charleston to bandon tour route

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Charleston-Bandon Loop Tour Route

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Description

Points of interest, map + directions.

A spur off of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, the route includes Pacific coastline and state parks, such as Coos Head and Cape Arago.

Points of Interest Along The Way

Bandon (or).

A small, coastal town that is the unofficial cranberry capital of Oregon.

Coquille River Lighthouse (OR)

Built in 1891 and still standing to this day.

Seven Devils Wayside (OR)

Search for polished pebbles, shells or driftwood on a foggy day along the Oregon Coast.

Sunset Bay State Park (OR)

Visit sandy beaches set against sea cliffs at Sunset Bay State Park and enjoy a day of fishing, swimming, boating or combing the beach for driftwood and shells. Hike from Sunset Bay to experience the coastal forests and spectacular ocean views.

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Charleston to Bandon Tour Route

“a glorious stretch of coastline”.

A short spur off the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, this Route showcases a glorious stretch of coastline that includes six state parks, two National Wildlife Refuges and America’s first National Estuarine Research Reserve. Driving south, you’ll come to the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, home to many important species including bald eagles, great blue herons, elk and Dungeness crab; it also offers a number of great hiking and paddling trails. A little farther along, you’ll pass some of Bandon’s celebrated cranberry bogs (Bandon is, after all, the unofficial cranberry capital of the Pacific Northwest). Anchoring the southern leg of the Route is the Coquille River Lighthouse, one of Oregon’s most photographed landmarks. The Route skirts the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge before going along the edge of Old Town Bandon. The southern end of the Route traces the scenic drive along the cliff, with stunning views of sea stacks and surf. Read more about the Charleston to Bandon Tour Route

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America's Scenic Byways

• Charleston-Bandon Loop Tour Route

69 miles - 3-5 hours

A spur off of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, the route includes Pacific coastline and state parks, such as Coos Head and Cape Arago.

Coast Oregon . com

Find your beach vacation..

“A Fishing Village With The Most Beautiful Scenery…”

Getaway to charleston..

You’ll find outstanding state parks, stunning untouched scenery, and breath taking ocean beaches.  The famous Shore Acres State Park is a definite recommendation year around.  Charleston has countless opportunities including hiking, biking trails, agate hunting, surfing, golfing, and of course the most fresh and delicious sea food!Pick out your crab and have it cooked and cleaned before your eyes.  Walk through the specialty gift shops in the harbor area.  With the busy marina that serves charter boats, and sports fishermen, crabbers and recreational boaters there is always something to see!

Take the Tour Route Road South.

Seven Devils Road is part of the Charleston to Bandon tour route. Stay on it, and  end up at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve with its interpretive center and trails.  Get back on the road and eventually you will return to Hwy 101 headed to Bandon.  It’s a glorious drive from Bandon to Charleston, or Charleston to Bandon.

Dining and Accommodations

You will find quaint hotels, camping and day use parks for overnight.  Fresh fist and award winning chowder! It’s a small community, but large in the amount of enjoyment you will have in the area

Charleston Habor Inn

541-888-1178 63361 Kingfisher Road Charleston, OR 97420

Near the beach, restaurants, and outdoor attractions.  With your private balcony, enjoy the sights and sounds of the harbor.  Clean and cozy suites that you will come back to on your next visit!

Stay 2 Nights, Get 3rd Night FREE!

Charleston, oregon dining recommendations:.

541-888-3664 91124 Cape Arago Highway Charleston, OR 97420 http://hightidecafeoregon.com

Award winning Chowder by Steve and Carol! The High Tide Cafe is more than a restaurant.  How about Free Games, Ambience, Deck Enjoyment, Live Music and the outstanding Rock Fireplace and Bay View! Dine on the deck with a view of the estuary!

541-808-2404 63346 Boat Basin Road Charleston, OR 97420 http://millersatthecove.com

Sports Bar and Grill in Oyster Cove Plaza.  Happy Hour 7 days a week from 4p to 6p!!  Daily Specials including Game Day Wednesday with Free Pool and appetizer specials!

541-888-5544 63383 Kingfisher Road Charleston, OR 97420 http://www.portsidebythebay.com

Serving fresh seafood  for lunch and dinner.  Outdoor Garden Patio & Solarium. Delicious Appetizers including Oregon Coast Shrimp Cocktail, Deep Fried Calamari, and Dungeness Crab Cocktail to name a few! Fresh from the dock!

Charleston, Oregon Shopping Recommendations:

541-888-5525 91135 Cape Arago Highway Charleston, OR 97420 http://chucksseafood.com/

The oregon coast is a special kind of place where the great salmon of the Pacific Northwest come home. We at Chuck’s Seafood can bring these delicious gifts of the sea to your family and friends. Our home, on the ocean side of Coos Bay, Oregon, is famous for the finest Salmon, Albacore Tuna, Crab, Oysters and other fine seafood these water have to offer. At Chuck’s we pick only the best! All of our Gift Packs and Samplers are freshly prepared, hand packed, and processed to keep their natural flavor.

