This unique section of the Oregon coastline is known as Oregon’s Adventure Coast for several reasons and when you arrive in the area, you will easily see why.
The area is comprised of the three communities of Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston. Each has their own distinctive flavor and unique draws and are tied together by Coos Bay (the water), the deepest working port between Seattle and San Francisco. While it is a common site to see huge ocean-going freighters; fishermen, kayakers and windsurfers have carved out a place to play as well.
Coos Bay
Coos Bay Boathouse
Coos Bay was established in the 1850’s as Marshfield, but changed its name to Coos Bay in 1944. Year’s later, the cities’ of Empire and Eastside merged with Coos Bay to make it the largest city on the Oregon Coast with a current population of 15,470. The name Coos Bay is derived from one of the area’s Native American tribes and has two Indian meanings – lake, and place of pines, both very fitting for this area. Several Native American Tribes called the Coos Bay region their ancestral homeland including the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and the Coquille Indians.
Today, you’ll find intriguing restaurants, gourmet coffee houses, antique shops, gift shops and Coos Art Museum, the 3rd oldest art museum in Oregon. Thanks to Coos Bay’s progressive vision, you’ll find a rejuvenated and quickly changing downtown area with growing retail and service sectors. The downtown area is adjacent to the Coos Bay Boardwalk where locals and visitors alike can often be seen enjoying the waterfront views. The best way to enjoy the downtown area is on foot, view a historical walking tour here.
North Bend
McCullough Bridge
North Bend is named to reflect its geographic location as it is situated on the north bend of the bay. Originally named Yarrow, the community was founded in 1863 by Thomas Symons and later purchased by Louis Simpson 1902. He merged Yarrow with “Old Town” a mill site owned by his father Asa and renamed the area North Bend in 1903.
Today North Bend is home to 9,720 people and proudly boasts Oregon Coast’s only airport, the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (airport code: OTH), Oregon Coast’s largest enclosed shopping mall, Pony Village Mall, and the historic MuCullough Bridge. You’ll also find Horsfall Beach and the North Spit, named as one of Sunset Magazine’s top ten beach strolls in the western region, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, home of the towering 500 foot sand dunes and some of the most amazing ATV and off-roading opportunities to be found. Stop by our North Bend Information Center to pick up a walking map of the area to explore our historic points of interest.
Charleston
Bastendorff Beach
Charleston is located just eight miles from Coos Bay and North Bend and is located just inside the entrance to the bay. It is a distinctive fishing village located near some of the finest recreation and most beautiful scenery in the Northwest.
The harbor is the heart of this community and serves as a home port to a large commercial fishing fleet. You’ll find a bustling marina serving charter boat operators, sports fishermen, crabbers and recreational boaters. The harbor area includes restaurants, tackle, seafood, and unique gift shops.
Charleston is Oregon’s Adventure Coast’s gateway to outstanding ocean beaches, state parks, and stunning untouched scenery. Follow Cape Arago Highway and you’ll hit a trifecta of beauty in Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park. You’ll find world class surfing and scuba diving opportunities along with hiking and biking trails suited to all levels.
