Ready. Set. Adventure. Plan an Unforgettable Hiking Trip on Oregon's Adventure Coast

Have you been carrying a heavy mental load lately? Maybe it’s time to make getting out in nature part of your self-care. Reconnecting with nature has countless advantages , and hiking tops the list as one of the best ways to do it. Not only do you get the benefits of being around natural landscapes, but a good hike can also bring calm and clarity, helping your mind and body feel refreshed and balanced.

Hiking on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston not only gives you access to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country, but it can also be enjoyed by people of all skill and fitness levels. Whether it’s climbing majestic dunes, hiking through a rugged coastal forest overlooking the Pacific, or exploring a beautiful estuary, there’s a trail for you to explore and enjoy.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions to help you plan the best hiking trip on Oregon’s Adventure Coast:

Where Should I Hike?

One of the easiest ways to experience the best hiking on Oregon’s South Coast is by visiting one of the three Oregon State Parks located on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston :

• Sunset Bay State Park : features beautiful sandy beaches protected by towering sea cliffs, perfect destinations for families, picnicking, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and more.
• Shore Acres State Park : Once the home of Lumber Baron Louis Simpson, the park’s beautiful botanical gardens and dramatic ocean views are worth the trip!
• Cape Arago State Park : Located at the end of Cape Arago Highway, you’ll find rugged cliffs and trails leading to a secluded cove, tidepools full of a variety of sea life, and a view of offshore colonies of seals and sea lions.

Please note that parking at Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago State Parks requires a $10 fee or permit, and some areas may have limited accessibility.

One perk of visiting State Parks on Oregon’s Adventure Coast is riding along theCape Arago Highway in Charleston, which gives you access not only to the state parks but also to beaches and spectacular views of natural scenery, including a large colony of seals and sea lions. Here are some great hiking destinations you may want to explore along the way:

• Oregon Coast Trail (Sunset Bay to Cape Arago, part of Section 7 of the OCT) - If you want to experience sweeping vistas, coastal forests, and all 3 state parks in one day, this is the trail for you. From Sunset Bay State Park, this 4-mile section of the OCT winds around the coastal bluffs, past Shore Acres State Park and Simpson Reef viewing area, and ends in Cape Arago State Park. It’s an out-and-back trail, totaling 8 miles. Click here for a trail map .
• Shore Acres Loop Hike (Sunset Bay to Simpson Beach) - This section of the Oregon Coast Trail, open year-round, is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the state of Oregon. Dense, coastal forests, rugged sandstone cliffs, and majestic vista points make this a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers of all levels. This is a shorter segment of the OCT.
• Simpson Beach (situated directly below Shore Acres) - A winding path takes you to this secluded ocean cove. You’ll find a small sandy beach bounded by high cliff walls, crashing waves, and views of seals, sea lions, and other wildlife. (Note: please do not disturb the seals or sea lions you find on the beach.)
• Shell Island - As part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge , this area offers breeding and rest areas for seabirds and marine mammals. There is no public access to the island itself, but viewing points are also available along Cape Arago Highway, Shore Acres State Park, and Cape Arago State Park.

