Coos Bay to Port Orford: 5-Day Oregon Coast Itinerary
If you’re looking for a fantastic Oregon Coast itinerary, I’ve got one that will satisfy your taste buds, fill your camera’s memory card, and create lasting memories that will make you want to come back to explore more of this great state.
The Oregon Coast is one of America’s truest natural gems. The coastline is rugged and forested; it offers amazing seafood and fishing, and, depending on where you visit, far fewer crowds than you might expect for such a beautiful landscape.
After nearly four years away from the Oregon Coast, it was finally time to come back and explore a new stretch, nicely dubbed the Oregon Adventure Coast. Stretching from Coos Bay down to Port Orford, there’s something for everyone: family-friendly hiking, dune adventures, fishing, indulging in seafood, kayaking, and so much more are available once you set foot here.
So, let’s dive into this 5-day Oregon Coast itinerary and show you what this place has to offer!
5-Day Itinerary from Coos Bay to Port Orford Along the Oregon Coast
This stretch of the Oregon Coast is magnificent and one of the most populated. Coos Bay and North Bend combined have the largest micropolitan population, at around 26,000 people. Coos Bay itself is the largest city on the coast, with a population of 16,000.
It’s also incredibly easy to reach by air, thanks to the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH/North Bend), which offers seasonal nonstop flights from Denver and San Francisco.
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Denver to Coos Bay: Day 1
During the summer months, there are daily flights from Denver to Coos Bay. For me, it was to explore the Oregon Coast. 85% of the other flyers seemed to be headed to Bandon Dunes, the iconic coastal golf course 30 minutes south.
The three-hour flight from Denver to Coos Bay/North Bend was seamless, and after grabbing my rental car at the airport, I enjoyed delicious halibut tacos at Sharkbite’s Seafood Cafe. Seriously, you get so much fish; it was amazing!
Kayaking on Empire Lakes
From there, I headed to John Topits Park and Empire Lakes, which offer self-rental kayaks. I grabbed one and headed out onto the lake to enjoy the lovely weather and nice forest views.
You can only kayak on the lake you put in from, which isn’t too big. But it’s a nice way to spend 60 minutes in the area.
Shore Acres State Park
After checking into the Itty Bitty Inn and chatting with Rick the Inn Keeper, I grabbed a delicious dinner at Tokyo Bistro and headed to the coast in hopes the clouds would break up just enough for sunset.
This stretch of coastline, about 25 minutes from Coos Bay, is comprised of three state parks. From South to North: Cape Arago, Shore Acres, and Sunset Bay State Parks.
Sadly, the clouds didn’t dissipate as I had hoped, but it was still great to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time since moving from Seattle, Washington, last summer. With sunset a dud and the park locking its gates at 9pm, I headed out with muted light still in the sky, but stoked for the upcoming Oregon Coast itinerary that awaited me!
Where I stayed: Itty Bitty Inn
Where I ate: Lunch: Shark Bites, Dinner: Tokyo Bistro
Exploring Coos Bay – Dunes and more: Day 2
My first full day on the Oregon Coast was a great one. I started with breakfast in town and swooped by the farmer’s market for some fresh blueberries, Rainier cherries, and cinnamon rolls. The local farmer’s market happens each Wednesday morning, so if you’re in town and want fresh goodies, this is the place to be.
Oregon Dunes
From here, I headed north to hike the John Dellenback Trail in the Oregon Dunes. In its entirety, the round-trip to the beach is 6-7 miles and, thanks to the slow pace of hiking on sand, can take four hours. I didn’t have that long, so I meandered a couple of miles, enjoyed the dunes, and came back.
The Oregon Dunes are the most expansive dunes in North America, stretching 40+ miles from Coos Bay to Reedsport, with some rising to 500 feet in height. But the coolest part of the dunes is that there are pine trees next door. I’m used to the dunes in Death Valley or Great Sand Dunes National Park, where it’s only sand and nothing else lives.
Seeing such a diverse ecosystem here was striking.
South Slough National Estuary
After a quick lunch at the Front Street Food Trucks, I headed south to the South Slough Estuary. It’s a thriving, vital coastal ecosystem, full of mudflats, salt marshes, forests, and water channels.
I met with a team member who showed me around and detailed the trail improvements and environmental rehabilitation they’ve been undertaking over the last few years. One of their big improvements is the construction of a boardwalk and the removal of invasive grass species from the Fredrickson Marsh Trail.
