Gary Hayes

Bandon is the quintessential Oregon Coast destination, with enough of all of these things to keep you busy for a week just to hit the highlights. If you have less time than that, let this be your guide to making the most of your time in this South Coast town. More

Take four days and you can enjoy some of the Oregon Coast’s most stunning viewpoints, walk beautiful beaches where fascinating rocky spires rise from the shoreline, visit two historic lighthouses and venture into the wilderness up one of America’s first designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. It takes less than two hours to drive Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast between Bandon and Brookings, but this four-day tour will get you off the beaten path where you’ll encounter some of the best experiences on this remarkable stretch of... More

Inside Hawthorne Gallery in Port Orford, you could easily forget you’re in a small Oregon Coast town mostly known for fishing, lumber and its beautifully rugged shoreline. Bold large-scale abstract paintings brighten the walls of the contemporary space. Colorful blown glass vessels stand tall on pedestals. Striking modern sculpture, ranging from ceramic to bronze and hand-forged iron, are displayed by oversized picture windows. More

For visitors who enjoy sampling local ales, wines and spirits when they travel, the Wild Rivers Coast offers several stops between Brookings and Coos Bay that shouldn’t be missed. Starting in Brookings and continuing north to Coos Bay, this trail features libations created by individuals with a passion for finely crafted brews and spirits. More

The sound of music is spilling onto the streets and the buzz of activity rings in the storefronts. It’s Stormy Weather Arts Festival weekend in Cannon Beach and a little rain or wind doesn’t slow down this town’s celebration of the arts. More

It only takes about 30 minutes to drive between Gold Beach and Brookings, but this stretch of coastline deserves a day of its own, or better yet, a week to get off the road, down a trail or onto one of its secluded hike-in beaches. Lingering on this stretch of Coast, you’ll discover magically picturesque coves, rainforest-covered capes, arch rock formations and dramatic overlooks along one of the most beautifully rugged portions of the Oregon Coast. More

Trails through lush rainforest emerge to stunning ocean views and wild crashing waves, but there’s much more awaiting hikers on the South Oregon Coast. You can climb to the top of a forest-covered peak that plunges nearly 1,800 feet into the Pacific Ocean, look out on a reef covered with barking sea lions, wander through a fragrant riverside grove of Myrtle trees or explore the largest stand of giant Redwoods in Oregon. Hikers on the Wild Rivers Coast are rewarded with unmatched scenic views and... More

Battle Rock Park in Port Orford beckons to visitors passing through this little town with its beautiful view of a curving beach and coastline, near-shore rock formations and towering Humbug Mountain rising up at the edge of the shoreline some five miles away. For many travelers, the park is just a quick stop to take in the view, but those who spend a little more time in this coastal village will discover spectacular natural areas, one of the world’s most unique ports and surrounding outdoor... More

While most travelers rarely linger along the 27-mile stretch of Highway 101 between Bandon and Port Orford, anyone interested in agritourism or farm fresh foods should slow down and discover some of the delicious local attractions on the Wild Rivers Coast. Not only will you be able to purchase the freshest regionally-grown produce, berries and… More

It’s famous for sandy beaches, scenic rock formations, colorful tide pools, outstanding bird watching and frequently seen marine life. A visit to Harris Beach State Park in Brookings offers up the best of the breathtaking Oregon Coast with a wide variety of recreational and touring options nearby. Whether you have a weekend or a week, the attractions around Harris Beach will offer plenty to keep you busy and will leave you wanting to come back for more. More