not open to the public. This is probably the most difficult Oregon coast light to find, but the lighthouse ... more
Cape Arago State Park
Cape Arago State Park has hiking trails, picnic tables, opportunities for tidepooling and viewing marine life, including whales, sea lions and seals. North of the park, on the way in, is the Simpson Reef interpretive stop offering the opportunity to view the sea mammals from the new viewing deck. Volunteers are frequently at this viewing area to answer questions and loan out their sighting scopes.
Cape Arago State Park at the end of Cape Arago Highway about 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay and just a few miles southwest of Charleston. On the way to this park, be certain to stop at Shore Acres State Park and Sunset Bay. Save some time to stop at many of the fine restaurants located in Charleston that specialize in fresh seafood.
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Charleston
Charleston is a working seaport and is well worth the diversion off of Route 101. Watch as the fishermen work the sea, much as they have for centuries. It is also home to several restaurants that feature the freshly caught bounty of the Pacific Ocean.
While in the area, stop at Bastendorff Beach County Park, Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres, Cape Arago State Park and lighthouse - all offering amazing views of the Pacific and excellent places to enjoy the unspoiled coast and all it has to offer.
If driving south on Route 101, follow the signs to Shore Points while driving through North Bend / Coos Bay.
If traveling north on Route 101, look for a left turn (west) approximately 7 miles north of Bullards Bridge north of Bandon onto W Beaver Hill Road, which becomes 7 Devils Road into Charleston.
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Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge
The Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge, which crosses Coos Bay, is one of the most beautiful and well-known bridges along the Pacific coast.
The bridge was completed in 1936 and spans the Coos Bay shipping channel. It is a cantilever construction and its designer, Conde McCullough, emphasized architectural beauty through the use of a graceful concrete and steel structure of Art Deco design that flows across the open water.
US Route 101 crosses Coos Bay on the bridge. Because the bridge and the walkway are narrow, cyclists are required to dismount and walk across the bridge.
Sunset Bay State Park
Sunset Bay State Park offers extensive picnic and overnight camping. Located in one of the most scenic areas of the coast, this park features wide sandy beaches and ocean views. Tide pooling at low tide reveals the secrets of the Pacific Ocean.
Sunset Bay State Park is connected to the nearby Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks by a series of hiking trails. The trails travel along the pristine coastal forests and towering cliffs offering ocean views and sights of the Cape Arago Lighthouse.
The park offers 29 full hookup, 34 electrical, 66 tent (maximum site 47 feet); 8 yurts; group tent (2 areas), and a hiker/biker camp.
For information only, call Sunset Bay State Park at (541) 888-4902 or (800) 551-6949. To make reservations, call 1-800-452-5687.
