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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 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.
www.coosbay.org
North Bend
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 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.
www.northbendcity.org - or - www.northbenddowntown.com
Hotel North Bend - Historic Preservation Project
by Umpqua Community Development Corporation
When the restoration is completed in November 2009, the Hotel North Bend will provide 33 residential spaces for residents with low to moderate incomes and 3 commercial street-level spaces; 2 facing Sherman (Hwy 101); 1,189 sq. ft. and 1,249 sq. ft, and one in the hotel lobby.
This project demonstrates the “greening” of an historic community landmark with a focus on maintaining historic integrity. A center piece of downtown North Bend it will integrate energy saving and environmentally pro-active features, and provide the utmost in seismic stability, while maintaining its original historic character. During the pre-remodel “deconstruction” Heartwood ReSources and the Shutter Creek Correctional Facility salvaged materials which were then sold through 'Heartwood ReSources' retail outlet in Roseburg. Lease up of residential units is targeted for late 2009. Lease up of commercial spaces is targeted for January 2010.
Umpqua CDC is pleased to assist with this project and is proud to be part of the North Bend community and the North Bend Downtown Association.
For information, contact Umpqua CDC at 541 673-4909.
Charleston
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, Bastendorff Beach and Shore Acres State Park. You’ll find world class surfing and scuba diving opportunities along with hiking and biking trails suited to all levels.
www.charlestonoregon-merchants.com
