The north and south coasts each have their own personalities. Each holds special meanings to me, a native Oregonian that was digging razor clams as a 6 year-old and whose grandfather owned a beach motel; and at 13 whose elder brother taught how to adeptly dodge breakers to catch redtail perch off Yachats rocks, and who at 35 caught salmon and sole from his cruiser, crossing the bar out of Astoria. Last fall we refamiliarized ourselves with Netarts Bay Garden RV Park, and it's still a favorite for gunk-holing the Tillamook area, as is the county park out of Barview on the north jetty.
Though the north provides some fond reminisces, in more recent times (decades) we've accumulated some very favorite spots more to the south. Of course many here tout Winchester Bay south of Reedsport and we agree. As small towns go, Bandon tops our list; we sometimes overnight at the RV park on the river in Coquille, east of Bandon, but usually stay a few days at Robins Nest RV Park off 101 south of Bandon and toad the area. Bullards Beach S.P. Is just north of town also. Don't miss Face Rock, or the museum in town - we've yet to check out the latest incarnation of the cheese factory outlet near the museum. Great Bandon Cheese was made there before Tillamook bought it out and closed the factory, but it's been resurrected by new owners. Hopefully it's as marvelous as it used to be. Then of course there's the cranberry farms and the world class golf.
I like walking the beach at the Sixes River mouth. Including that, there's plenty to see and do operating out of Cape Blanco S.P. The Cape is the westernmost point of the Continental U.S. The road as you head south is less crowded, especially in fall. But it can get twisty is places (Humbug Mtn. comes to mind) as it winds up and down and around mountainous terrain that pushes up against the sea more than up north. There are many pull outs and the views from so close to and above the ocean can be spectacular.
As we cross the bridge over the Rogue at Gold Beach, we like to turn right and head to Oceanside RV Park next to the airport and south jetty. Although an older park, it's not crowded and is close to everything. Take Jerry's Jetboats up the river to Agness where the Illinois River comes in. Later you may opt to take the coach along the south side of the Rogue up to Agness RV Park for a night.
We enjoy Harris Beach S.P. just north of Brookings, which as you may know is a fair sized town. Though the entire south coast can bear the brunt of Pacific winds, Brookings attracts retirees due to its warmer climes. As I recall it claims fame as World Easter Lily capital.
All this being said, depending on how soon you're going you should be aware that the air quality down there is presently not the best. The Chetco Bar fire is so close to town they nearly evacuated last weekend. Another fire at Crater Lake may not help, depending on winds. They project the huge Chetco Fire won't be out until the October rains arrive.
Joel
