: Erik Urdahl

There’s a lot to see as you drive along Highway 101 on Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast: rugged sea stacks, lighthouses and turn-offs for spotting sea lions and whales, just to name a few. But as you drive by the little towns of Langlois and Port Orford, don’t forget to slow down and treat your taste buds. 

The Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail is a collaborative effort to connect people to the bounty available on the Southern Oregon Coast. Supporting local food is a way to support our communities and the producers who work hard to grow and use our local ingredients.

Before you head out, find out more about your themed route below or download the official brochure.

 

Harvest at Peters Cranberries

Farm Fresh Itinerary

Gold Beach to North Bend   

Embark on a coastal journey from farm fresh sunrise to gourmet sunset, savoring local flavors and hidden treasures along the way.  

Begin your day at Taylor Creek Lodge in Gold Beach, where a farm-fresh breakfast — with homemade apple compote, berry jams, desserts and fresh eggs from on-site chickens —awakens your senses. Refreshed by a perfect cup of roasted coffee at Kissing Rock Coffee, set off north to Port Orford, where zesty fish tacos and ceviche at Port Orford Sustainable Seafood capture the Coast’s true flavors. Next, soak up the enchanting ambiance of Dragonfly Farm & Nursery, nestled in a forest oasis. Swing by Coastal Swag to pick up local treasures, then sample handcrafted delights from the farm stand at Peters Cranberries.

A fisherman holds a fresh-caught crab with blue skies in the background.
Pick a fresh catch and Oregon pinot gris along the Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail. (Photo credit: Justin Myers)

South Coast Harvest Itinerary

North Bend to Bandon

Wake refreshed at Itty Bitty Inn and journey through coastal wonders — from pristine oysters to craft brews and artisanal treats.  

After a restorative night at the funky Itty Bitty Inn in North Bend — where each of the five boutique motel rooms features a unique theme like Star Trek or the Oregon Trail — your continues begins with a scenic drive to Winchester Bay, home to the famed Umpqua Triangle Oysters. Nestled between two southern jetties, these oysters flourish in a perfect 20/80 blend of Oregon rainwater and crisp saltwater at 51°F — yielding firm, clean and subtly salty morsels that capture coastal perfection. Sit down for a special scratch-made dinner featuring the freshest local produce including the local catch of the day at Wildflour Public House in North Bend a community-minded with a warm ambiance in a gorgeously renovated historic building.

Continue north to Coos Bay and stop at Coos Head Food Co-op to gather fresh berries, local honey and sustainable groceries for a scenic picnic. Relax at Shore Acres State Park and savor your lunch with glorious ocean views. Afterward, unwind at 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse with a curated flight of signature brews, a warm fireplace and a bayfront view that celebrates Oregon’s craft beer tradition.

Heading south into Bandon, indulge in artisan chocolates, rich caramel and decadent pastries at Coastal Mist Chocolate Boutique and cap off your day at Bandon Rain Cidery with a bottle of fresh, crisp cranberry cider. If you visit on a Friday or Saturday you can shop for local wines, cheeses and more  artisan goods at the Bandon Farmers Market.

(Photo credit: Urdahl Photo)

Culinary Escape Itinerary

Gold Beach to Brookings

Indulge in gourmet delights and stunning vistas for an unforgettable coastal day.  

After a rejuvenating night at Endicott Gardens B&B and Spa in Gold Beach, you enjoy a three-course breakfast featuring farm-fresh apples, berries, homemade jams and eggs. Enjoy a brief workshop on making botanical salve and a wander through fragrant gardens set the tone for your day.

Revitalized, you head toward Brookings with a stop at Coastal Market — sampling zesty lemon bars, strawberry tarts and a rich chocolate coffee rum cake, along with gourmet pastas and artisanal pickles perfect for a picnic.

Take in breathtaking coastal views before arriving in Brookings for a waterfront lunch at Catalyst Seafood, where clam chowder, crisp fish and chips and a slice of red velvet cheesecake delight your palate.

After lunch explore tidepools at Harris Beach State Park, then unwind at Chetco Brewing Company with a flight of craft brews — from a chocolate peanut butter stout to a kid-friendly Birch Beer.

The Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail is a collaborative effort to connect people to the bounty available on the Southern Oregon Coast.

More tasty stops

There are 33 stops on the Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail, from bakeries to restaurants, farms and growers markets, to breweries and distilleries, to seafood stands and indulgent take-home treats. Make your base camp in one of these charming towns and find a delicious farm-to-table meal around the corner. Here are some of the locales to explore.

Reedsport to Coquille

 

Bandon, Langlois and Port Orford

Gold Beach to Brookings

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Travel Tips

The Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail is open to visitors throughout the year and is designed to be explored at your own pace – you are welcome to start and finish wherever you like. To ensure a positive experience, please check the hours of operation for each business online or by phone and note when advance reservations or appointments are required.

Before setting out along the Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail, plan ahead by mapping your route to make it easy to navigate remote areas without cell service. Also check road conditions and fuel up, since gas stations can be harder to find on country roads.

High season varies per business but is typically June – November. Seasonality of key products is listed below:

  • Blueberries are available July through August
  • Cranberries can typically be harvested mid-October through early December
  • Pumpkin patches are often open late September through October
  • Dungeness crab available late December through August

The working farms along this trail provide some of the most unique and engaging experiences. We ask that you respect the invitation to enter each property and be cautious around farm animals and equipment. Children must be supervised at all times and you should be prepared to follow all site-specific rules. For your safety and comfort, be prepared with appropriate footwear, sun protection and water.

Your experience along the Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail should not end when you leave the area. We encourage you to bring a taste of your journey back home to share with friends and family as a reminder of the bounty available along Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast.

Learn more at wrcfoodtrail.com.

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