On Oregon’s awe-inspiring South Coast, the city of Bandon and its diverse landscapes are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking year-round recreation. With its location on the northern end of the Brookings Banana Belt, Bandon is drier, sunnier and warmer than most other coastal locales in Oregon — perfect for cyclists, paddlers, hikers and other recreationalists. Whether you’re seeking to whoosh down singletrack trails on a mountain bike, paddle the myriad waterways or take in the lively downtown on your own two feet, Bandon promises ample opportunity no matter the time of year.
Pedal Power
Located just north of Bandon, Whiskey Run showcases the Oregon Coast’s most expansive network of mountain bike trails with over 32 miles of loamy single-track on 64 different named trails. Grab a coffee and breakfast ahead of time at the Bandon Coffee Cafe, and pick out a route that suits your skill level. The compact network has plenty of loop options and beginner and family-friendly routes, and provides an opportunity to zip through lush old-growth forests with views of the Pacific at the top. After a day of shredding, unwind at the Inn at Face Rock, where you can enjoy comfortable accommodations just a stone’s throw from the beach.
For those who prefer road biking, bike shop South Coast Bicycles provides curated itineraries that explore the scenic routes around Bandon. Or book a Pedal/Paddle tour with South Coast Tours to go with a guide.
If beach cruising is more your vibe, fat-tire biking on Bandon’s beaches is some of the Coast’s best. Check the tide tables and hit low tide, when the sand is firm and smooth. Cap off the day with a pint of the locals’ favorite, One-Eyed Jack IPA, and a wood-fired pizza at Bandon Brewing.
Paddling Paradise
Get your paddle on with South Coast Tours and head to the Coquille River, the Oregon coastal mountains’ largest rivershed system. Pass alongside historic homesteads and townsites, a national wildlife refuge, and the river’s largest island. Pack a picnic lunch from Wilson’s Market and launch from one of eight sites, including the port’s newly installed accessible kayak launch. Be sure to check the tides, and time your start accordingly, as the tidal influence reaches up to 30 miles upriver.
The South Slough Reserve, located a short drive north of Bandon, offers fantastic paddling, birding and crabbing. Grab a detailed map and set your itinerary, or plan around one of the many community classes available via the Reserve’s recreation and education programming.
For more of an adrenaline rush, visit Floras Lake, a sandy-bottom freshwater lake 17 miles south of Bandon known for its windsurfing and kiteboarding. Book a kite, wing, windsurf or hydrofoil lesson; rent your gear, or simply watch the tricks from your stand-up paddleboard.
Recount your adventurous day with a casual, upscale Italian-inspired dinner at Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant before retiring to an oceanfront room at Windermere on the Beach.
Hiking, Beach Walking, Golf and More
Bandon is graced by two sections of the Oregon Coast Trail, which offer some of the most picturesque hikes in the region. Section 8, in particular, provides a 16-mile uninterrupted walk on the beach, perfect for a meditative stroll or beachcombing. Closer to town, grab a map from the Bandon Historical Society Museum or download one online and explore the rich history of the city. Or explore Old Town Bandon and the scenic downtown area with the Old Town to Beach loop. Book a room nearby at the Bandon Inn, and after your hike, treat yourself to dessert or handcrafted chocolates at Coastal Mist.
Beyond cycling, paddling and hiking, Bandon offers a wealth of other outdoor activities. Charter a fishing trip and cast for tuna, halibut or rockfish through the locally owned Prowler Charters, or spend a day fishing on the Coquille for chinook salmon or striped bass with Angling Adventures. Horseback riding with Bandon Beach Riding Stables provides a unique way to experience the coastal beauty, and Bandon is a golfer’s paradise with the top four golf courses in the state at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
