Oregon Travel Council | Page 58

ALFRED A. LOEB STATE PARK HOFFMAN MEMORIAL STATE WAYSIDE This lovely park is amongst a grove of myrtlewood trees, some that are well over 200 years old. Campsites and cabins are available. Fishing and trail walks are popular activities at this park. Off Highway 42 near Myrtle Point, this shaded area, this no fee area has interpretive signage for self-guided tours. APPLEGATE VALLEY Humbug Mountain rises nearly 1,800 feet and is surrounded by hills. Windsurfing, scuba diving, and hiking are popular activities at this park located on Highway 101. Fishing, hiking, rafting, visiting ghost towns, and wine tasting can all be done in Applegate Valley. This area includes several small towns, including Grants Pass, Ruch, Murphy, Jacksonville, and Applegate. New to the scene, the Applegate Valley Appellation is becoming well known for a climate that grows superior wine grapes. BANDON STATE NATURAL AREA This area offers the painter and photographer scenic vistas, plenty of parking, and a relaxing beach side. BULLARDS BEACH STATE PARK On Highway 101 near Bandon, this is a large park ideal for families and large events. Several overnight camp sites are available, including cabins, yurts, a meeting hall, and even corrals. Activities abound and the park is very popular in the warmer months. From the Coquille River Lighthouse to the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, there is much to do for the whole group. CAPE ARGO STATE PARK Just southwest of Coos Bay off Highway 101, this headland juts into the ocean and is ideal for fishing and whale watching. CAPE BLANCO STATE PARK (Pictured Above) Visit the lighthouse and historic Hughes House from April to October at this park near Port Orford off Highway 101. Yearround visitors enjoy beachcombing, camping, wildlife viewing, and walking the park trails. CAPE SEBASTIAN STATE SCENIC CORRIDOR Walk the trail of this scenic area and you may see gray whales and miles of vista in every direction. Cape Sebastian is located off Highway 101 near Gold Beach. FACE ROCK STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT Listen carefully and you may hear the maiden voice of an Native American legend. The face in the rock is easily identifiable. GEISEL MONUMENT STATE HERITAGE SITE Just off Highway 101, this peaceful site holds the graves of the Geisel family. There is no fee to use this park and a picnic area is available. GRASSY KNOB WILDERNESS AREA This rugged area covers over 17,000 acres and is popular for camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. Elevations vary greatly, from sea level to 2,000 foot summits. HARRIS BEACH STATE PARK This park has the largest island of the Oregon coast, Bird Island, which is a national wildlife sanctuary and breeding site for rare birds. From fierce winter storms to blossoming springs, this park is popular year round for its many activities and events such as wildlife viewing, nature programs, camping, and boating. 56 HUMBUG MOUNTAIN STATE PARK ILLINOIS RIVER FORKS STATE PARK This day-use park near Cave Junction offers guests a chance to fish in the Illinois River, identify rare plant life, and enjoy a quiet picnic. KALMIOPSIS WILDERNESS AREA This is the largest wilderness area in Oregon spanning 180,000 magnificent acres. The variety in landscape, from deep canyons to roaring rivers, produces a diversity in plant and animal species. MCVAY ROCK STATE RECREATION SITE This secluded no-fee day park is great for clamming, picnicking, and fishing. It is off Highway 101 near Brookings. OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT One of the few marble caves in the world, this monument is hidden in the Siskiyou mountains. Cave tours are seasonal from late March to October. Many hiking trails surround the monument. PARADISE POINT STATE RECREATION SITE This expansive beach is great for finding agates and floats while beachcombing. The parking area is off Highway 101 near Port Orford. PISTOL RIVER STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT Near Gold Beach on Highway 101, this beach front is unique for its dunes that are fed by the Pistol River which make the dunes grow in the spring and summer months. PORT ORFORD HEADS STATE PARK A free museum is available for guests April to October as well as great hiking trails, beautiful views, and wildlife. SAMUEL H. BOARDMAN STATE SCENIC CORRIDOR This 12-mile corridor preserves a section of rugged and pristine coastline off of Highway 101 north of Brookings. Guests can enjoy miles of natural rock formations, sea stacks, beach coves, and rocky cliffs. SEVEN DEVILS STATE RECREATION SITE Agates can often be found combing this little known beach area off of Highway 101. SHORE ACRES STATE PARK Color blooms in the lush garden of this once privately owned estate of timber baron Louis Simpson. Landscapes include an oriental-style pond, rose gardens, and a secluded ocean cove. SUNSET BAY STATE PARK Soft sandy beaches and majestic sea cliffs beckon visitors to this beautiful state park. Picnic facilities as well as overnight camping sites are available. Trail hikes to views of Shore Acres, Cape Argo, and Gregory Point lead hikers along scenic vistas. OREGON TRAVEL AND RECREATION GUIDE