What to Pack for a Winter Getaway on Oregon's Adventure Coast

Heading to the Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston this Winter? Here’s a List of Travel Essentials You’ll Want to Pack.

If you’re thinking about a winter getaway on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston , you’re not alone. Winter is a beautiful season to travel to the Oregon Coast, so much so that we’re offering visitors 15% off lodging at participating properties from January 1st, 2022 through February 28, 2022!

Travel Oregon’s Emily Forsha says winter is her favorite season on the Oregon Coast. “You might find yourself cozying up by a fireplace, watching angry waves crash during a spectacular storm; or you may find yourself on an uncrowded beach on a clear, sunny day that ends with a sunset over a beach bonfire,” she writes in her post, The Oregon Coast, A Winter Odyssey .

Winter is sometimes referred to as our “secret season” or “second summer” because it is not always cold and rainy. Average temperatures range from the high 30s to the high 40s from December through February, but it’s not uncommon for coastal residents and visitors to be treated to spectacular balmy days of sunshine and warmer temperatures mimicking summer weather. The key to enjoying your adventure is to pack smart and plan ahead. Here’s a packing list of Oregon Coast travel essentials to help you get the most out of your winter vacation!

What to Wear

The vibe on Oregon’s Adventure Coast is laid back and casual. There’s rarely a need for formalwear of any kind. Jeans, t-shirts and comfortable shoes are the standard look around here. November, December and January are the wettest months, but a jacket with a hood is a year-round staple. And while our area is temperate year-round, there are daily fluctuations. Layered clothing allows you to adjust for changes in temperature accordingly. Your packing list might look something like this:

• A light, waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots (waterproof ones are the best)
• A warm hat
• Jeans or long pants
• Short sleeve and/or long sleeve t-shirts
• Pull over sweatshirts and sweaters
• Comfortable shoes - you’ll probably do a lot of walking
• Multiple pairs of warm socks
• Gloves
• A combination of shorts and long pants will give you some options for daytime adventures

What Else to Bring

• Face mask- Face coverings are mandatory for all when inside a public space
• Binoculars for viewing wildlife and marine mammals (like migrating gray whales in December and January)
• Gear for specific activities you plan to do: i.e. waders for fishing or a wetsuit for surfing
• Waterproof Bag and/or other sealable bag to hold your electronics and valuables
• A bag to collect shells, rocks, small pieces of driftwood – or trash, if that is your choice (the tide deposits small pieces of plastic debris that is harmful for birds and ocean critters)
• Polarized Sunglasses
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Camera
• Cash- some locations may charge a fee for access
• Your Oregon State Park Annual Pass (if you have one)
• Cooler to store water, snacks and meals-on-the-go
• A printed map (if cell service is limited in some outdoor areas).
• Oregon’s Adventure Coast Visitors Guide - Request or download one here
• Tide Schedule & Beach Safety Awareness
• Sunscreen- Even on overcast days, you can get a sunburn!
• Fishing License If you plan to fish, go crabbing and/or clamming, an Oregon fishing and/or shellfishing license is required for those age 12 years or older. We recommend stopping by Bi-Mart or Walmart for a license, though you can also find them in some bait shops and sporting goods stores on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.

Got questions? Contact us directly! Whether you are on the hunt for awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, eclectic shopping, fine dining, special events, or an evening of entertainment, there is an adventure for everyone on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. For more information, please contact the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau . You can also follow Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook , @travelcoosbay on Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to find inspiration on the best spots to visit, eat, stay and explore any time of the year. For even more travel inspiration, visit our Adventures page and our Trip Ideas page to discover all there is to do on Oregon’s Adventure Coast!

Editor’s Note: As the developments with COVID-19 continue to unfold, please follow the direction of our public health authorities including the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and Coos Health & Wellness to protect yourself, our community and our visitors. Face coverings are mandatory for all when inside a public space AND outdoors when 6 ft distancing cannot be maintained. If you are ready to travel, we are ready to welcome you back to Oregon’s Adventure Coast. However, if you are feeling ill or not comfortable traveling right now, we encourage you to stay home and stay healthy. Let’s all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Visit the state’s **Safe+Strong Oregon ** page for more information.