For years we’ve eyed the handful of (nearly) oceanfront campsites at Harris Beach State Park, but reservations are competitive and we just aren’t that good at planning in advance…until this year. Reg lucked out and snagged site A-23, one of the better spots offering a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.
We packed our lunch and spent one day exploring Tolowa Dunes State Park in Crescent City. A beautiful, mostly flat trail starts from the parking area off Kellogg Road and meanders through grasslands and in and out of forests, eventually reaching the Smith River. We stopped just short of the river, choosing to enjoy the peace of the Yontocket Indian Village Memorial Cemetery before starting back.
We were hoping for a longer walk when we chose the Hiouchi Trail in Jedediah Smith State Park, but a stern warning put a stop to our connecting with the Mill Creek Trail. As it turned out, we had plenty of obstacles to contend with on our path, so there was no need to go looking for trouble where we didn’t belong. For the record, I think everyone else we saw continued up the trail passed the closed sign.
Sunshine speckled the trail to Hunters Cove as we set out from the Cape Sebastian State Park Viewpoint. Our guidebook warned of strong winds that have kept the Sitka spruce that grow on the point at shoulder height, but this morning all was calm. As we hiked around a bend, the view north opened up to reveal an impressive sea of fog hugging the coast below us. Our downhill path would, no doubt, lead into the thick of it.
As the fog lifted, we were able to see the steep cliffs and the surf below. The trail continued downhill through the forest and would eventually lead to Hunters Cove and a view of a collection of rocky island outcroppings. We didn’t make it quite that far since we had left our lunch in the car, but we walked long enough that the return trip offered clear views of the coastline we had missed earlier.
Once back at the car, we drove a few miles down the highway and found our own spot (with a pretty good view) for our picnic.
The Coquille River Lighthouse was first lit in 1896 and continued to guide ships to safety off the coast of Bandon, Oregon until it was decommissioned in 1939.Bullard Beach State Park provides the starting point for a brisk 5+ mile round trip walk to the lighthouse. You’ll find plenty of opportunity for beach access along the way. Several parking lots are available those less adventurous.
These days the lighthouse opens to provide a glimpse into the past…a brief history lesson for visitors, campers and history buffs. It also serves as inspiration (for photographers) from either shore of the Coquille River.
The wind continued to blow, as it has since we arrived on the coast, but without a cloud in the sky, it was a beautiful day to walk on the beach in Bandon, Oregon.
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