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Can you name three state park campgrounds on the coast? If you listed Fort Stevens, Beverly Beach and Cape Lookout, congratulations — you've discovered some of the most popular, beautiful, comfortable full-service campgrounds in the nation.
And if you want to make some new discoveries? There's more to the Oregon coast than you might think. Imagine for a moment: a morning spent playing with wild abandon on the dunes, a noontime stroll through a flower garden as verdant as any you'd find in England, an afternoon watching the seals play in the surf, and finally the quiet murmur of an evening breeze as you bed down for the night.
It's all waiting for you when you visit the southern Oregon coast.
DAY 1
Morning
If you're coming south on Hwy 101, stop by the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area just east of Reedsport on Highway 38. If it's early, you may catch a glimpse of the 60-100 local residents.
Continue south on Hwy 101 from Reedsport. Just a little further down the road (eight miles) is a great place to spend your first night: Tugman State Park.
Afternoon
After setting up camp, and if the weather is cooperating, cool off with a late-day dip in nearby Eel Lake. Have a canoe or kayak? An afternoon of boating on Eel Lake will refresh your spirit.
Evening
Enjoy the expansive lawns in the day use area ... Did you bring along a frisbee or ball to toss, or a kite to fly? If not, the Eel Lake trail offers a leisurely chance to stroll in a beautiful setting.
DAY 2
Morning
Pack a lunch and head over to nearby Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, 2 miles north of Hwy 101. The dunes there are some of the most spectacular in Oregon.
Take a gander at the Umpqua River lighthouse and the adjacent museum.
Do early lunch in the picnic area overlooking beautiful Lake Marie.
Afternoon
Check out of Tugman by 1 p.m. and head south on 101. When you reach Coos Bay, head west on the Cape Arago Highway.
At Shore Acres State Park, 13 miles along the road, you'll find the exceptional "Garden Above the Waves." Just down the road, enjoy the sights and sounds of the seals and sea lions at Simpson Reef Overlook, and wade in the gentle surf of Sunset Bay. All three parks are strung along Cape Arago like a strand of pearls.
Backtrack north on the Cape Arago Highway and take the Seven Devils Road south toward Bandon and get back on Hwy 101.
Along the way, stop at either Bandon State Natural Area (if you like to beachcomb) or Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint (if you like to take pictures and look for tidal marine life).
Check into Cape Blanco campground, an ultra-private setting for the night.
Evening
That was a busy day ... relax!
DAY 3
Morning
Get information on tours of the Cape Blanco lighthouse and historic Hughes House. These two icons of southern Oregon coast history are open April through October, Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy your lunch in the park.
Afternoon
Play on the beach (it's a rarity ... beautiful and uncrowded).
In the town of Port Orford, you'll find plenty of places for dinner or dessert.
If there's time and a little sun, watch the sunset from Port Orford Heads Scenic Viewpoint. You can walk off that dinner on the park's small trail system. The Cove Trail, with spectacular views of Nellie's Cove, is about 1/3 mile.
Evening
Back at Cape Blanco, if the moon is full, a stroll on the beach would be a wonderful way to end the day.
Or try a campfire sing-along (sounds corny, but give it a chance) before heading off to bed.
Want more? From Tugman to Cape Blanco, there's a couple of crowd-free parks where you can kick back, play, and finally take a vacation that surpasses the hype. If you have too much fun, you just may have to come back to uncover more southern coast treasures (and bring some friends).
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