At the Beach in Bandon OR
Updated: May 20
Bandon beaches and sea stacks
Exploring the coastal formations at the beach in Bandon, Oregon is a unique and memorable experience. The beach is home to a collection of stunning rock formations that have been carved by the forces of nature over millions of years. The most famous of these formations is the "Wizard's Hat," a towering rock spire that resembles a wizard's hat perched on the edge of the ocean. Visitors can also explore the "Face Rock," a large sea stack that is said to resemble the face of a woman. As the tide goes out, the beach reveals a maze of tide pools teeming with sea creatures like anemones, starfish, and crabs. The dramatic coastal views combined with the sound of crashing waves and the salty ocean breeze make for an unforgettable experience.
It is a 170-mile drive up to Bandon Oregon from the Redwoods National Park. Here we stayed at Bullard Beach State Park campground. It is a large campground with all the amenities and full hookups. We stayed in site B41 for 3 days. This was the 2nd stop on this road trip. To see the start go here.
To reach Bandon, one only needs to take a brief drive across the Coquille River Bridge. This charming small town boasts a delightful shopping district and an assortment of excellent restaurants.
Our routine for sightseeing and photography involves scheduling outings during the early morning and evening hours, as these times offer the ideal lighting conditions for capturing stunning photos.
One of the main draws of this location on our Pacific coast trip are the unique rock formations that adorn the beaches, making for incredibly photogenic scenery. Convenient access points from the parking areas to the beach make it easy to explore these geological wonders.
The geological formation that I found most captivating to photograph possesses a dual nature. When viewed from one angle, it takes on the likeness of a Howling Dog, while from another perspective, it resembles a Wizard's Hat.
These breathtaking locations were captured in the evening, with the added beauty of the picturesque lighting and cloud formations. We made our way to these formations by parking at the end of 11th St. at Coquille Point, then walking south along the beach. While the Wizard's Hat seems to be the commonly known name for this formation, the locals refer to it by both titles.
During our visit to the Face Rock State Scenic viewpoint, we were fortunate enough to witness a portion of a labyrinth artfully crafted by the talented individuals from the Circles in the Sand group. Unfortunately, the high tide would eventually erase this magnificent display, making the experience all the more memorable.
Lorna particularly enjoyed this attraction, as the group's intricate designs were truly mesmerizing. For those who are interested in witnessing their work firsthand, I highly recommend checking out their website, sandypathbandon.com to stay informed about their schedule and future events.
Visiting the Coquille River Lighthouse in Oregon is a must for anyone who loves lighthouses or is interested in maritime history. Built in 1896, the lighthouse is located on the southern jetty of the Coquille River entrance. It's a small, yet impressive structure that stands at just over 40 feet tall. The lighthouse is no longer in operation but has been restored to its original condition and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse are also worth exploring, with a museum and gift shop located nearby. A visit to the Coquille River Lighthouse is a great way to learn about the history of lighthouses and the important role they played in the maritime industry.
The beaches at Bandon were spectacular with awe-inspiring photographic opportunities everywhere looked.
In conclusion, Bandon is a charming small town on the Pacific coast that offers visitors a delightful shopping district and an assortment of excellent restaurants. However, the true gems of this location lie in its unique rock formations that adorn the beaches, providing incredibly photogenic scenery that can be captured during the early morning and evening hours when lighting conditions are ideal. The Howling Dog and Wizard's Hat formations are particularly captivating, offering dual perspectives that make for breathtaking photos. Additionally, the Face Rock State Scenic viewpoint provides an opportunity to witness the intricate designs of the Circles in the Sand group, while the Coquille River Lighthouse serves as a historic location that provides insight into the region's rich maritime past. Overall, Bandon is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking natural beauty, rich history, and a truly unique and unforgettable experience on the Pacific coast.
Are you wondering where we decided to go next? "Getting Wet in Olympic NP"
Lorna’s Tips and Lessons
Be prepared for mosquitos. Laugh if you want, but I would have never hiked this trail without my mosquito head net covering. I had never seen so many mosquitos in my life and have yet to see that many again. This inexpensive head net takes no room in my pack and is easy to slip over my head. Mick has yet to put one on. However, I am not too vain. On another trip, I also pulled it out when flies, on a short hike, were bringing our grandson to tears. With it on, he could enjoy our hike with no problem and the rest of us wished I had more than one. Also, I had a good insect repellent. This is one that has worked well for me. I use to get saucer-size welts from mosquitos but now it’s rare I even have one bite.