Crissey Field State Recreation Site – An Airfield Turned Park

Crissey Field State Recreation Site and the beach are located near Brookings at the Oregon-California Border, making it your first or last stop depending on whether you enter or leave the State.

Crissey Field State Recreation Site is a developed 40-acre park spread near the picturesque Winchuck River. The sandy beach nearby is perfect for a peaceful stroll, running with your dog, surfing, rockhounding, picnicking, and fishing for surfperch.

The site is named after the Crissey Airport, the abandoned airfield from which it grew and spread. What used to be a runway is now a beach access footpath.

Crissey Field Beach is primarily clean sand, with coarse sand and gravel concentrated at the north end closer to the river.

Crissey Field is fairly well sheltered from the ocean winds. That, understandably, does not add many points to its windsurfing suitability, but clearly adds a lot to it as a wonderful place for leisurely strolls and relaxing picnics.

In summer, the river turns into a creek that can be easily forded from Crissey Field Beach to Winchuck Beach and back.

Brookings Welcome Center - Travel Oregon

The Crissey Field Welcome Center is a 4,500-square-foot building staffed by both State Park and Forest Service employees who can provide information about Oregon and its natural features. Brochures covering the entire State are also available.

The Center's unique features include geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels, and precisely timed water and lights to minimize waste.

Hiking

On the low tide and during summer, you can go north, ford Winchuck River, and hike from Crissey Beach to Winchuck Beach and McVay Rock State Recreation Site.

Alternatively, you can walk south to cross the border with California.

Crissey Field State Recreation Site has three easy hiking trails with minimal elevation gain, ranging from 22 to 26 feet. Easy does by no means equal boring. Those hiking trails will take you through ancient driftwood logs, miniature wetlands, and old-growth Sitka spruce trees.

Rockhounding and Beachcombing

The beach at Crissey Field is a prime rockhounding location, even during summer months. The best gravel bed is at the river mouth, where you can discover agates, red and green jasper, quartz, jade, and other treasures. The nearby McVay area offers a similar rockhounding experience.

The whole river-adjacent upper part of the beach is full of various ocean gifts. Driftwood, especially. It comes in all shapes and sizes and is super popular among artists and collectors looking for a unique decoration piece. Makeshift shelters made from driftwood are a frequent occurrence, too.