101 Things To Do Western Oregon

In 1896, the Coquille River Lighthouse was built at the mouth of the Coquille River. The lighthouse with its fourth order Fresnel lens was decommissioned in 1939, then was vandalized and fell into disrepair. However, through community involvement, the Oregon State Parks and Army Corps of Engineers have restored the lighthouse to its former glory and original beauty. Today, there is a highly informative guided tour of the lighthouse from May through October. Access to the lighthouse is through Bullard’s Beach State Park, just two miles north of Bandon on Hwy 101. The park is endowed with grassy fields, lowland forests, bike paths, over four miles of beach, and is a popular place for horseback riding. There are campgrounds as well. For more information, call (541) 347-2209.

www.oregonstateparks.org/park_71.php
www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=127

The Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge provides sanctuary for 1.2 million nesting seabirds on 1,853 picturesque rocks, reefs and islands along the Oregon coast. From nearly every viewpoint on the Oregon coast, colossal rocks can be seen jutting out of the Pacific Ocean creating postcard images. Each of these rocks is protected as part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. A wide variety of birds and mammals including puffins, oyster catchers, seals and sea lions, which use the areas for breeding, can be observed. A spectacular place to observe seabirds and harbor seals, as well as explore the beach, is Coquille Point, a mainland unit of the Refuge. The point overlooks
offshore rocks that provide habitat for Common Murre, Tufted Puffin, Western Full and Brandt’s Cormorant, as well as harbor seals and intertidal invertebrates. A paved trail makes its way over the headlands and features interpretive panels that provide insight about the area’s wildlife and its rich Native American history. Stairs on opposite sides of the headland allow visitors to make a loop on the beach (tides permitting). Coquille Point can be accessed by taking Hwy 101 and turning west on 11th St. in Bandon, but other parts of the refuge can be seen from all along the highway. For more information and directions to the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, call 541-867-4550.

www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/oregonislands

For bird watchers, the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a “must do.” The refuge sits at the mouth of the Coquille River, located just north of Bandon on Riverside Drive off Hwy 101. Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest remaining tidal salt marsh within the Coquille River estuary. This 712-acre refuge is an oasis for migrating shorebirds, waterfowl and endangered birds. This may be the premium shorebird site on the Oregon Coast. Thousands of shorebirds of numerous species are routinely found here, and peak counts have reached 60,000. An observation deck allows viewing of species such as sandpipers, whimbrel, dunlin, California brown pelican and bald eagle. Stairs lead down to the mudflats. The observation areas are open daily from sunrise to sunset. For more information, call (541) 347-1470.

www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/bandonmarsh

If you’re driving along the Oregon coast, you’ll want to make a point of spending at least one day in Bandon to take in the full beauty of the beach. Walk along the beach or take a leisurely drive along Beach Loop Drive and you’ll be amazed at the unique and stunning views. Bandon beaches include some of the most gorgeous and spectacular rock formations. Keep your camera handy for shots of these most interesting craggy sea stacks. Look for Table Rock, the Garden of the Gods, Elephant Rock and Cat & Kittens Rock. The most famous and stunning formation is known as Face Rock. Local legend says that Face Rock is the face of an Indian maiden that was frozen into stone by an evil spirit. Legend also says that Cat & Kittens Rock had been her animals who were thrown into the sea and turned to stone by the same evil spirit. Bandon is likely one of the most beautiful beaches along the Oregon coast and shouldn’t be missed.

www.bandon.com