Travel the South Oregon Coast

Relaxed and Natural

If planning a vacation at Crater Lake National Park, Lassen National Park, or any portion of the Pacific Northwest, be certain to travel to the spectacular, unspoiled, Oregon south coast.

Why the South Oregon Coast?

Northern California, along CA route 1, is crowded. Travel is tough along the extremely winding roads. The views are not nearly as spectacular as the Oregon south coast.

The central and northern Oregon coast is highly developed and, according to AAA, has some of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the USA.

The south coast is undeveloped, natural, uncrowded, family friendly and easy to travel. It has wide open roads and has some of the most unforgettable scenery in the world. Select a beach and find that it is typically empty, wide, clean, pet friendly, and undeveloped. The only interruptions are an occasional bark of a sea lion, a fly over of a bald eagle or osprey, or a spout from a passing whale.

The coast has Sahara like dunes and boundless sandy beaches to the north, secluded beaches and stunning rugged cliffs with breathtaking viewpoints for whale watching in the middle, and ends with the famous redwood forests on the south.

In between, there are historic lighthouses, wild rivers, quaint historic towns, and restaurants with legendary seafood and Pacific Ocean or wild river views.

The Rogue River, Fishing, and the Wild River Coast

Explore the Wild Rivers of the great Pacific Northwest. Come and see the famous Rogue River, along with the lesser known but beautiful Chetco, Sixes, Umpqua, Klamath, and Elk rivers with their legendary Salmon fishing. Take a quick trip out to the Pacific Ocean for amazing bottom fishing. Or sit back and ride a jet boat up the wild and scenic Rogue River and watch the eagles, river otters, salmon and the occasional black bear.

The Towns

To the north is Reedsport, the headquarters of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area; passes through the Bay Area of Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston; onto the dramatic views of Port Orford, Gold Beach and Brookings; then finishes at Crescent City (CA). Bandon, located in the middle, is home to the famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, listed as one of the top five golf courses in the US.

Each town has a wide selection of hotels, camping, and RV resorts to meet any need.

The Beaches

The beaches are natural, uncrowded, undeveloped and wide open. A crowded day at the beach is seeing another person. Take a stroll watch and osprey dive in the water and take her catch back to the nest. Or marvel at the group of pelicans as they travel along the shore. Select a hotel and watch the sun set slowly into the Pacific.

Camping and RV's

There are at least 32 public camping spots and many more private facilities. Camp along the beach with views of the Pacific Ocean while others are located further inland or up one of the many Wild and Scenic Rivers. There is RV camping for all levels, some with full hookups and all amenities. Other RV sites are more isolated with privacy in the forest.

Rent a Dune Buggy, ATV or Quad

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area starts at Coos Bay and heads north through Reedsport. It is magnificent, massive and can only be found here. The best way to see it is by renting an ATV. Never been on a dune buggy before? Let the experts show you how and then have a great time.

Ecotourism

This is an area of remarkable natural beauty. Endless sunsets, vast, pet friendly beaches and incredible vistas. Enjoy whale watching and the views of the sea lions and harbor seals competing for the fish along with bald eagles, osprey, river otters, elk, and the occasional black bear.

Participate in outdoor activities like boating, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, nature walks, and hiking along the beach or in the Siskiyou National Forest / Kalmiopsis Wilderness.

The Drive

This portion of US Route 101 is removed from large urban areas and has open roads with easy, pleasurable travel that makes driving fun again. Travel at a leisurely pace and plan on stopping frequently to take in the spectacular views.

Cycling

Bicyclists will find less automobile traffic, wide shoulders and lots of places to see, plenty of campsites and an abundance of bike friendly hotels and restaurants. Much of US Highway 101 hugs the ocean, offering amazing sights and views from the road while bicycling.

It is time to take a relaxing vacation and see how remarkable America can be.