Bandon South Jetty County Park

A charming, bustling duck and goose pond and a cross-river view of the Coquille River lighthouse are sights en route to Bandon South Jetty County Park.  Once there, the man-made jetty, a hooting mechanical light beacon, a panoramic expanse of ocean, as well as views of the Coquille River mouth, and waves rippling to shore between coastal islets continue to delight the senses.  The upscale community of Bandon resides on a beautiful chunk of Oregon coastline, and this park is one of several places to take it in.

Jetty

75 Steps

The tip of the Coquille River South Jetty hosts the light beacon whose high pitched note aids seacraft to steer clear in foggy weather.  Walking on the jetty is allowed, but can be dangerous depending on tides and weather.  Although most of the jetty is covered by large rocks, the initial portion is sand, allowing folks such as myself to get a taste of the jetty views.

My husband and I lucked upon a crystal clear day in October.  Standup paddle boarders surfed the waters to the south, and upriver on the opposite jetty the picturesque yet dormant Coquille River lighthouse was visible on its rock outcropping.  Pups and their humans strolled the wood-strewn beach below, while gulls glided along the ocean’s edge.  Clear, scenic, relaxing, it was the perfect venue for an enjoyable morning outing.

Terrain: Old, rocky pavement and loose sand.

Seating: No

Fee: No

Restrooms: Yes, in the parking lot. Rocky pavement and gravel, then 4 stairs with railings. Stairs can be avoided by taking a longer route via a ramp.

Directions: From downtown Bandon, take 1st Street south until it turns into Edison. Turn right on Jetty Road. Follow it through the housing area until it turns into Lincoln which goes into the park. Parking for the jetty is to the right of the restrooms building.

Beach

50 Steps

For me, the views from the jetty only whet my appetite to reach the beach.  It’s a rocky climb from the jetty though; unsuitable for my level of mobility.  Instead, the south end of the parking area offers an entrance with more suitable terrain.  If you’re unsure where the trail is, follow the surfers!  The sand is scattered with driftwood sized from stick to log.  The nearby waters are dotted with stout rock formations – some of the many Oregon Islands in the Bandon seas.

Terrain: Gravel and loose sand, then open beach. Packed sand may be present, depending on tide.

Seating: No

Fee: No

Restrooms: Yes, in the parking lot. Rocky pavement and gravel, then 4 stairs with railings. Stairs can be avoided by taking a longer route via a ramp.

Directions: From downtown Bandon, take 1st Street south until it turns into Edison. Turn right on Jetty Road. Follow it through the housing area until it turns into Lincoln which goes into the park. Park on the left side of the dirt part of the parking lot. A debris-free, although narrow, path winds through logs and rocks to beach.