Year-Round Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, the towns of Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston - a.k.a. Oregon’s Adventure Coast - are beautiful destinations to explore any time of the year. Our beautiful undeveloped beaches, untamed dunes , and the popular Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trail System are just some of the outdoor attractions accessible year round. Even in the winter months, visitors can experience delightful moments with occasional warmth, some rain, but always a touch of wild and wonderful charm!
Last month, we published a post about the top “Indoor Adventures” on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston. In this post, we’re going to highlight some of the outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed this winter and any time of the year!
#1 Explore the Largest Expansion of Coastal Sand Dunes in North America
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is like no place on earth. It’s also one of our favorite attractions on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, because there are plenty of opportunities to find relaxation and adventure. Take a thrilling ride up and down a towering sand dune, or hike along the miles and miles of trails. With more than 32,186 acres of dunes, forest, streams and lakes, there are plenty of opportunities for an amazing winter adventure.
#2 Go Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in the winter? In Oregon? When the Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trail System is in your backyard, why not? This one-of-a-kind trail system was designed and built for year-round mountain biking, and is one of the ONLY systems in Oregon open year-round! Whiskey Run is renowned for its 32 miles of well maintained trails, moderate climbing and fun descending through the misty Coos County Forest.
#3 Explore the Beaches & State Parks Along the Cape Arago Highway
There’s nothing quite as beautiful as the array of beaches and state parks along the Cape Arago Highway. The Cape Arago Beach Loop will take you to three state parks (Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres State Park, and Cape Arago State Park), in addition to breathtaking beaches and vantage points. Take a walk and watch the surfers on Bastendorff Beach, or search for natural treasures in tide pools in the protected beach in Sunset Bay State Park. Watch the seal and sea lions on Simpson Reef and Shell Island , part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge . Take in views of the ocean and stroll through the gardens at Shore Acres State Park , the crown jewel of Oregon’s South Coast. The possibilities are endless! Download this guide to help you on your route and choose your own experience. Please do not touch the wildlife under any circumstances!
COMING UP: Kick off the new year at the Polar Bear Plunge at Sunset Bay State Park starting at 9 a.m. on January 1, 2024!
#4- Go Winter Storm Watching
If you are exploring the Cape Arago Beach Loop during a high surf event, you will find multiple vantage points to watch the massive waves crash into the rugged coastline due to winter storms over the Pacific Ocean. The storm watching hut at Shore Acres State Park is one of the best storm watching spots on the Oregon Coast. Perched on top of an 80 foot cliff, this location allows for a safer distance above the waves while enjoying fantastic views. We will post High Surf Warnings on our Facebook Page , so be sure to follow us. Be “wave safe” and follow these important safety tips to keep everyone in your group safe:
- Stay at a Distance: Sneaker waves—unexpected waves that are far larger and more powerful than others—can sweep you off your feet with deadly consequences. A general rule is to stay at least 100 feet away from the water’s edge and NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN. If you want to pose for photos and/or a selfie, do it from a safe distance!
- Avoid Walking on Logs, Jetties, and Cliff Edges. Logs along the beach can become dangerous objects quickly during a sneaker wave. Jetties and cliff edges can also be slippery and unstable during stormy weather. A sudden large wave or gust of wind could lead to a fall. Stick to designated viewpoints and trails.
Read this Travel Oregon post for more tips on how to stay safe when you’re outdoors.
#5- Go on a Winter Hike
Hiking through coastal forests and majestic landscapes along Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston can be an exhilarating experience, especially in the winter months. The trails are often less crowded, making them the perfect place to enjoy nature and solitude. No matter the season, there is a beautiful hiking adventure waiting for you here, whether it’s exploring inland waterfalls, climbing ancient sand dunes, traversing through a coastal forest, or walking along rugged paths overlooking the Pacific. Click here to begin planning your hiking adventure!
#6- Go Whale Watching
Pack those binoculars, because you’re in for a “fin-tastic” time this winter! Visitors will have an amazing opportunity to view the thousands of gray whales migrating south in the Pacific Ocean each winter. Oregon State Parks commemorates the annual winter and spring whale migration with its Oregon Whale Watch program in late December and late March. Thanks to their knowledgeable volunteers , curious visitors can learn more about the gray whales and their annual migration in designated sites (like Shore Acres State Park) between 10:00am - 1:00pm December 27-31, 2023. If you’re unable to get to a designated viewing spot during Winter Whale Watch Week, you can still view these gentle giants on your own. Even if it isn’t Whale Watch Week, the lookouts along Oregon’s Adventure Coast are a great place to be on the lookout for gray whales and other marine mammals! Download the Oregon State Parks whale watching brochure and embark on your own whale watching adventure!
#7- Go Fishing
Of the many outdoor recreational activities here on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, fishing is undoubtedly a favorite! Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston have an abundance of fishing options. After all, there are more than 30 freshwater lakes and rivers to choose from in Coos County alone, as well as fantastic bay and ocean fishing ! The winter months are a great time for winter steelhead fishing, rockfish /bottom-fish, and surfperch. Download our Fishing Information Rack Card here (PDF).
To help plan your winter fishing trip, we put together a list of resources . Daily, multi-day and annual licenses are available at sporting goods stores and other local retailers. Find a list of vendors here or purchase online from ODFW. Be sure to visit one of our bait shops while in the area; they’re always willing to share pointers with visiting anglers.
#8- Go Crabbing
Winter is an excellent time for crabbing on the Southern Oregon Coast! Many experts say the best time for crabbing is during the months with an ‘r’ (January, February, March, etc). Click here for important crabbing tips and information, and mark your calendar for the Annual Charleston Crab Feed happening Saturday, February 10, 2024! Click here to read some important crabbing tips from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
There is an adventure for everyone on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. Whether you are on the hunt for awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, eclectic shopping, fine dining, special events, or an evening of entertainment, you will find it here. For more information, please contact the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau . You can also follow Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook , @travelcoosbay on Instagram , and TikTok to find inspiration on the best spots to visit, eat, stay and explore any time of the year.
For even more travel inspiration, visit our Adventures page and our Trip Ideas page to discover all there is to do on Oregon’s Adventure Coast! Request your FREE visitor’s packet today, and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
