Harris Beach State Park: Southern Oregon’s Coastal Treasure

Harris Beach State Park, located on the edge of Brookings, is a prime destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is famous for its striking sea stacks, both large and small, as well as its expansive sandy and rocky beaches. Nestled within a lush coastal forest, the park also boasts a large, well-maintained campground.

One of the park’s most unique features is Bird Island, also known as Goat Island. This is the largest island off the Oregon coast and serves as a National Wildlife Sanctuary. Bird Island is a protected breeding ground for a variety of seabirds, including the tufted puffin, making it a perfect spot for wildlife observation.

Beyond birdwatching and soaking in the usual beach activities, Harris Beach offers numerous other attractions. The Harris Beach Marine Garden, accessible at low tide, reveals colorful tidepools that are perfect for exploring and photographing. For those who enjoy hiking, the surrounding trails provide stunning views of the coastline.

However, be mindful that Harris Beach is a popular destination. If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, consider visiting nearby Whaleshead Beach, which offers similar natural beauty with fewer crowds.

Tidepool Exploring

During low tide, the rocky outcroppings at Harris Beach become a colorful world of tidepools full of marine life. These remarkable tidepools are so rich in biodiversity that they form the Harris Beach Marine Garden, a protected area showcasing the wonders of the intertidal zone.

As you explore, you’ll encounter a variety of fascinating creatures, including colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, and small fish. While enjoying this unique ecosystem, please remember to tread lightly and leave the tidepools undisturbed to preserve their natural beauty.

Beachcombing and Rockhounding

Harris Beach is a paradise for beachcombers and rockhounds. As you stroll along the sandy shore, keep an eye out for treasures like unique shells, driftwood, agates, jaspers, and even petrified wood.

The best time to discover these ocean gifts is after a storm or during low tide when the sea reveals its hidden gems.

Hiking

Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, Harris Beach offers plenty of options. You can walk along the beach in either direction or explore one of the coastal trails that wind through the lush coastal forest and lead to scenic viewpoints. For those looking to extend their adventure, it’s possible to hike or bike all the way back to Brookings.

Nature Viewing

Harris Beach is also a prime spot for nature enthusiasts. The area is home to an array of wildlife, including harbor seals, California sea lions, and a variety of seabirds. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales as they pass by the coast.

Harris Beach State Park has a large campground with various accommodations to choose from, including:

65 full-hookup RV sites
25 electrical sites with water
59 tent sites with water nearby
6 yurts (3 pet-friendly; one accessible)
Hiker/biker camp.

The campground also has flush toilets, hot showers, a playground, firewood for sale, and an RV dump station. Reservation is required through oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. The sites can be booked up 6 months in advance.

Alternatively, you can select from the various stays in Brookings.

Lodging in Brookings

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Brookings