Oregon's Largest Bay On The Pacific Northwest Coast Offers A Scenic Getaway

Coos Bay is the most important seaport in Oregon, and the biggest deep-draft port in the Pacific Northwest. It's also on Oregon's Adventure Coast, an area known for its stunning shoreline, making it a perfect seaside escape.

This spot on Oregon's southern coast was originally the home of the Coquille people. They named the region Coos, meaning "south," due to its location. Coos Bay sits on the south side of the large harbor with the same name. The small city is home to an artsy community, and the historic Marshfield District. Along with neighbors North Bend and Charleston, the area has been dubbed Oregon's Adventure Coast. Coos Bay is also one of the best budget-friendly beach towns to visit on the west coast.

Since Coos Bay is in such a stunning location, it's the ideal place to plan a road trip. You can drive from Eureka, California on one of the awesome end-of-summer road trips in the U.S. You can also stop there while driving on this road trip from Portland to San Francisco. If you don't have time for a long drive, the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) is less than five miles away. The small airport in North Bend receives nonstop flights from San Francisco (SFO). Starting in May, it'll also receive nonstop, seasonal flights from Denver (DEN). For more options, you can also fly to Eugene, about two hours away. Its Eugene Airport (EUG) receives nonstop flights from mostly west coast cities.

Coos Bay was originally called Marshfield when it was founded by settlers from the east coast in 1853. It wasn't until 1944 that the city took the bay's name. Downtown, with its historic buildings, became known as the Marshfield District. The Egyptian Theatre, the Nerdrum House, and the Marshfield Sun Building were all built around the turn of the 20th century. So was the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery, which has a 1915 monument dedicated to veterans from World War I. You can visit all these spots on a walking tour of the city. You can also learn more about Coos Bay at the waterfront Coos History Museum.

Besides being a historic city, Coos Bay is also an artsy city. The Coos Art Museum, in an old post office, is one of the oldest art museums in the entire state. It has galleries dedicated to local and Pacific Northwest artists. Then it's an easy walk to nearby art galleries. The Artist Loft Gallery showcases artists from Oregon's southern coast. josie'sARTLAB is a gallery, as well as a space for art classes. Plus huge murals of Steve Prefontaine, an Olympic runner who grew up in Coos Bay, are street art on the sides of buildings.

While walking between Coos Bay's art and history, you'll also pass Coos Bay Boardwalk. The wooden pier is home to the "Koos #2" tugboat, and a fish market. It has benches, picnic tables, and uninterrupted water views.

After exploring Coos Bay on-foot, you should drive outside the city to see the beautiful coastline. The Cape Arago Highway (OR 540) branches off U.S. Route 101, which extends from Washington to California. The 14-mile road starts in North Bend, goes through Coos Bay and Charleston, and ends in Cape Arago State Park. The Coos County drive passes state parks and breathtaking ocean views.

Yoakam Point State Natural Site is the first park outside Charleston. It's home to rocky cliffs, beaches, and spruce forests. It has hiking trails and views of the decommissioned Cape Arago Lighthouse too. Sunset Bay State Park is less than a mile away from Yoakam Point. It sits atop sandstone cliffs overlooking golden-sand beaches and the ocean. It has a campground that's open year-round, and a hiking trail that leads to the next state park.

That park, Shore Acres, used to be the home of a timber tycoon. His large estate had a mansion, extensive gardens, and gorgeous Pacific views. The mansion is no longer standing. There's now an observation building, providing a history of the estate and a weather-proof view, in its place. Then, at the end of the highway, you'll run into Cape Arago State Park. This is where you'll see seals and sea lions on Shell Island, and migrating whales in the water, turning this into a more exciting scenic getaway than you ever expected.