Charleston, Oregon Exploring Recommendations:

541-888-4902 Cape Arago Hwy 12 Miles Off US 101 Charleston, OR 97420 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=70

Here’s what Connie L says on Yelp:  “What a stunning place to watch the sunset over the Pacific! Great beach, lots of tide pools. Great parking, restrooms, and plenty of beach to wander on.  Nice place for a family picnic, or just an evening stroll on a magnificent beach.”

Charleston, Oregon Playing Recommendations:

541-888-9020 Albacore Drive Charleston, OR 97420 http://www.bettykaycharters.com/

Our Crew, Captain Bill and Captain Kathi, and Captain Kurt are ready to give you a memorable, fun fishing trip.  They will go all out to find and get you fish! Captain Bill and Captain Kathi will give you helpful tips and assist you.   You will also have fun, adventure and great catches fishing with Capt. Kurt Smith.  Your safety and fun is our focus. 

NORTH COAST

• CANNON BEACH
• ROCKAWAY BEACH
• PACIFIC CITY
• LINCOLN CITY
• WINCHESTER BAY
• PORT ORFORD
• BROOKINGS HARBOR
• CRESCENT CITY
• MCKINLEYVILLE

• Conventions & Tours

CONVENTIONS & TOURS Surrounded by the Pacific shoreline with its dunes and beaches, Oregon’s Bay Area is located between the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area on the north and Shore Acres State Park on the south. So whether you’re coming to the Bay Area for a convention, group tour, reunion, wedding, or other event, you will find diverse accommodations including 700+ guest rooms, meeting rooms available for groups up to 500, and if you’re looking for outdoor adventure tours the Bay Area offers plenty of excitement for everyone.

CONVENTION FACILITIES

The Mill Casino-Hotel (541) 756-8800. Meeting rooms and banquet facilities for 25-300 people. On-site catering available.

North Bend Community Center (541) 756-8500. Meeting & banquet facility for up to 780 people. Full kitchen available. Catering allowed. Small conference room available with theater seating for up to 50 and conference seating up to 30.

* Additional convention information available at the Coos Bay/North Bend Visitor’s and Conventions Bureau

CHARTER FISHING TOURS

Betty Kay Charters – Bill & Margery Whitmer – 1-(800) 752-6303 operates out of Charleston harbor providing ocean fishing opportunities. Contact them directly for costs and further information.

DRIVING TOURS Charleston to Bandon Tour Route Beginning in Charleston, this 40.5 mile route with several optional spurs takes you from Charleston’s Marina, past several beaches, along ridge tops, past local commercial and agricultural ventures and ends in Bandon. The Charleston to Bandon Tour Route is nationally significant because it links two of the state’s most important coastal rivers (the Coos and the Coquille) and accesses the nation’s first National Estuarine Research Reserve, two National Wildlife Refuges, and six state parks. Further, this Tour Route gives travelers views of the southern end of the Dunes National Recreation Area, Cape Arago, Coquille River Lighthouse, and the three lead natural resource industries in Coos County: commercial fishing, timber and cranberries. The forty miles of this Tour Route are exceptionally diverse, giving an excellent introduction to the entire area.

Gray Ghost “Wine” Tours, LLC. Gray Ghost “Wine” Tours include customized tours that offer a unique experience and insights into the business of grape growing, the process that turns grapes into wine, the history of these unique terrior’s and other interesting aspects that will entice new as well as experienced wine enthusiasts. Our wine stops may include behind the scene tours, barrel tastings, food pairings, vineyard tours, historical stories and stunning views. Contact Doug & Sherrill Gray at (541) 260-8687 or [email protected]

FACTORY TOURS

The Oregon Connection (formerly The House of Myrtlewood) offers a FREE Myrtlewood Factory Tour showing you how the rough logs are fashioned into a wide variety of beautiful finished products. Myrtlewood, America’s most beautiful hardwood, is found primarily in a small area on the Pacific Coast. Come and visit the 4500 square foot gift shop that also features Oregon wines, clothing, 12 varieties of fudge, gourmet foods, books and Wooden Touch Golf Putters. Write or call for a complimentary catalog. 1-(800) 255-5318 E-mail: [email protected]

The Myrtlewood Factory Located five miles north of North Bend, this factory was established in 1911. FREE personalized tours let you see the process that goes from raw logs to beautiful gifts, furniture and household items — and all the steps in between. Contact them at (541) 756-2220.