Here are some other wonderful hiking locations to explore while you are here

• Golden and Silver Falls - For adventure lovers, Golden and Silver Falls (about an hour off Highway 101, on Highway 241) does not disappoint! This is a perfect place to enjoy nature and solitude as you hike through scenic canyons and lush coastal forests to two magnificent waterfalls. Late Fall through late Spring are the best times as the waterfalls are at their peak flow.
• South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve - The trails at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR) are one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets. This glorious nature preserve, located on 7 Devils Road near Charleston, covers 19,000 acres and offers miles of beautiful hiking trails and waterways to explore for all ability levels.
• Oregon National Dunes Recreation Area - Most people think of ATV rides when they think of the Oregon Dunes, but as the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America, there are sections where motorized vehicles are prohibited, making it ideal for hiking. For a truly unique Oregon coast adventure, check out Bluebill Trail located off Horsfall Road outside of North Bend. Along theJohn Dellenback Dunes Trail , hikers can challenge themselves with a 2.7-mile trek to the beach or take an easier self-guided interpretive loop while taking in the variety of landscapes the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is known for.
• Off the beaten path - Let’s say you don’t have a lot of time to devote to a hike and you’re looking for something quick and easy or a little less known. We’ve got you! There are several off-the-radar destinations perfect for a peaceful walk or short hike through nature, such as Millicoma Marsh , Mingus Park , North Spit of Coos Bay Trail System , John Topits Park/Empire Lakes , and Simpson Park/Ferry Road - all options with great trails waiting to be explored!

Are your hiking trails accessible?

Our communities are coming together to make the Oregon Coast a more inclusive destination for all. Thanks to the generous support of local organizations and regional partners like the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) , David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems is available to reserve and use for free while visiting Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston. Unlike traditional wheelchairs, these all-terrain chairs use durable, tank-style tracks that glide across sand, gravel, and uneven ground, giving more access to places that once felt out of reach, like hiking trails and beaches. Click here to learn more about accessibility on Oregon’s Adventure Coast .

Can I bring my dog?

There are miles and miles of trails on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on most of them, as long as you clean up after them and they’re leashed as required by law. Picking up after your pet is not only considerate to fellow hikers, it helps prevent pollution and protects local wildlife. Keep your pet (and yourself) hydrated and take plenty of breaks!

Important Note About Shore Acres State Park. If you are planning to take your pet to Shore Acres State Park, please note that no animals, except for service animals, are allowed outside of vehicles in Shore Acres State Park and its formal gardens. Hikers with dogs already on the Oregon Coast Trail, which runs from Sunset Bay State Park to Cape Arago State Park through Shore Acres State Park, may continue along the trail. However, dogs must remain on the trail and in the parking lot area only. The trail does not extend to the area around the Observation Building, bathroom facilities, or the gardens.

Are the trails safe?

Most hiking trails on Oregon’s Adventure Coast are well-maintained and safe as long as visitors follow common-sense guidelines and stay close to the trail. However, hiking conditions depend on weather patterns, seasonal closures, and other factors outside our control, so plan ahead and check the appropriate websites before heading out.

Personal safety also largely depends on preparation, and we encourage you to always hike with others and familiarize yourself with Travel Oregon’s Take Care Out There principles to stay safe!

If you are planning a hike close to the water, we urge you to learn & follow critical Oregon beach safety guidelines . What should be a beautiful day by the Pacific Ocean could suddenly become unsafe without warning if you are not careful. Check the tide times at tides-forecast.com . Read Safe Ways to Explore the Beach for more information.

Got any other tips?

• Leave No Trace. Oregon’s Adventure Coast is full of treasured natural destinations to enjoy, and it is up to us to be good stewards of the land. All visitors are responsible for their own actions, and we ask them to take special care and follow Leave No Trace principles . Please do not touch the wildlife under any circumstances! If you see wildlife, please appreciate it from afar and do not attempt to touch or interact with it - it is, after all, their home.
• Fuel up before and after your hike. Don’t go out on the trails on an empty stomach! There are many locally owned restaurants dishing out hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches/dinners, and the freshest seafood you could hope for. Download our Local Restaurant & Coffee Shop Guide to keep with you, or visit Oregonsadventurecoast.com/dining to see all our local restaurants.
• Book a comfortable place to rest at the end of the day. To feel the full benefits of your hike, stay a night or two. Oregon’s Adventure Coast offers plenty of comfortable lodging options in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston to suit your needs and preferences.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to lay your head after a long day of hiking or an adventure, the volunteers in the Visitor Centers in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston are always glad to help you plan and get the most out of your trip! Call us at (541) 269-0215 or email info@oregonsadventurecoast.com .

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