Ocean & Beaches in Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston Area

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Ocean & Beaches in Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston Area
50 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420 | 541.269.0215 | 1-800-824-8486

Come on in, the water's warm (well, not always). But that is part of the charm. Oregon's Adventure Coast is the most versatile coastal destination on the Oregon Coast! We have swimming beaches in our many rivers and lakes. And our Ocean coast offers so many different options that you can pick your experience.

Whether you want to sit, reflect and just watch the tide, or have a romantic evening watching the sun set over the horizon, you can do it here. Beach combing, whale watching, surfing and clamming are other popular pastimes With our bay and Coastal landscapes, you could spend your whole vacation doing something different every day and still have plenty to do next time you visit.

Horsfall Beach | Lighthouse Beach | Sunset Bay State Park | Bastendorff Beach & County Park | Shore Acres State Park | Simpson Beach | Shell Island | Cape Arago State Park | Seven Devils Recreation Site & Beach | Whiskey Run Beach | Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area

Horsfall Beach
Located along the Oregon National Recreation Area, Horsfall Beach is a haven for locals and visitors alike. Miles of open sand, flooded deflation plain wet lands, beach and inland dunes can be found here. Surf fishing, off highway vehicle riding, horseback riding and hiking are allowed.
Winter storms are notorious for revealing shipwrecks from times past, on this beach. Click here to see pictures, videos and maps of the shipwrecks and area. From U.S. 101 north of North Bend, turn west on Trans Pacific Lane, and follow it 4 ½ miles to the trailhead; blm.gov/or/districts/coosbay or 541/756-0100

Lighthouse Beach
Known for its excellent kayaking, scuba diving and views of the Cape Arago Lighthouse. Lighthouse Beach is a pristine beach situated in an alcove. There is very little public access to this beach, and no parking close by, but the walk is well worth the effort. Many choose to kayak to Lighthouse Beach. Never crowded and always beautiful, bring your binoculars as eagles and ospreys are often seen here.

Sunset Bay State Park
Sunset Bay State Park features beautiful sandy beaches protected by towering sea cliffs. A favorite among locals and tourists, Sunset Bay State Park is protected by towering sea cliffs and features beautiful sandy beaches, amazing tide pools, picnic facilities, restrooms, and campgrounds. Beach goers will find easy access for beach combing, birding, fishing, swimming, and boating.

A network of hiking trails connects Sunset Bay with nearby Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks. Hiking these trails will give you a chance to experience pristine coastal forests, seasonal wildflowers and spectacular ocean vistas from atop the rugged cliffs and headlands. From points along the trail, you'll be treated to views of Gregory Point and the Cape Arago lighthouse.

At low tide, view the ancient forests, the roots of spruce trees become visible in the sandy bottom of Sunset Bay. 1200 – year-old remnants of ancient coastal forests, they are evidence of the dynamic and sometimes cataclysmic events that shaped Oregon’s coastline. These majestic sentinels that stood against raging windstorms fell victim to the gradually rising sea, as well as the sudden upheaval of the land during a major earthquake.

For camping information call 541.888.4902 or 1.800.551.6949.

Bastendorff Beach & County Park
Bastendorff Beach is a favorite among surfers, kiters, beachcombers and locals and tourists alike. You’ll find an uninterrupted beach and ocean views can be enjoyed here. Bastendorff Beach is defined by Yoakam Head and the south jetty at the entrance of the bay. Located ¼ mile off the Cape Arago Highway, approximately 2 miles west of Charleston. Never crowded and always beautiful, Bastendorff Beach is a must see for beach enthusiasts.
Perched above on top of the hill is the spacious 89 acre Bastendorff County Park. The park is open year-round for RV or tent camping. Campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis.

The campground consists of 91 campsites surrounded by large trees and coastal foliage. An additional 35 sites are perfect for tent campers. There are handicap accessible restrooms and warm, coin-operated showers. Hiker/bicyclist sites are located in loop "A" and a handicap accessible site in Loop "C". Call 541.888.5353 for campground information.

Shore Acres State Park
The jewel of the South Coast, Shore Acres State Park is perched on rugged sandstone cliffs high above the ocean. Shore Acres is an unexpected combination of beautiful natural and man-made features. Once the famed estates of Louis Simpson, Shore Acres features lushly planted gardens with plans and flowers from all over the world. There’s something blooming everyday of the year. This is such a special place that we have created it's own page - check it out.

Simpson Beach
Situated directly below Shore Acres, a winding path takes you to this secluded ocean cove. You’ll find crashing waves, migrating whales, and views of hundreds of seals & sea lions and other wildlife. Please do not bother the seal pups you may find on the beach. They are not lost, only waiting for mom to return.

Shell Island
Part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Shell Island and the surrounding reefs provide breeding and rest areas for sea birds and Marine mammals. Gray Whales, Northern Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, Stellar Sea Lions, Black Oystercatchers, Great Blue Herons, and Pelagic Cormorants can all be viewed here. Because of the abundance of wildlife on Shell Island, there is no public access to the island itself, but viewing points can be found at Shore Acres, Simpson Reef Overlook and viewpoints along Cape Arago Highway.

Cape Arago State Park
Located at the end of Cape Arago Highway, you’ll find Cape Arago Beach. Tucked away below the cliffs, a short walk along the steep trails will take you to a secluded cove where tide pooling and fossils can be found. Visitors can also enjoy whale watching, fishing, and scuba diving. Two trails can be found for excellent hiking opportunities, the south trail leads to tidepools full of a variety of sea life, and the north trail lets visitors view offshore colonies of seals and sea lions. The north trail is closed from March – June to protect the seal pups during birthing season. For more information, call 541.888.3779, ext 26. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.

Seven Devils Recreation Site & Beach
Located 8 miles south of Charleston on Seven Devils Road, in a rather isolated location along the coastline, Seven Devils Beach is surrounded by meadows, trees and rolling hills. Ideal for hikers as no motor vehicles are allowed, it is also a known spot to search for agates.

Whiskey Run Beach
Also accessed from Seven Devils Road, you may find a few locals out on dirt bikes as motor vehicles are allowed on this beach. You can usually find sail boarding enthusiasts enjoying the wind and the waves. Whiskey Run is hard to get to but if you’re searching for agates, this is a favorite spot for beachcombers.

Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area
Located a half hour from Coos Bay at the end of Coos River Highway, Golden and Silver Falls is 24 miles off Highway 101. A small parking and picnic area is located along the banks of Glenn and Silver Creeks, set in an old-growth forest of Douglas fir, Big Leaf Maple and Oregon myrtle trees. Hiking trails wind through scenic canyons to each of the two waterfalls. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings and a restroom. Bring your own drinking water. This park is a favorite for fishing, hiking, enjoying nature and solitude, and photography.