Whiskey Run sits between Bandon and Coos Bay, about 15 minutes north of Old Town. It’s a wide, flat stretch of sand running roughly 2.5 miles beneath crumbly sandstone bluffs, and most days you can walk a long way without crossing another set of footprints. At low tide, when sand levels cooperate, rocky outcroppings near the tideline open up tidepools with anemones, sea stars, and the occasional small crab. Look up and you’ll catch the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on the bluffs above; look south on a clear day and you can see all the way to the Coquille River Lighthouse. The waves are consistent enough that surfers and windsurfers make the drive, and the cliffs have their own story — back in the 1850s, this beach kicked off a short-lived gold rush, and people still occasionally pan the creek. To get here from Old Town Bandon, head north on Highway 101 about 5 miles, turn onto Seven Devils Road, and follow signs to Whiskey Run Lane.
About Whiskey Run Beach
Reviews & Ratings
-
October 2, 2023Sunshine28560484019Be Careful About Driving
Very beautiful area but be careful about driving on the beach. I would recommend only for experienced off roaders. I had a 4X4 even with "sand" mode and got stuck in the soft sand near the access road. It was a Tuesday morning so there were very few people on the beach and I began to panic. Fortunately a man with his dad/grandpa were able to help me. These two good Samaritans said towing companies charge $2K+ for beach towing. Also heard story about vehicles getting stuck and pulled out to sea when the tide comes in.
-
September 4, 20191989PR1Bring a 4X4
The beach is one of the few you can drive on. Beware, though. This is a 4 wheel drive area only. People get stuck on the beach all the time and can easily lose their vehicles in the surf.
-
February 1, 2019Robby G C
Exploring the Whiskey Run Beach in the mist
It was foggy when we were here. We still could see somewhat the dunes and the beach. We explored as much as we could. It was worthwhile, even though we had no perfect view of where we were going. We had fun and that was worthwhile!
-
January 23, 2019lauracF1134EHDisappointed
I read the reviews and was looking forward to the hike up north to the forest and back. Well, I went late morning during high tide and you can't make that hike during high tide. Another disappointment was how dirty the beach it. There's trash all over the beach here. Sad! Too bad some people can't respect the parks and beaches!
-
December 11, 2018narronfamily
been there several time you can drive on the beach if you have four wheel drive
it is below bandon golf club if you go far enough you will be at bullards beach. I have seen people have a slush box looking for gold in the small streams there