HISTORICAL TOURS

Historical Markers Oregon’s Historical Markers have a history of their own. Explore Oregon’s heritage with a self-guided tour through its Historical Markers and Heritage Trees. The Visitor Information Center, 50 Central Avenue, Coos Bay has a brochure available featuring detailed information and a map.

Historical Downtown Walking Tour brochures are available at the Visitors Information Center, 50 Central Avenue, Coos Bay for self-guided walking tours of downtown Coos Bay and North Bend. The brochures feature pictures and historical information on some of the older homes and business buildings in the area as well as a map identifying locations.

Mill Slough (pronounced “sloo”) Self-guided walk through the watershed from Coos Bay to Blossom Gulch. Mill Slough collects water from the hills and funnels it to the bay, providing a route for migrating salmon. Stop by the Visitor Information Center, 50 Central Avenue, Coos Bay to pick up a brochure filled with information and a map about Mill Slough. LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

Oregon’s surviving coastal lighthouses serve as visible, accessible links to the past — monuments to Oregon’s maritime heritage. The Oregon Coast is home to nine lighthouses, some of which are still working. Stop at the Visitors Information Center, 50 Central Avenue, Coos Bay and pick up an Oregon Coast Lighthouse brochure featuring history on all nine lighthouses, which ones are open for tours, contact numbers, etc. NATURE TOURS

Menasha Forestry Tour Explore Coos County’s first guided tour through a working forest conducted by a professional forester. Bring your kids and your questions. FREE ADMISSION. Tours are offered in July, August and September. Seating is limited, so call the Visitors Center at (541) 269-0215 or (800) 824-8486 for further information and to reserve your spot.

South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve 5 miles S. of Charleston on Seven Devils Rd. First estuarine reserve in the nation. 4,700 acres of freshwater streams, upland forest, salt marshes, mudflats, open water channel, nature trails, boardwalk and tide flats. Many species of plants and animals. Interpretive center, educational presentations, bookstore, restrooms, phone, wheelchair access. 541-888-5558

Jerry’s Rogue Jets PO Box 1011, Gold Beach, OR. A nature-based river adventure (“Mild to Wild”) for all ages. Open daily May 2 through October 15. 64, 80 or 104 mile trips. Fun, informative & exciting. 541-247-4571 E-mail: [email protected]

Wavecrest Discoveries Special tour guide services for people who want to add extra value to their visit. These unique excursions are a deeply rewarding way to explore the exciting southern Oregon Coast and connect you with the region’s fascinating natural and cultural history of the dunes, beaches, lakes, bay, marshes, estuaries, and inter-tidal areas. Call Marty Giles at (541) 267-4027 E-mail: [email protected]

Clausen’s Silverpoint Oysters, 66234 North Bay Road, North Bend. Offers tours of the oyster processing facilities. Call 541-756-3600 for more information.

SAND DUNE TOURS

Spinreel Dune Buggy Rentals 67045 Spinreel Road, North Bend or Far West 4-Wheel Rentals Inc., 68694 Sandy Way North Bend, OR. Rent ATV’s to drive in the dunes. 541-756-3419. Tours available. Large groups or families. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area features enormous, rolling dunes of sand rising to heights of more than 250 feet. Their contours are continually changing, with the wind acting as a tireless sculptor. 541-759-3313

SELF GUIDED TOURS Please visit the Visitor Information Centers in Coos Bay or North Bend for detailed information and maps on area hiking and biking trails.

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• Art, History & Culture
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• Entertainment and Nightlife
• Fishing by Style
• Forest Bathing & Mindfulness
• Hiking & Walking
• Lighthouses
• Ocean Life & Tidepooling
• Scenic Drives

State Parks and National Lands

• Storm Watching
• Undeveloped Beaches
• Untamed Dunes
• Water Recreation

The scenery that makes up the unique setting on Oregon’s Adventure Coast is spell-binding for the senses. With such a wide array of terrain and vistas, it’s no wonder that our State Parks and National Lands are the top of our visitors’ “Must See” lists. Waterfalls, wooded river trails, dramatic ocean cliffs, and beach-side options all make for their own, one-of-a-kind experiences. Each excursion is special, from sand dunes to rocky switchbacks, so every outing creates a magical, gorgeous, can’t miss photo op.

State Parks

On the Oregon Coast, many of the beaches are state parks and our area is no exception. Along the 8 mile Cape Arago Loop in Charleston you’ll find a trifecta of State Parks.

Shore Acres State Park , the Oregon Coast’s crown jewel, was once the private estate of lumber baron, Louis Simpson, founder of the community of North Bend. Perched on rugged sandstone cliffs high above the ocean, Shore Acres State Park is an exciting and unexpected combination of beautiful natural and constructed features, including lushly planted gardens with plants and flowers from all over the world. Something is in bloom almost every day of the year.

