The Southern Oregon Coastline is one of the most beautiful parts of the Oregon Coast. Being close to California, the water color is different tones of blue and full of unique sea stacks to explore.
Nearly 6 hours from Portland, Brookings is quite the drive, so be sure to adventure all of the spots while you are in the area. Gold Beach is a great place to stay giving you access to both areas. Keep in mind that these areas have gotten quite popular in recent years, making parking hard at certain locations. So if you plan to visit on weekends, going early or later in the day is best.
Port Orford is a small coastal town that is home to some of my favorite little spots as well. The perfect place to stay as well or stop for lunch or a beach walk!
Port Orford to Brookings is a stretch of coastal highway with endless places to hike and take photos. Plus, there are some gems of places to eat while your here. Luckily, I have done the digging for you.
In this blog you will find information where to stay in the area, what to do, and what to eat in the area!
Where is Southern Oregon?
Where to Stay in Southern Oregon Coast
Treehouse Gold Beach
I have had this treehouse in Gold Beach on my list of unique rentals, so I booked “The Bluebird House” on Airbnb . Typically I have been passing through Gold Beach and Brookings, so it was nice to have a place to stay for the weekend.
The treehouse was 5-10 minutes from some of the best coastal hikes in the area.
The treehouse sits on a farm where the owner Cynthia will be sure to come greet you, as well as her two dogs and donkeys. The treehouse is listed as dog friendly however because of ‘muddy season’ I wasn’t allowed to bring mine.
Overlooking the coastline their is a giant deck in front of the treehouse. A toilet tree sits outside of the main treehouse with a shower and toilet. This area is not heated-so it was quite cold making trips to the bathroom. However, it was quite nice having it in a separate area. I would call this one elevated glamping.
Inside the treehouse you will find a loft with 2 small mattress’ and a queen size futon downstairs. After sleeping here for two nights we suggest bringing your own added cushion as the upstairs beds could use an updating. Unlike the photos show in the listing, she has installed a propane wall heater, which kept us warm. Be sure to crack a window while running this to release carbon monoxide.
In the kitchen you will find everything you need for basic cooking. a convection oven and hot plate along with everything you need to cook from the comforts of the treehouse. There aren’t many places to eat in Gold Beach, so I would suggest coming prepared with what you enjoy. However we did go out to eat at Barnacle Bistro one night and had delicious fish and chips!
Although we didn’t do the hike, there is access down to the beach via a trail the homeowner gives you directions for.
Heartland Treehouses
Located in Langlois, just outside of Port Orford, are the Heartland Treehouses. There are two treehouses to choose from.
First, the original Heartland Treehouse with two outdoor bathtubs. This treehouse is a glamping treehouse with a single bed, outhouse, and outdoor cooking area.
The second treehouse, the Heartwood Treehouse is a bit bigger, with a king size bed, and two single beds in a lofted area. This is still glamping, but the bathtub is covered. This treehouse does allow dogs as well!
Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge
If your looking for something more upscale, the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge on the Rogue River in Gold Beach is the place. This adults only retreat is home to glass cabins overlooking the Rogue River, fine dining, and lodge rooms with personal Japanese soaking pools.
If you visit in the summertime, there is a heated pool, and kayaking and paddle boarding opportunities right from their dock! Staying here gives you access to exploring Brookings, Bandon, and Gold Beach.
Where to Eat Along the Southern Oregon Coast
Finding good places to eat in Southern Oregon Coastline can be a little tricky at first, but if your a foodie like me, it is possible to find it! Port Orford, Brookings, and Gold Beach have the best spots for food in the area.
Gold Beach
Kissing Rock Coffee: Located on HWY 101, this is the best coffee in Gold Beach. If your there on a Saturday, they serve breakfast calzones from Groundlings Pizza!
Groundlings Pizza: This place blew me away! Truly the best wood fired pizza I have had in Oregon. Located on the Rogue River just a few minutes off HWY101-you will be as surprised as we were by the quality of the pizza!
Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge: For high end dining, this is the place to enjoy. Incredible aged steaks and fish dishes to enjoy at their outdoor patio. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner.
Port Orford
Port Orford Sustainable Fishery: Check their hours before visiting their fishery-but this is a hidden GEM! Buy fish to cook or stop for lunch for one of their miso black cod bowls, such a treat. The fishermans stew is a delight as well.
Redfish Port Orford: If your looking for something a little more upscale, Redfish is a great place! Excellent cocktails, seafood dishes, and brunch!
