Oregon's Bay Area
Coos Bay is often referred to as Oregon’s Bay area which also encompasses the Town of North Bend. It is the largest natural harbor between San Francisco and Seattle and is the major shipping and manufacturing area for most of southern Oregon.
I have many fond childhood memories living in Coos Bay as a young girl. Spending hours beach combing and poking at creatures in the tide pools along the rugged coastline and sandy beaches. My father used to give a nickel to the first one of us kids to find an agate on the beach. I always got the nickel and I’m not sure if it was because I have an eagle eye or that I like money.
Shore Acres State Park
Shore Acres is a beautiful flower garden that sits above the jagged ocean cliffs just South of Coos Bay. The estate, now a State Park, once belonged to timber baron, Louis J. Simpson who built it for his wife Cassie, as a Christmas present. The artfully crafted English Gardens feature plants from around the world. A Japanese style Garden with a Lilly Pond, and two Rose Gardens featuring All-American Rose varieties. There is something in bloom every day of the year. We visited in the fall on a rainy day and still managed to admire the beauty. Click here for more information Shore Acres State Park – Oregon State Parks
Rugged Coastline
In contrast to the perfectly manicured gardens, is the beautiful, rugged coastline. If you’re up for a trek, a path leading down to Simpson Beach brings you up close to the ferocious ocean waves. Another trail winds along the cliff’s edge with seascape views, and if you visit December through June, a glimpse of migrating Grey Whales. Other nearby beaches not to be missed are Sunset Bay and Cape Argo.
4 Fun Facts about the Oregon Coast
Oregon grows 40 million pounds of cranberries and 95 percent come from the Bandon area near Coos Bay.
The amount of forest land in Oregon has held steady at 30 million acres since the 1600’s. In Coos County, 95% of the land is covered by forest.
The Douglas-fir is the second-tallest conifer in the world after the coastal redwood. The tallest of these lives in Coos County, standing at an impressive 326 feet tall. Douglas-fir lives 500-1000 years and produces more timber than any other tree in North America.
Forty miles of wind driven dunes stretch north of Coos Bay with some towering 500 feet above sea level. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area was formed by Congress in 1972. Hiking, sledding or off-road riding, make these dunes a popular destination. Thousands come each year to celebrate “Dunefest” in summer. Dates are not yet set for this year but will be held sometime between July and August.
Craft Brewery
After a long day exploring Shore Acres and nearby beaches, we tested out the local craft brewery, 7 Devils Brewery aptly named after 7 Devils Beach.
There are many quaint beach towns along the Oregon Coast from Cannon Beach to Astoria. I hope you’ll explore some of Oregon’s Beaches soon and enjoy them as much as I have.
