Bandon: Coastal Scenery, Wildlife and River Life

Explore Bandon through several specific interests: coastal access and wildlife watching, wetlands along the Coquille River, and art and events on the waterfront. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide which of these themes you want to focus on during your stay. Tide and wind are also important to plan for when doing activities on the river.

Coast and Wildlife

Coquille Point is a mainland section of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is open to the public year-round. Follow the rules for protecting wildlife there. At Coquille Point, you can watch seabirds and seals.

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge also offers year-round wildlife watching. Its landscape includes mudflats, salt marshes and forested wetlands where the Coquille River meets the Pacific Ocean. The refuge has two public trails and viewing platforms. Alongside the wildlife-watching opportunities at Coquille Point, you can explore the Marsh’s varied habitats.

Bandon State Natural Area includes several beach access points along Beach Loop Road in Bandon. There is ample parking at China Creek, but this location is not recommended for large RVs. If you are traveling in a large RV, keep this restriction in mind when choosing a beach access point.

Face Rock Wayside is the home beach of Circles in the Sand. The organization creates sand labyrinths there, surrounded by elaborate patterns and artworks. This adds a distinctive artistic element to a beach visit.

Coquille River and Old Town

A particularly scenic trip on the Coquille River can begin in Old Town Bandon on a rising tide and loop around Randolph Island. Tide and wind are important factors to consider. Tidal influence on the Coquille River Water Trail extends more than 30 miles upriver. Eight launch sites are spread from the river mouth at Bandon to the inland city of Myrtle Point. If you plan to paddle the water trail, check tide charts and local safety advisories beforehand.

In Old Town, shops along the waterfront rent fishing and crabbing gear and prepare visitors’ catches. You can fish from Webber’s Pier; fishing and crabbing excursions are also available. These options differ from a river trip: the focus here is on fishing, crabbing and preparing the catch.

Art, History and Events

The annual Port of Bandon Boardwalk Art Show is a public art exhibition on the Old Town waterfront. It features works by amateur and professional artists. If you want to plan your stay around the show, check the date of that year’s event. At the Port of Bandon waterfront, you can also see a collection of maritime-themed sculptures; there is also a covered picnic shelter with glass walls.

The Bandon Historical Society Museum features exhibits on the town’s maritime history and cranberry farming. The annual Bandon Cranberry Festival also celebrates local cranberry growing, with education, entertainment and activities for all ages. A parade, festival market and evening street dance are among the events; the festival program may vary from year to year. The Cranberry Kitchen cooking contest dates back to the festival’s second year, 1948. Bandon Lighthouse was built in 1896.

More Excursions Around Bandon

Nearby, Bullards Beach State Park offers 4.5 miles of beach for mountain biking or walking. Bandon’s compact geography makes it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. You can choose different themes for your stay: coastal access and wildlife watching, river activities, or art and local history.

Discover more destinations: Coos Bay, Powers.

Go to the regional travel overview: Coos County.