Rediscover Awe: The Benefits of Nature on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
What do hiking through Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area , spotting rare shorebirds in their natural habitat, discovering a beautiful work of art , and watching a magnificent sunset on a beautiful beach have in common? If you guessed “things you can do on Oregon’s Adventure Coast,” you’re right!
But these experiences share something even more powerful—they evoke awe, a feeling of wonder and amazement in response to something vast or inspiring. And awe isn’t just a beautiful experience—it also offers proven health benefits for both mind and body.
The demands of modern life make it difficult to prioritize self-care and mental health. However, regular doses of awe—like those found in nature therapy or “forest bathing”—can help reduce stress and enhance well-being.
Forest bathing , or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that immerses oneself in nature and engages all five senses to foster a deeper connection with the environment. This practice inspires a sense of awe, which has been shown to lower stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system. Research confirms that time in nature reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases serotonin (the happiness hormone), promoting overall mental and physical health.
There are countless ways to rediscover your sense of awe on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston! Here are just a few ideas to get you inspired:
- Search for birds or enjoy a picnic while overlooking the ocean at Yoakam Point State Natural Site .
- Explore the John Dellenback Trail or take an exhilarating ATV ride up and down towering sand dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area , the largest expansion of coastal sand dunes in North America.
- Hike through scenic canyons and an old-growth forest to two magnificent waterfalls at Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area .
- Take a meditative walk and watch the surfers on Bastendorff Beach .
- Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from a tranquil beach at Sunset Bay State Park .
- Search for natural treasures in tide pools along the beach at Cape Arago State Park . Please do not touch or harm these living natural treasures!
- Watch hundreds of seals and sea lions in their natural habitat from the Simpson Reef overlook on Cape Arago Highway (between Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park.
- Discover an amazing fact about marine life you never knew at the Charleston Marine Life Center .
- Observe the variety of plants and wildlife along the trails and waterways in the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (South Slough NERR) - a living, breathing natural resource dedicated to sustaining the environment.
- Stop in one of the scenic coves along the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) to take in unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean between Sunset Bay State Park and Cape Arago State Park.
- Grab your binoculars and take a drive along the Cape Arago Beach Loop - plan to stop at all three Oregon State Parks and the many vantage points.
- Go paddleboarding along the Coos River or Coquille River. Watch this video to get inspired!
- Learn about the region’s rich native American and maritime history at the Coos History Museum , Oregon’s oldest continuously operated historical society with more than 250,000 historic photographs.
- Take advantage of the vast fishing opportunities in the freshwater lakes and rivers and bay and ocean .
- Discover new works from Oregon artists at the Coos Art Museum , the third-oldest art museum in the state.
- Go whale watching during winter and/or spring migrating season and stroll through the gardens at Shore Acres State Park .
- Experience nature along some of the “trails less traveled” on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, like Empire Lakes Trail, Millicoma Marsh, Mingus Park, North Spit Of Coos Bay Trail System , and Simpson Park/Ferry Road Park in North Bend.
The options are endless! Come rediscover your sense of awe and experience the benefits for yourself by visiting the forests, beaches, and natural beauty on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston. Click here for unique trip itineraries, and browse through our suggestions as you plan your getaway.
Contact us to get even more tips, as well as the inside scoop, for finding the best local food and activities any time of the year, and visit our Adventure Page for more ideas and inspiration. Download our Visitor Guide (PDF) .
