Just south of the Umpqua River mouth near Winchester Bay, Ziolkouski Beach Park sits behind one of the most unusual jetty formations on the Oregon Coast — two massive rip-rap structures that meet to form a giant triangle, giving the park both a calm side and a wild side within a short walk.
From the main parking lot, a path winds through beach brush and dunes down to a wide, flat stretch of sand where the jetties knock down the surf and driftwood piles up in abundance. Head south and the beach runs for miles toward the north spit of Coos Bay. Follow the riverside path instead and you’ll reach Half Moon Bay, with old pilings and quieter water along the way. On calmer days, boats drift past and waves lap gently at the boulders; when storms roll in, whitecaps slam the outer rocks while the inside stays comparatively collected. Stay well back from the jetties any time water is spilling over the top.
While you’re in the area, Lake Marie sits just nearby with a short loop trail around it, and the Umpqua River Lighthouse and its museum are a quick stop up the road.
Getting there: From Reedsport, head south on Highway 101 about 5 miles to Winchester Bay, then follow Salmon Harbor Drive and Umpqua Beach Access Road to the park.