Oregon’s Southern Coast

A drive along US Highway 101, also known as the Oregon Coastal Highway, will take you along the Southern Oregon Coast. This section of Pacific coastline is rich with stunning shorelines, lighthouses, sand dunes, and dramatic rock formations. Here are a few things that you can see:

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area sits inside Siuslaw National Forest and is therefore managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The vast expanse of ocean dunes were created by nearby rivers over 100,000 years. The combination sand, ocean and forest lend to the remarkable nature of the recreation area. 

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Along the Cape Perpetua coastline, there are unique and dramatic geologic features. Among these are the Devils Churn, which is a long fissure in the rock that explodes as waves rush in a fill the crack. Two saltwater fountains, Spouting Horn at Cook's Chasm and the nearby Thor's Well, are also powered by waves.

Port Orford Heads

Near the town of Port Orford is a section of rugged coastline with dramatic rock formations. This area is also famous as an area for viewing marine wildlife. Orcas, gray whales, sea lions and numerous aquatic birds can be spotted from the shoreline. The historic Port Orford Lifeboat Station is now open to the public as a museum.

Other Sights

The small seaside towns, lighthouses and the famous Sea Lion Caves are a few of the other worthwhile stops along the way.