In the landscaped area you’ll discover a formal garden, a Japanese-style garden with a lily pond, and two rose gardens which include All American Rose Selections. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, the gardens are ablaze with thousands of colored lights and holiday decorations put up by community volunteers and The Friends of Shore Acres in cooperation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Click here for more information on Holiday Lights.

After seeing the garden, you can stroll down a trail to a secluded ocean cove at Simpson Beach or skirt the cliff’s edge to see spectacular ocean vistas which often include towering waves crashing against the shoreline after a storm and migrating grey whales. On the site of Simpson’s vanished mansion, a fully enclosed observation building will allow you to view the ocean and protect you from the weather. The observation building has interpretive panels describing the history of the Simpson estate.

Know Before You Go

• No animals permitted outside of vehicles in Shore Acres State Park and formal gardens, with the exception of service animals.
• Hikers, with dogs, already on the Oregon Coast Trail (the section of the trail that goes from Sunset Bay State Park to Cape Arago State Park, though Shore Acres State Park) may continue along the trail through Shore Acres State Park but dogs must stay on the trail and/or parking lot area only. The trail does not include the area around the Observation Building or bathroom areas and definitely does not include the gardens.
• Hikers cannot drive into Shore Acres and park their car to start on the trail with their dogs. There are plenty of areas to get on the trail along Cape Arago Highway including Sunset Bay State Park, Cape Arago State Park, the Lighthouse Overlook, and Simpson Reef/Shell Island Overlook.

Situated in one of the most scenic areas on the Oregon coast, Sunset Bay State Park features beautiful sandy beaches protected by towering sea cliffs. Only a short walk from the beach, the campground has sites for tent camping and RV’s, as well as cozy and comfortable yurts. Day-use and picnic facilities are located along the bay to allow easy access for beachcombing, 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.

Cape Arago State Park , may be the end of the road (the road out of Coos Bay goes no further), but it’s really only the beginning if you want to explore the southern Oregon coast.

Located at the end of Cape Arago Highway about 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay, Cape Arago is a scenic headland jutting into the Pacific Ocean. Long used by native Americans, Cape Arago was first sighted by Europeans during one of Sir Francis Drake’s expeditions in the late 1500s. Modern visitors can scan the horizon for migrating whales and other marine mammals, as well as fishing boats and ships entering and leaving nearby Coos Bay.

The south cove trail leads down to a sandy beach and superior tidepools where you can visit intertidal plants and animals (but please enjoy them with your eyes only). The north cove trail provides access for fishing, beachcombing, and viewing the off-shore colonies of seals and sea lions at Shell Island – a designated National Wildlife Refuge. The trail is closed March 1- June 30 to protect seal pups. Picnic tables, restrooms and a gazebo shelter are available for daytime use.

If you head inland, you’ll find Golden and Silver Falls State Park , a hidden gem in the dense coastal forests. Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area may be hard to find, but it’s well worth the 24-mile drive from Highway 101. The final 3-miles narrow to a one lane gravel road. The small parking and picnic area are located along the banks of Glenn and Silver Creeks and is shaded by large maple, alder, and Oregon myrtle trees. Hiking trails wind through scenic canyons to each of the waterfalls that plunge over sheer rock cliffs to moss covered boulders 100 feet below.

Hike 1.4 miles to the top of Golden Falls to get an eagle’s-eye view of the cascading waterfall and giant old-growth firs and cedars.

Take a Virtual Tour of Shore Acres State Park!

Winter Storm Watching at Shore Acres State Park!

Shore Acres State Park is often lauded as the best storm watching spot on the entire Oregon Coast. Perched on top of an 80 foot cliff, this location allows for a safe distance above the waves while enjoying fantastic views. The term storm watching has more to do with the ocean conditions rather than the actual weather conditions. When conditions in the ocean create large swells, they translate into amazing wave action. A 15 – 20 foot swell will turn into a wave over 100 feet high, and swells of 25-35 feet create waves as high as 250-300 feet high!

National Lands For Recreation

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America and it is like no place on earth. The majestic dunes are one of our favorite attractions on the Southern Oregon Coast because they give visitors plenty of opportunities to find relaxation and adventure. Click here for tips on exploring the Untamed Dunes .

Explore Our Trip Ideas!

Charleston to Bandon Tour Route A short spur off the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, this route showcases a glorious stretch of coastline that includes six state parks, two National Wildlife Refuges, and America’s first National Estuarine Research Reserve. Read More >>

Explore the Cape Arago Beach Loop With so much to explore along the Southern Oregon Coast, we felt the need to create a series of itineraries to help Oregon Coast visitors make the most of their time here. Come explore Cape Arago Beach Loop and much more! Read More >>

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