Harris Beach State Park
Named after the Scottish pioneer George Harris who settled here in the late 1880s to
raise sheep and cattle. The park boasts the largest island off the Oregon coast. Bird Island (also
called Goat Island) is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for such rare birds as the
tufted puffin. The park offers sandy beaches interspersed with eroded sea stacks.
The park's beauty changes with the seasons. Many people are drawn to watch the powerful and dramatic
winter storms; others seek the green and fragrant spring. Summer brings warm days and sunlit beaches
while the fall brings clear cool days and often the best sunsets of the year. Wildlife viewing
opportunities are abundant, with gray whales on their winter and spring migrations, Harbor seals,
California sea lions, sea birds and the rich marine gardens make the park a fascinating stop.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
This corridor is a 12 mile, forested linear park with a rugged, steep coastline interrupted by small sand
beaches. This park was named in honor of Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon Parks superintendent. He and
others of his generation felt this shining green emerald coastline should be saved for the public. What
gems they gave us: admire the 300-year old sitka spruce trees, gaze at the amazing Arch Rock and Natural
Bridges, and walk the 27 miles of Oregon Coast Trail that weave through giant forests.
Seaside prairies, spectacular vistas, secluded cove beaches, rugged cliffs and forested sea stacks come
one after the other at this park. Visit old mining sites. Stand and ponder the old shell middens and wonder
what it was like to live in a native American village by the Pacific Ocean.
Alfred A. Loeb State Park
Situated on the Chetco River, Alfred A. Loeb State park contains the northernmost redwood grove in the U.S. and
is permeated by the scent of myrtlewoods. This quiet park is nestled in a grove of these lovely trees.
Several campsites and rental cabins face the river. The river offers some of the finest fall and winter salmon
and steelhead fishing on the south coast. Although it is only a few miles inland the park is often a respite
from the occasional chilly days on the coast as the weather here is often warmer than in Brookings.
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