Brookings Oregon Coast - Best on west coast! Part 1

I spent much of the last year living near Brookings/Harbor, Oregon because the 15 miles north of town is the most picturesque on the U. S. west coast south of Alaska. Located only six miles north of the California state line on Route 101, Brookings is wedged between the Klamath coastal mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.  Part of the Wild Rivers Coast, the Checto River flows into a shallow bay from the mountains here.   It has an excellent small boat harbor, a Coast Guard station, and a working fishing fleet.  While the timber and fishing industries have waned, they still exist here. It also has an active retirement community and is a tourist destination with many shops and overnight accommodations. The Brookings/ Harbor area has approximately 11,000 residents and is growing.  Weather during the summer is sunny with temps. 75* - 80* F. 

Chetco River, Harbor & Brookings Photos

Since there are no roads over the mountains, traffic travels north & south on route 101. There is an constant flow of touring bicyclist, hikers, RVs, and cars traveling through town during the summer.  The tide charts are published in The Curry Co Pilot, the local paper which comes on on Wed & Sat.  Well worth the money if you want to knows what is going on!

Up the North Bank Checto River Road you will find the northernmost stands of Redwoods.  These tend to be small and scattered, but well worth checking out.  There is an excellent 1.6 mile guided loop hike just beyond the Alferd A. Loeb State Park on the left.  Pick up the guides at Chrissy Field since there are never any in the box.  There are also are many primitive river bar camping sites managed by the Rouge River Siskiyou Natl. Forest up this road.  These are accessible by RVs & most have good swimming holes & good fishing.

The Oregon Coast Trail starts at the California line at Chrissy Field State Park on the Windchuck River.  It continues north through Brookings & up the coast to Washington.  A lot of people hike or bike this trail.  RVs cruise Rt 101 the lenght of Oregon.

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The beauty begins at the north end of town with the Harris Beach State Park.  Right on the edge of town, this beautiful park features great views of coastal cliffs, off shore rocks, pocket beaches, and has tent & RV camping.  Many Oregon Coast Trail packers & bike tourers rest here for a few days.  There is also a large Rest Area on the east side of Rt. 101 across from the entrance to Harris Beach State Park

Enjoy Boardman State Scenic Corridor - next post.