These top Oregon State Parks are all located within 35 miles of Bandon. Visiting the parks is a wonderful way to spend some time taking in the natural beauty of the area as well as learn about some of its interesting history. For more information on any of the below parks, visit the Oregon State Parks website. The State Parks described below are organized from north to south.
To learn about the many hikes as well as camping opportunities in the Bandon area, visit the Hiking & Camping page.
Sunset Bay State Park
25 miles north of Bandon is Sunset Bay State Park, located in the same area as and connected by a network of trails to Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks. Spend your day here on sandy beaches surrounded by rocky cliffs beachcombing, enjoying tidepools, birding, fishing and swimming. At low tide, look for the roots of spruce trees, evidence of an ancient coastal forest. If you want to extend your visit, stay in the campground or rent a cozy yurt.
Shore Acres State Park
A 26 mile beautiful drive north from Bandon will get you to Shore Acres State Park, a gem in the Oregon State Park system. The park was once the estate of the timber baron Louis Simpson who had the grounds beautifully landscaped for his wife. Today, visitors will find a variety of gardens which are decorated with colored lights for the holidays. The park also offers amazing views of the ocean from a shelter on the cliff’s edge built on the site of the former mansion. It is a perfect spot for viewing migrating whales or to simply watch the waves crashing against the rocks below. Hiking trails connect the park to Cape Arago State Park. The 4.4 mile loop shows off the rugged coastline and forest of the area.
Cape Arago State Park
If you are looking for a day trip with tide pools, trails, picnicking, beachcombing, and whale (and other sea mammals) watching, the drive to Cape Arago State Park may well be worth it. Approximately 28 scenic miles from Bandon, the park has a history dating back to Sir Francis Drake and the 16th century. Hiking trails connect the park to Shore Acres State Park. The 4.4 mile loop shows off the rugged coastline and forest of the area.
Bullards Beach State Park
Just a 3 mile drive north of Bandon and across the Coquille River bridge is diverse Bullards Beach State Park. With its 4.5 miles of open beach, Bullards Beach State Park is a favorite for families, boasting year-round camping, a horse camp, yurts for rent, hiking and horse trails, dunes and beach access, bike paths and restrooms with showers. The boat launch makes it possible to enjoy the fishing and crabbing on the Coquille River. Visitors can also explore the historic Coquille River Lighthouse.
Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint
Just off of Beach Loop Drive in Bandon is a viewing area for one of the most iconic views in the area, Face Rock, one of many large rocks or sea stacks, on the Bandon beaches. Looking out over the rail in the parking area, visitors will see what appears to be a peaceful face, gazing up at the sky. A trail at the edge of the parking area leads down to the beach, dotted with several more sea stacks and photo opportunities. To read more about Face Rock, click here.
Floras Lake State Park
A short drive from Highway 101 near the community of Langlois is Floras Lake Sate Park, a treat for hikers, picnickers, birders, kiteboarders and windsurfers. A short path takes visitors from the parking area past the lake and narrow stretch of land separating it from the ocean.
Cape Blanco State Park
Located approximately 28 miles south of Bandon, Cape Blanco State Park is the westernmost point in the Oregon, and the Cape Blanco Light is the southernmost lighthouse in the state. The park is an enjoyable place to come for a day with its hiking and horse trails, beach access, picnic spots, fishing and exhibits, but many choose to stay for a while. Cape Blanco offers large campsites (some of which are hike/bike in), group campsites, restrooms with showers, and cabins for rent. The park is pet friendly, and pets are allowed in one of the cabins. The park also includes a horse camp.
Port Orford Heads State Park
Just 28 miles south of Bandon in nearby Port Orford is Port Orford Heads State Park. A short drive uphill from town takes visitors to an historic lifeboat station from which the Coast Guard rescued boats in trouble for nearly 40 years, now a museum. An original 36 foot lifeboat, soon to be restored, serves as a reminder of the hard work of the Coast Guard. The park also offers about 1.3 miles of easy hiking trails leading to amazing clifftop views as well as the site of the original lookout tower.
Humbug Mountain State Park
Humbug Mountain State Park is located approximately 33 miles south of Bandon and 6 miles south of the town of Port Orford. Here, visitors can enjoy the beach with its wind surfing and scuba diving and the campground which, protected from the cool ocean breezes, is known for its warmth. Standing at 1,756 feet above sea level, Humbug Mountain is the highest mountain directly on the Oregon coast. Hikers can enjoy venturing up the trail that scales the mountain, a 5.5 mile loop with 710 feet of elevation gain. Bring your camera as the view is bound to be spectacular!
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