Overall, I enjoyed walking the Wasson Creek Trail and Fredrickson Marsh Trail (part of it is under trail rehab), but especially being among the towering trees and lush green ferns brought me so much joy. This 1.5-mile loop is good for the entire family.
They also have a great Visitor Center where you can learn more about the slough, the area’s history, and native culture!
Where I stayed: Bay Point Landing
Where I ate: Breakfast: So It Goes Coffeehouse; Lunch: Front Street Food Trucks; Dinner: Millers Cove
Crabbing, Bandon, and the Oregon Coast: Day 3
Growing up in Arizona, crabbing isn’t a thing. So, it’s no wonder I had never done it before. But that would soon change! After a filling breakfast, we headed to the Charleston docks and grabbed our crab pot, some bait (chicken works great), and got situated.
A morning crabbing
Once the bait was locked in, I threw the crab pot (more of a mesh, malleable, open-air container) into the water, and we waited. While the crabs were scurrying around the harbor floor, three seals were playing some 20 yards away. Watching their lively antics, including one making a mockery of a fish head, was a great way to pass the time.
That first throw proved to be the most productive! On this throw, we landed a male dungeness crab that we could actually keep. Oregon has strict size restrictions: they must be at least 5 3/4 inches across. We tossed all of the smaller crabs back into the water, swapped sides of the dock, and tried again.
We did this a total of four times, finally landing a decent-sized Red Rock crab that would make for a nice snack. From here, we walked to Sharky’s. Here, they cleaned and boiled the crab.
Then, the final piece of the puzzle was sitting down at Monkey Business for lunch, where they provided us with some butter and a crab cracker, and the rest was history! (I also enjoyed a crab cake and some fish tacos as well. Super yummy!)
Bandon Tours
After lunch, I headed to my next stop on the Oregon Coast road trip itinerary: Bandon, Oregon. This little town on the coast is nationally known for the Bandon Dunes Golf Courses residing north of the town center.
But for me, I wasn’t golfing. I was taking a food tour through Old Town Bandon, tasting delicious dishes from eight different restaurants while learning about Bandon’s history. Below are all the places we stopped at during the two-ish hour tour.
1. Farm & Sea: clam chowder
2. Warehouse Coffee Cafe: cranberry mimosa
3. Bandon Sushi: sushi sampler & miso soup
4. Big Wheel General Store: fudge
5. Cranberry Sweets: cranberry pate and chocolate creams
6. Wheelhouse & Crowsnest Restaurant: stuffed shrimp and crab mushrooms
7. Alloro Wine Bar and Restaurant: Manhattan chowder and wine
8. Coastal Mist: drinking chocolate and truffle
Bandon Tours is just a couple of years old, founded by Charis McGaughy to connect people with local restaurants and share more about this historic area that dates back some 14,000 years.
Bandon Beaches
With a full belly and a wealth of knowledge about the area, I drove the short distance from Old Town Bandon to Coquille Point/Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge/Bandon Beach. I headed down to the water to see Elephant Rock and the Sea Lions lounging on the rocks. After 40 minutes, I hopped back into my car and went to Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.
The area was beautiful, and I was so happy to finally have laid eyes on the rugged Oregon Coast without low-lying clouds merging the sky and ocean.
Where I stayed: WildSpring Guest Habitat
Where I ate: Breakfast: Cape Arago Cafe; Lunch: Monkey Business; Early Dinner: Bandon Food Tours
Kayaking and Hiking: Day 4
It was an early and wet morning in Port Orford, but it didn’t matter. We were getting wet anyway. A smidge past 7:30 am, I parked my car at the South Coast Tours office at the dock and met my guide, Grant. Here, we put on our wetsuits, pushed the kayaks down onto the beach, and set out.
I’d later learn he was a US National Record holder for freediving, so I was in good hands for our Ocean Kayaking and Foraging Tour. (Side note: We combined two tours to make this one. They offer a kayaking and snorkeling tour, and then they offer a fish, forage, and feast tour via boat tour.)
Ocean Kayaking
It was windy and rainy, but we persevered kayaking into the wind until we found safe haven in Nellies Cove below Port Orford Heads State Park. Unfortunately, there was minimal water visibility – I couldn’t even see my hand three feet away – but that didn’t stop Grant.
As we snorkeled (well, I floated haha), Grant impressively dove down to find a few sea urchins and a scallop. This was the beginning of our feast!
