Coquille Point: The Best of Bandon’s Natural Beauty
Coquille Point is a stunning coastal spot nestled within the charming seaside town of Bandon, Oregon. Known for its rugged beauty, dramatic ocean vistas, and abundant wildlife, this small but remarkable area is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you’re a nature lover, an avid photographer, or simply someone seeking a serene escape, Coquille Point has something unique to offer. Let’s take a journey through its history, explore its natural splendor, and discover why it remains a beloved spot on the Oregon coast.
Coquille Point is a stunning spot in Bandon with jaw-dropping ocean views, rugged sea stacks, and plenty of wildlife to watch. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing beach walk, tide pooling, or just soaking in the beauty of the Oregon coast.
The region around Coquille Point has a deep-rooted history, linked closely with the Coquille Indian Tribe. The name “Coquille” itself is derived from the Native American tribe that inhabited this coastal region for centuries. The tribe’s connection with the land is evident in the area’s rich culture, history, and reverence for the natural environment. For the Coquille people, the coastal areas, including Coquille Point, provided not only food and resources but also served as a spiritual place.
Bandon, the town surrounding Coquille Point, has its own fascinating past. Settled in the late 19th century, Bandon became known for its cranberry bogs, fishing industry, and timber. It also experienced a devastating fire in 1936 that almost wiped out the entire town. Yet, Bandon rebuilt, and today, it stands as one of the most picturesque towns on the Oregon coast, with Coquille Point as one of its crowning jewels.
Coquille Point is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary that preserves the offshore rocks, reefs, and islands along Oregon’s coast. The refuge protects thousands of seabirds, harbor seals, and marine life that call this coastal environment home. Coquille Point itself is a mainland viewpoint offering an up-close perspective of this thriving ecosystem.
The beauty of Coquille Point lies in its diverse landscape. Standing at the point’s edge, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, dotted with jagged sea stacks and offshore islands that rise majestically from the water. These rock formations are a photographer’s dream, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the sunlight casts a warm, golden hue over the scene.
One of the most iconic features of Coquille Point is Face Rock, a sea stack with an intriguing silhouette that resembles the profile of a face gazing up at the sky. According to Native American legend, Face Rock represents a young maiden named Ewauna, who was enchanted by the ocean. The legend adds a mystical quality to the area, enhancing the allure of its natural beauty.
Coquille Point and the surrounding beach are teeming with life. The intertidal zone reveals a vibrant world of tide pools, where you can spot starfish, sea anemones, crabs, and various shellfish. It’s a miniature marine safari right at your feet! The tide pools are most accessible during low tide, so it’s wise to plan your visit accordingly if you’re keen to explore this microcosm of ocean life.
Above the tide line, the coastal bluffs are adorned with native vegetation such as beach grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs like salal and beach strawberry. In the spring and early summer, the bluffs come alive with blooming flowers, adding pops of color to the landscape.
Birdwatchers will find Coquille Point particularly rewarding. The offshore rocks provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including common murres, tufted puffins, cormorants, and gulls. During certain times of the year, you may even spot migrating gray whales spouting offshore, especially in the spring and fall. The diverse wildlife makes Coquille Point an ideal spot for nature observation and photography.
Whether you’re gazing at the rugged sea stacks, watching seabirds soar overhead, or simply listening to the rhythmic crash of the waves, Coquille Point offers a chance to connect with the untamed beauty of the Oregon coast. It’s the kind of spot that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left, calling you back with its promise of serenity and wild splendor. So, the next time you’re planning a coastal adventure, be sure to put Coquille Point on your list – it’s a slice of Oregon’s natural wonder that truly has to be experienced to be believed.
Coquille Point Trails
While Coquille Point itself doesn’t have extensive trails, it provides access to the larger Bandon Beach area, which offers ample opportunities for exploration. A stairway trail near the point leads visitors down to the sandy beach, where they can stroll along the shore, marvel at tide pools, and explore the myriad sea stacks up close. The beach walk here is relatively easy, though it’s important to keep an eye on the tide as it can change quickly.
What’s Nearby Coquille Point
If you’re exploring the Oregon coast near Bandon, several nearby locations are worth adding to your itinerary. Sisters Rock State Park is just south of Port Orford, offering a rugged coastal experience with three large sea stacks rising dramatically from the shore. The park’s secluded beach, tide pools, and scenic trails make it perfect for adventurers seeking a quieter spot. Further south, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a breathtaking 12-mile stretch of coast near Brookings, featuring towering cliffs, lush forests, and iconic spots like Natural Bridges and Arch Rock.
Its numerous viewpoints, trails, and secluded coves are ideal for hiking and photography. McVay Rock State Recreation Site, also near Brookings, provides a serene beach access point for picnicking, tide pooling, and whale watching during migration seasons. For panoramic views, the House Rock Viewpoint near Gold Beach offers stunning sights of the rocky coastline, the endless Pacific, and dense coastal forests. Each of these spots showcases the diverse and awe-inspiring beauty of the Oregon coast.
Coquille Point Parking Information
Visiting Coquille Point is relatively straightforward. The point is situated just off Beach Loop Drive in Bandon, and parking is available at the overlook area. The path to the viewpoint is paved and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, although the descent to the beach involves stairs and may be more challenging for some visitors.
Further Reading
Coquille Point Address & Directions
