Take a trip up the Oregon coast and prepare yourself for some fantastic vistas.  From Brookings to Coos Bay, to Reedsport and beyond, this coastal landscape is a playground for photographers, hikers, bikers, campers and ocean-lovers.  For more information on State parks and places of note, check this previous Southern Oregon travel blog.

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Thinking of heading up the southern Oregon coast?  You shouldn’t have a problem finding things to do or finding a place to camp. You’ll come across tremendous scenery around every bend in the road and a campground literally every couple miles.  There are ample opportunities for hiking and biking, exploring the many coves or just relaxing on a sheltered beach.  Here are some state and county parks especially worth visiting on a trip up Highway 101.  

Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain State Park provides a cozy leeward valley, several miles of beach, access to Brush Creek and the Humbug Mountain hiking trail.  The Oregon Coast Trail also passes through the park.  Hiking, biking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing are all popular in the area.  The campground has nearly 100 spots and full amenities.  

Battle Rock Wayside Park

Continuing north on Highway 101, you will see Battle Rock Wayside Park to your left just before you enter Port Orford.  The park is so named for the 1851 battle between the first white settlers and the native tribes.  Check out Battle Rock just off the highway, where the settlers held out during the fighting, and then head down across the beach to see the many other rock formations rising directly out of the sand and surf.  

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A thing out of its normal element can make an interesting study.  Especially if that thing is a fishing vessel up on wheels in dry-dock.  Wish we could have spent more time here, as the colors and lighting were amazing, but as is usually the case when you're traveling, the clock was ticking.

View and download a higher resolution copy here - Dry-Docked at Port Orford

The Oregon coast is absolutely gorgeous.  Majestic headlands.  Myrtle-green forests.  Fresh ocean breezes.  Secluded beaches and sheltered valleys.  If your idea of paradise includes any of these, then you may want to strike out for Oregon and the Pacific Ocean. 

Just south of Port Orford, the Humbug Mountain Trail takes you to the summit of one of the highest mountains along the coast.  Mount Humbug rises directly from the ocean to a height of 1,756 feet, and on the way to the top you can experience firsthand the old growth rainforest, small waterfalls and expanses of clovers and ferns.

Recommended Route

Humbug Mountain Trail is approximately five miles round trip, to the summit and back.  If you are staying at the Humbug Mountain Campground, you can step right out of your trailer or tent and start the hike.  Head east from Loop B (west from Loop A), and take the footbridge across Brush Creek.  A tunnel will take you under the highway to the trailhead. 

For those not staying at the campground, there is a dedicated parking area on Highway 101 just west of the campground entrance. 

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