To see the rugged and wild side of nature, take a trip along the 55-mile long Chetco River. The upper 45 miles of the river, from its headwaters to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary, has been given the federal designation of wild and scenic river, with the last 9.5 miles from Eagle Creek a recreational segment. In the summer, visitors love to go fishing, … [Read more...]
#26 – Southern Oregon Kite Festival
Held on the third weekend of July every year since 1993, the annual Southern Oregon Kite Festival has become a local tradition with an international following. This free event is generously sponsored by local businesses and citizens, and put on through the efforts of many hard-working volunteers. The festival has grown to feature more than 30 of the world’s finest kite-builders … [Read more...]
#27 – Port of Brookings-Harbor
The Port of Brookings-Harbor shines like a jewel on the beautiful Siskiyou Coast in Southern Oregon. Located just over the border from California and the Redwood National Forest, the Port of Brookings-Harbor is the gateway port to Oregon. With Oregon’s safest bar and a temperate climate (temperatures of 70 degrees not uncommon in July or January), the Port offers an ideal site … [Read more...]
#28 – Fishing in Brookings
Fishermen love Brookings. The area, known for its warm, mild climate and natural beauty, offers superb year-round ocean and seasonal river fishing. The Port of Brookings-Harbor has one of the safest entries to the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast. It is a working port that caters to sport fishermen, sailors, pleasure boaters, and a fleet of commercial fishing vessels. The … [Read more...]
#29 – Harris Beach & Chetco Point Park
Brookings is home to several beautiful beaches. Take an afternoon to explore them, picnic or walk the adjacent trails. Some of these beaches boast a treasure trove of shells and stones, while others provide a glimpse into marine life through tide pools. Camping accommodations can also be found. Harris Beach State Park, on the north side of Brookings, has an exceptional rocky … [Read more...]
#31 – Alfred A. Loeb State Park
Need to relax? Love the outdoors? Alfred A. Loeb State Park combines secluded relaxation with the natural wonders of Southern Oregon. The crisp fragrance of myrtlewood is the prevailing scent in the air; the park is nestled in groves of these marvelous 200-year-old trees. Just beyond the park, the Chetco River rushes toward the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the time of year, the … [Read more...]
#32 – Azalea City Park
In Azalea City Park you can walk among ancient native azaleas that were growing when Lewis and Clark wintered on the Oregon Coast in 1805-06. Follow the numerous trails through this 33-acre park past astonishing endangered azaleas, annuals, shrubs and through stands of enormous trees. The paths are originally part of a pack trail that was used by miners in the 1850s. This was … [Read more...]
#33 – Arch Rock
Positioned roughly halfway between Gold Beach and Brookings, Arch Rock is the most well-known and easily viewed of the wave-cut natural arches and “bridges” in the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor. The squat, flat-topped formation is about 500 feet offshore and lies next to another small island. Extending to the north are a series of sea stacks that make up Mack’s Reef, a part … [Read more...]
#34 – Natural Bridges & Thunder Rock Cove
Take the turnoff at milepost 346 to visit Natural Bridges, one of the most popular viewpoints in the entire scenic corridor. A wooden viewing platform, easily reached by a short trail from the parking area, overlooks a wave-cut natural bridge rock formation where you can watch the surf crash through the arches. Lesser trails branch off and descend more steeply to afford closer … [Read more...]
#35 – Whaleshead Beach
At a mile in length, and crossed by three streams, Whaleshead Beach is the longest stretch of open, sandy beach in the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor. The beach takes its name from Whaleshead Island, a large rock just offshore that shoots a water spout into the air when waves hit it at a certain angle. The beach is easily accessible from a parking lot at the milepost 349.1 … [Read more...]
#36 – Lone Ranch Beach
Located at the southern end of the spectacular 11-mile long Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor, Lone Ranch Beach is comprised of sandy beach, rocks, and close-in offshore sea stacks. At low tide, easily accessible tide pools form amid the rocks, providing the perfect opportunity for children (and grown-ups!) to safely explore these fascinating, miniature marine habitats. The area … [Read more...]