Yoakam Point State Park - Hidden Gem of Coos Bay Area

Yoakam Point and Yoakam Beach are part of Yoakam Point State Park, located a short drive from Charleston and Coos Bay.

This quiet, scenic coastline is bordered by colorful cliffs and sea stacks, where distinct sandstone, siltstone, and shale formations tower above the golden sand and the restless ocean.

Yoakam Beach consists of two sandy pockets separated by composite-stone cliffs and bedrock reefs.

The more secluded easternmost stretch of the beach features dramatic rock walls, sea stacks, and even a small seasonal waterfall cascading from the cliffs after rainy periods.

The only indication of beach access is a small "Day Use Only" sign in a narrow pullout about 0.3 miles west of the entrance road to Bastendorff Beach. You can park on both sides of the highway, but the parking areas are small and can accommodate only a few cars.

A 300-yard trail leads from the pullout to the viewpoint through a verdant coastal forest is straightforward. However, reaching the beach requires descending a steep, informal trail with rough rock steps. In several places, the steps disappear, and a rope is provided for support.

The path may become muddy and slippery, especially during wet seasons, and may be challenging for older visitors or those with limited mobility.

Use caution, wear sturdy footwear with good traction, and always check tide conditions before exploring the beach.

Both Yoakam and Lighthouse Beaches are among the most scenic and secluded on the South Oregon Coast, offering breathtaking natural coastal beauty. You can walk along the beach, enjoy a picnic, or look out toward the distant Cape Arago Lighthouse on clear days.

For those seeking a longer and refreshing hike, an easy 1-mile loop trail with about 30 feet of elevation gain leads to Yoakam Point headland. From here, visitors enjoy splendid views of Cape Arago Lighthouse, Mussel Reef, Bastendorff Beach, and the Coos River South Jetty.

The coast here is excellent for surf fishing and surfing, though carrying all the gear down to Yoakam Beach can be challenging.

At low tide, colorful tide pools reveal a variety of marine life, with ocean flora and fauna left behind until the water returns. on the South Oregon Coast offering breathtaking natural coastal beauty. You can walk along the beach, have a picnic, or look out toward the distant Cape Arago Lighthouse on clear days.