Floras Creek Coffee Roasters: If your looking for coffee on your drive home, this place in Langlois has incredible coffee that they roast in house.
The Spoon: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover at this spot! Incredible breakfast and sandwich options!
Brookings
Wicked Pig Bar and Bites: If your looking for a really good hot dog or smashburger in Brookings-this is the spot.
Khun Thai: The best Thai food to eat along the southern Oregon coastal area, hands down!
Chetco Brewing Company: The best brewery to visit in Brookings with no-frills and simple menu to enjoy outside on a sunny day!
Places to Hike in Southern Oregon Coast
Secret Beach Brookings
Although not as secret as the name leads on, there isn’t a roadside sign indicating that there is a beach trail here.
Using the All Trails directions will take you to the pull off where you will see a trail on the ride side of the parking area. Take that about .05 miles down to the beach were there is endless places to explore. We spent the better part of the morning after sunrise climbing on sea stacks. I headed down to the beach area as tide was safe for exploring.
While you are in these coastal areas, check the tide prior to doing some beach hikes. Especially in the wintertime sometimes the tide is too high for beach hiking. I use the Saltwater Tides app to check prior to planning my hike for the day.
When the tide is low, you are able to hike close to the sea stacks and witness tide pools-full of sea creatures like starfish and anemone. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace Principles when visiting the area, and stay on established trails along the coastline. Use caution when hiking on wet sea stacks.
Meyers Beach to Pistol River
Just five minutes from the treehouse is Meyers Beach. There are numerous seastacks to hike around and see, with endless beach access. We were the only ones here when we arrived on a winter weekend.
As we pulled into the parking pull off for sunset, I said to Melissa and Hannah that I felt the clouds were going to be a big sky of pink. They hoped I didn’t jinx it! As we hiked around and sunset time approached, we didn’t think anything was going to happen with the sky. as we looked back we saw the pink illuminate the sun and continue to grow up the skyline. Truly one of the best sunsets I have seen in my life!
Natural Bridge Brookings
Natural Bridges is a stunning area to visit along the Southern Oregon Coast. It is close to Secret Beach, and arguably one of the most photographed areas in Brookings.
It is important to note that walking on the bridges is closed as of 2024. While I did it back in 2018, there are many signs telling people not to do this portion of the hike. There have been a few deaths in this area which is why closures happen here. Even though people on social media are still doing it, doesn’t mean it should be done. It is hard to get on the “bridge” itself and is very dangerous.
Instead, enjoy the viewpoint safely from the viewing platform and get creative with your shots!
Depending on the time of year, this viewpoint will embody different tones and colors of the sky and water. If somebody asks you to visit a place a second or third time, go.
If you want to safely get closer to the bridges, I suggest booking a kayaking trip with South Coast Tours, where you can safely paddle under the bridges at low tide.
Beach Trail
South of Gold Beach is the ‘Beach Trailhead‘ which I consider to be more of a locals trail as there is no parking area, it just looks like a pull off but there is a trail sign.
This hike meanders through the forest and down into sand dunes onto the beach where there are giant sea stacks to hike around. Depending on the tide, you are able to hike further down the beach seeing a more unique perspective. The hike is 1.5 miles down to the beach, be sure to follow the ‘beach’ signs. We did not do this portion but you can also make it a loop by seeing Lola Lake. Find more trail information here.
In this area there is Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It is imperative that you stay on the beach area and do not hike up onto the closed off bird conservation area. Many photographers have climbed up onto this section to photograph Mack Arch. Don’t be like them! Read this story here how a photographer felt awful after going on the refuge without knowing the rules of the land.
If you want to photograph Mack Arch you are better off booking a stay through Crook Point as the homes have private beach access with views that you cannot see legally without getting in a plane or renting a boat.
While we were there a storm was rolling in and I wanted to photograph myself in a dress on the coast. I had a wedding dress from a previous photoshoot for BHLDN. Hannah absolutely crushed the images below!
Hubbard Creek Beach
Located in Port Orford right off HWY 101, near Battle Rock Wayside, this is the perfect place to stop and stretch the legs.
At low tide, you can hike onto Battle Rock and see the gravesite of what is believed to be somebody who died in battle. Proceed with caution as this is typically covered in posion oak in the summertime.
Walk south down the beach to see beautiful seastacks and gorgeous cliff lines.
Kissing Rock
Located just north of Gold Beach, aptly named Kissing Rock is a great place to stop along HWY 101 and stretch your legs. Once you pull into the parking area there is a trail entrance on the north side of the parking lot that you can follow onto the kissing rocks.
Pin For Later!