With a bag full of goodies, the three of us (his buddy Tanner joined us) set up a tarp to shield us from the ever-increasing-rain and built a fire for warmth. This was where I tried my first uni – the meat inside of a sea urchin. Initially, I was hesitant. But after that first piece, I was sold. The orange, spongy-looking meat was delicious. A combination of salty ocean water and sweetness was perfection on the beach.
At 11am, we packed up and began the one-mile kayak trip back to the beach. At this point, the rain was coming down harder, and we were battling 3-5 foot waves. It was exhausting and decently hard to paddle, stay balanced, and work with the waves as they sloshed me from side to side. Eventually, we made it back, all in one piece.
All in all, it was a damn good morning. I got to try new food, spend time with rad people, and experience what ocean kayaking is in the PNW.
Humbug Mountain State Park
I didn’t want to sit around on my final day of the Oregon Coast road trip, so I headed out into the rain to hike Humbug Mountain. My hope was that it would turn from rain to mist.
The trailhead is only 15 minutes down the 101 from Port Orford, making it an easy place to go hike. The trail is rated hard, thanks to about 1,800 feet of gain in 2.5-3 miles. I found the first 3/4 of a mile a bit tiring, though, thanks to the lack of a warm-up.
At the 1.5-mile mark, after enjoying the lush green landscapes and towering trees, I was soaked from head to toe. With fog descending into the trees (which looked really cool), I decided to call it a day. I didn’t want to get too cold and knew there wouldn’t be a view at the top.
I sped down the mountain, longing for the heated seats and hot air that would soon fill the car’s interior. Soon thereafter, I was taking my second hot shower of the day, warming up my frigid fingers, as the pitter-patter of rain hit the roof at the WildSpring Guest Habitat.
Where I stayed: WildSpring Guest Habitat
Where I ate: Late Breakfast: Battle Rock Coffee, Dinner: Redfish
Cape Blanco State Park and Final Day of the Oregon Coast Itinerary: Day 5
Final day of the Oregon Coast road trip! I had a flight a little before one, so I got a chance to see a little bit more of the Port Orford area before heading north.
It was finally not cloudy, giving me a chance to soak up the views from Battle Rock Wayside Park before stopping in at Cape Blanco State Park for a bit to see the lighthouse.
Unfortunately, they were quick stops, given the hour-and-ten-minute drive to the airport. Still, I was grateful to have at least seen them under better conditions and look forward to spending more time in this stunning part of Oregon.
The Best Time to Visit the Oregon Coast
You can plan your Oregon Coast itinerary year-round, but in the winter, you’ll definitely have higher chances of rain, clouds, and colder weather. Like any other publication will tell you, the best time to visit is teh summer. The long days, warmer temperatures, and hopefully sunny weather will showcase the beauty of this region and let you check off all the best things to do.
Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast
Lodging for your Oregon Coast Itinerary
You won’t find many big-name hotels along the Oregon Coast, but there are a few. Instead, you’ll have smaller, more intimate lodging options that feel like a friend welcoming you in.
I stayed at Itty Bitty Inn my first night. Rick the Innkeeper is a hoot and so friendly. He arranged dinner for me at Tokyo Bistro in Coos Bay, and it was fantastic. Plus, all the rooms are themed. I was in the Grateful Dead room. Others include Star Wars and Star Trek.
The next night was at the gorgeous Bay Point Landing, which has majestic views. My last two nights were at the dreamy WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford.
Other Options:
- Best Western – Coos Bay
- Edgewater Inn and Suites – Coos Bay
- Best Western Inn at Face Rock – Bandon
- Bandon Inn
Campgrounds
There are a decent number of campgrounds along the stretch from Coos Bay to Port Orford. And then there’s obviously tons more to see along all 360+ miles of the Oregon Coast. Below is a list of campgrounds to check out if you want to camp on your Oregon Coast road trip.
Humbug Mountain State Park – 6 mi south of Port Orford. 95-96 sites: ~39 water/electric RV sites (up to 55 ft), ~50-56 tent/primitive sites.
Port Orford RV Village – Town of Port Orford. Small commercial RV park, some tent/overflow space.
Cape Blanco State Park – ~9 mi north of Port Orford. 45-52 RV/trailer sites, water/electric (50-amp), up to 68 ft, no full hookups, no dump station. Also, 8-site horse camp (horses required), 4 cabins, and a hiker/biker site. No reservations, first-come, first-served.
