Thinking of heading up the southern Oregon coast?  You shouldn’t have a problem finding things to do or finding a place to camp. You’ll come across tremendous scenery around every bend in the road and a campground literally every couple miles.  There are ample opportunities for hiking and biking, exploring the many coves or just relaxing on a sheltered beach.  Here are some state and county parks especially worth visiting on a trip up Highway 101.  

Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain State Park provides a cozy leeward valley, several miles of beach, access to Brush Creek and the Humbug Mountain hiking trail.  The Oregon Coast Trail also passes through the park.  Hiking, biking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing are all popular in the area.  The campground has nearly 100 spots and full amenities.  

Battle Rock Wayside Park

Continuing north on Highway 101, you will see Battle Rock Wayside Park to your left just before you enter Port Orford.  The park is so named for the 1851 battle between the first white settlers and the native tribes.  Check out Battle Rock just off the highway, where the settlers held out during the fighting, and then head down across the beach to see the many other rock formations rising directly out of the sand and surf.  

Port Orford Heads State Park

Just west of Port Orford, you can visit Port Orford Heads State Park.  Take 8th Street west from 101, and turn left on Coast Guard Road.  From 1934 to 1970 the area was home to a US Coast Guard lifeboat station, but today the structures have been converted into a museum.  A series of nicely-developed trails will take you to the headlands and views overlooking Port Orford.  

Cape Arago State Park

Cape Arago State Park has excellent opportunities for catching a glimpse of the local sea life.  Whales will ply their way off the headlands, and seals, sea lions and various birds often gather on the rocks off shore. The South Cove Trail will take you to a sandy beach and extensive tide pools.  The North Cove Trail leads to good viewing areas for seal and sea lion colonies.  Get there by taking Cape Arago Highway west from Coos Bay.  

Sunset Bay State Park

Just north of Cape Arago is Sunset Bay State Park.  Sunset Bay is sheltered by rugged cliffs and features a wide open beach, great for running the dogs or just going for a stroll.  Hiking trails lead south from the bay through old-growth forest and will eventually connect you to the Cape Arago trails.  The Sunset Bay Campground is a short walk from the beach and features 64 hookup sites and 66 tent sites.  

Bastendorff Beach County Park

Overlooking the ocean and the mouth of Coos Bay, is Bastendorff Beach County Park.  Enjoy views of the ocean from atop the bluff, or head down Bastendorff Beach Road a quarter mile to the broad beach.  For the easiest access to the ocean, try to grab a camping spot in Loop A or B.  Check out the waterfront and the shops at nearby Charleston for seafood and additional activities.  

Heceta Head State Park

Possibly the most scenic landscape (at least that I remember) on a drive north up Highway 101 is Heceta Head State Park.  The park includes Devil’s Elbow Cove, Cape Creek and the postcard-worthy Heceta Head Lighthouse.  Beneath the towering cliffs you can explore the beach and the tide pools.  Make use of the picnic areas and then enjoy a nice walk up to the lighthouse and the headlands.  Heceta Head State Park is just north of Florence on 101.