• Carl Washburne State Park offers a scenic coastal setting for hiking, camping, and beachcombing
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park is an excellent destination for hiking, camping, picnicking, beachcombing, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Spanning both sides of Highway 101, 12 miles south of Yachats and 14 miles north of Florence, the park features lush coastal forest, a spacious campground along China Creek, a network of hiking trails, and access to an extensive beach, known as Roosevelt Beach or Rock Creek Beach.
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park - Thing to Do
Hiking
Carl Washburne State Park is popular among hikers. In addition to relaxing walks along the beach, several trails of varying difficulty wind through the forest. Trails range from simple paved walking paths to more advanced routes.
China Creek Trail, also known as Valley Trail, is a 3.3-mile loop starting from a day-use parking area on the west side of the highway.
Valley Trail begins at the southern edge of the campground and connects to Hobbit and Heceta Head Trails. From the trail junctions, hikers can go half a mile downhill to secluded Hobbit Beach or 1.8 miles uphill to Heceta Head Lighthouse on a 1.8-mile trail.
Rockhounding
This section of the Pacific shoreline is an excellent for collecting agates of various colors, jasper, and seashells. Digging equipment, rock picks, and metal detectors are prohibited in Oregon State Parks.
The best time for rock hunting is November through April, when winter storms and king tides expose new layers of sand. A permit is required to collect vertebrate fossils.
Note: A permit is required to collect vertebrate fossils.
Cautions: Beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwoods, sneaker waves and never turn your back on the ocean.
Carl Washburne State Park Camping and Lodging
The campground at the park offers a variety of camping options. These include 41 full-hookup sites with water, electricity, and sewage, 14 sites with electrical and water hookups, 7 tent sites, 2 yurts, and a hiker/biker camp. Yurts require advance reservations, while all other sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campground facilities include drinking water, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, and firewood for sale.
Located just a few miles from Yachats and Florence, the park also provides convenient access to nearby lodging for visitors who prefer off-site accommodations.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Florence
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Yachats
Carl Washburne State Park | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: Picnicking sites and restrooms
Activities: Hiking, biking, beachcombing and rock collecting
Day-use fees: None
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Carl Washburne State Park is located:
- 11 miles south of Yachats
- 120 miles southwest of Salem
- 150 miles southwest of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Carl Washburne State Park
From Yachats,
- Follow 11 miles south on Highway 101 to the destination on the right.