Bandon/Port Orford KOA Journey – Langlois, 10 mi north of Port Orford. RV resort, pull-throughs up to 70 ft, tent sites available, pool/hot tub.
Bullards Beach State Park – 2-3 mi north of Bandon. ~185 sites: ~103 full-hookup, ~82 water/electric, RVs up to ~64 ft. Plus 13 yurts, 8-site horse camp, hiker/biker camp. RV and tent.
Bay Point Landing – Near Charleston/Coos Bay. RV resort/glamping property with hookup sites, plus cabins and tent options; amenities include saltwater pool, fitness center, laundry, dog wash. Beach access to the bay.
Sunset Bay State Park – Near Charleston, ~10-12 mi south of Coos Bay. ~139 sites: ~29 full-hookup, ~34 electric/water, 66 tent sites, 2 group tent areas, 8 yurts.
Bastendorff Beach County Park – Near Charleston, ~10 mi southwest of Coos Bay. 99 sites: 74 water/electric (RV, up to 45 ft), 25 non-hookup tent sites. 2 cabins, hiker/biker site.
What you need to know for an Oregon Coast Itinerary and Road Trip
Weather can be fickle
As with any coastal area, weather can come and go, and you can have marine layers blocking the sun. That was how it was generally for me, though my time on the Dunes was almost perfect. Because of this, come prepared with a rain jacket and a warm jacket. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Highway 101 is your best friend
You’ll be on Highway 101 for your entire Oregon Coast road trip. It’s your friend. But it’s also curvy and undulating, so you have to stay on your toes when driving. Because there’s no other route up or down, make sure to check the road conditions each morning. A car accident or rock slide can slam the brakes on your trip, so staying informed on conditions is the best way to go about things.
Rugged Coastlines and Cold Waters
The Oregon Coast has some sandy beaches as you hang around Bandon and Coos Bay. But further south, it gets rugged and rocky. While you won’t be swimming (water temps can be in the 40s), you can still walk the beaches, feeling the sand between your toes.
Or you can don a wetsuit and snorkel and try to catch yourself lunch or dinner! (This is where South Coast Tours comes into play.)
Tons of Seafood
Oh. My. Gosh. The seafood I had along the Oregon Coast was phenomenal! Halibut. Fish tacos. Crab. Crab cakes. Scallops. Uni. I was on cloud nine and ate as much seafood as I could throughout this Oregon Coast itinerary.
And Charleston and Coos Bay are two of the better places for fresh fish in the region.
Beaches are 100% public access
They call it the People’s Coast for a reason. Every inch (mostly) of Oregon’s 363 miles of coastline is available for public access and enjoyment. In 1967, the Oregon Beach Bill was passed unanimously to lock in sand access.
A Lot of State Parks and Recreation Areas
There are a vast number of state parks and federally protected lands along the Oregon Coast, especially within this itinerary. Here, you’ll find great hiking, epic coastal views, and unique ecosystems to explore.
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- Sunset Bay State Park
- Shore Acres State Park
- Cape Arago State Park
- Bullards Beach State Park
- Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
- Floras Lake State Natural Area
- Cape Blanco State Park
- Port Orford Heads State Park
- Humbug Mountain State Park
How to Get to this Section of the Oregon Coast
Flying here is easy. Driving here, not so much. That’s one of the struggles of Coos Bay/North Bend tourism.
We’ll push the flying to the side, consiering that’s straightforward. But to drive here, from the major metro hubs of Portland and Salem, is much longer. It’s four hours from Portland and 3.25 hours from Salem, Oregon. From Eugene, it’s more manageable, at 2 hours.
So, you really want to come to this area if you live in northern Oregon. Luckily, the Oregon Adventure Coast is full of sights and activities, making it worth your while.
From a photography perspective – which is my world – there’s not much better than the southern Oregon coast for jaw-dropping views and landscapes.
Sea Stacks. Natural Bridges. Long, open coastlines. It’s all here, and it’s all ready to be explored!
Final Thoughts on this Oregon Coast Itinerary
I had a blast getting back to the Oregon Coast for the first time since 2022 when I visited Lincoln City. And getting to spend time road-tripping down the coast from Coos Bay to Port Orford showed me some beautfiul landscapes, introduced me to amazing food, and offered undeniably fun activities.
I hope this Oregon Coast itinerary helps you plan a fun trip in the future, and fingers crossed the weather plays a bit nicer than it did with me!
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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