The best road cycling routes in Bastendorff Beach County Park

Here you can gain valuable experience. Menus, award-winning beer lists, art, and seating are offered. The music contributes to the sense of community.

The McCullough Memorial Bridge marks the entrance to Oregon’s South Coast and is remarkable. Named after Conde McCullough (1887-1946), one of the most prominent bridge engineers in the United States, it is considered one of his greatest designs. As you approach this impressive mile-long bridge, you know that you are about to cross something special. If you have the time, go to Ferry Road, and you can walk under the bridge from the south side. Looking north at the underside of the bridge is like standing in an enormous cathedral.

South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a jewel of the Oregon coast. This 4,700-acre reserve offers beautiful views of the estuary and surrounding forests with a great visitor center that provides information on the area's ecosystem, history, and ongoing research. There are miles of hiking trails and opportunities to go kayaking or canoeing, or you can take a guided tour to learn more about the estuary's diverse flora and fauna. There is no entry fee, and the visitor center and restrooms are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vast tidal flats, marshes, and meandering channels in estuaries mitigate flooding. They enhance water quality by filtering sediment and pollutants. Beautiful places like the South Slough inlet of the Coos estuary offer work and recreation opportunities.

Named after engineer Conde B. McCullough, the Memorial Bridge gracing Coos Bay stands as one of Oregon's most significant structures. Its unique design, featuring concrete arch approach spans and a steel cantilever through truss, showcases artistic portal bracing. Beautiful pedestrian stairways adorn the abutments, making it a true work of art.

As the first on the Oregon Coast, the Umpqua River Lighthouse offers a rare climb to its top. Beyond its historical significance, the lighthouse, and museum narrate the area's past and the U.S. Coast Guard's role. The highlight is at the pinnacle, where visitors witness the intricate workings of the spinning red and white prism, appreciating both its function and the craftsmanship behind its design.

A long-distance running legend hailing from Coos Bay, Oregon, Prefontaine was an American record holder in seven track events. Dominating collegiate races, he set records, won gold at the 1972 Olympics, and inspired films like "Prefontaine" and "Without Limits." His legacy lives on through the annual Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.

Embark on this coastal journey to savor the beauty of Bastendorff Beach, one of the southern Oregon Coast's most beloved shores. Explore the wide expanse of soft sand, an ideal spot for kite flying and ocean side delights, nestled between a shore pine forest and a majestic headland.