SO Outdoors

Netarts Bay

Located on the North Coast along the Three Capes Scenic Route, Netarts is a small community surrounded by a coastal rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. The 7-mile-long Netarts Bay offers stunning views and opportunities for hiking, boating, crabbing and clamming.

Newport Sea Lions

Along Newport’s bustling bayfront lies one of the Oregon Coast's most enchanting free wildlife attractions: the Sea Lion Docks. Nestled near Port Dock One and easily accessible from public walkways and Clearwater Restaurant's deck, these docks host a vibrant colony of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), with occasional vi…

New River Nature Center

The New River Nature Center includes 1,000 acres of public land alongside an 8-mile river with a few miles of hiking trails, a lake, and seasonal boat access to the river. There is also a visitors center with a knowledgeable host.The New River Nature Center begins about 18 miles south of Bandon, near Floras Lake State Park, and runs no…

Ocean Shore State Recreation Area

Oregon's shoreline is a geologic mix of sandy beaches, rocky shores and towering capes rising from the sea. All of it — stretching from the Columbia River south to the Oregon/California border and between the vegetation line and extreme low tide — is waiting for you to take a stunning walk along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. See the

Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site

Located in the center of the community of Oceanside, Oceanside Beach offers some of the best agate hunting during the winter season when the sand is stripped away by ocean currents. During the summer season the park is a popular place to beachcomb, explore tidepools and surf. The sky above the park is occasionally filled with colo…

O.H. Hinsdale Rhododendron Garden

Hinsdale Garden is a 55-acre rhododendron garden located on the Umpqua River just outside of Reedsport on Highway 38. It’s filled with rare and vintage rhododendrons. Hinsdale Garden is committed to promoting activities that will educate, preserve, enhance and encourage public access. The garden is located at 48043 OR-38. Parking i…

Old Coos Bay Wagon Road

Of all the wagon roads that served Oregon’s earliest settlers, all but one are either abandoned or obliterated by modern highways — the Old Coos Bay Wagon Road (often called just "The Old Wagon Road"). Alone of Oregon’s earliest roads it neither evolved into a major through route nor dwindled to a farm track.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area beckons you to its warm and inviting sand dunes.Formed by the ancient forces of wind, water and time, these dunes are like no others in North America, and extend for 40 miles along the Oregon coast between Florence and Coos Bay. Wind sculpted dunes tower almost 500 feet above the ocean shore an…

Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon Islands Refuge includes over 1,400 coastal islands, rocks, and reefs scattered along the 320 miles of the Oregon coast, from Tillamook Head south to the California border. Most of this refuge is included in Oregon Islands Wilderness Area. The majority of Oregon’s estimated 1.2 million seabirds, including 13 different species, annually …

Oswald West State Park

Stretching along four miles of coastline in dense, temperate rainforest, Oswald West State Park has a beautifully secluded sandy beach and miles of trails leading to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This vast, scenic treasure is without a doubt one of the most spectacular parks in Oregon. Located two hours west of Portland on the nort…

Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint

Soak in the view from 500' above the ocean on the breathtaking crescent sweep of white sandy beach stretching to the south. Cape Foulweather is stunning and inspirational with its picturesque panoramic views. This popular whale watching spot also provides a good view of the Devil's Punchbowl.

Otter Point State Recreation Site

Excellent walking and hiking trails overlooking pristine beaches and unusual sandstone rock formations sculpted by wind and waves.

Paradise Point State Recreation Site

A parking area with an expansive coastal vista stretching from Port Orford Heads to Orfords offshore reef and distant Cape Blanco and the lighthouse there. The beach is great for beachcombing; it's not unusual to find floats and agates here.

Penny Sturdivant Park

Penny Sturdivant Park is great for a short visit, or a day picnic with family. You may even see a bald eagle swooping down to the Coquille River to catch a fish.

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint

Pistol River State Park is set in the dunes of the southern Oregon coast.  The river supposedly got its name when a militia soldier lost his pistol in the river during the infamous Rogue River Indian War.  In March of 1856, a decisive battle was fought here. The dunes and the river system that feeds them are what make this …

Port of Gold Beach

At the Port of Gold Beach You Can…Launch your boat.Arrange a river or ocean fishing charter.Eat at a restaurant or purchase fresh seafood to take home.Browse an art gallery and enjoy coffee.Arrange a jet boat ride.Tour the Rogue River Jet Boat Museum.Stroll, photograph, relax…

Port of Port Orford

A Unique Port in the Heart of a Unique TownAs you take in the breathtaking view, you’ll notice the two large yellow cranes used to launch and retrieve vessels. It is the only ‘dolly dock’ on the West Coast, where vessels are launched and retrieved using the cranes, and housed on homemade dollies, or trailers, when not …

Port Orford Heads State Park

The Port Orford Lifeboat Station was constructed in 1934 by the Coast Guard to provide lifesaving service to the southern portion of the Oregon Coast until 1970. A museum, operated by the Cape Blanco Heritage Society, is now housed in the station. The museum is free (don…

Quail Prairie Lookout

Overview THIS FACILITY IS CLOSED TO RESERVATIONS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Quail Prairie Lookout offers guests a unique lodging experience in the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest in western Oregon. On a clear day, visitors are treated to spectacular views of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness from the top of the 41-foot tower….

Rainbow Plaza Boat Launch

The Rainbow Plaza Boat Launch is located in downtown Reedsport 9 river miles from the mouth of the Umpqua River. The launch is recently-renovated and includes increased parking, upgraded launch and docks, restroom facilities, a boat wash, and a fish cleaning station. With scenic vistas of the Umpqua River, the Umpqua River Bridge, and the rai…

Ridin’ Dirty ATV Rentals

Whether you’re a first time riding the dunes or you need a couple extra machines for your group, family-owned Ridin’ Dirty ATV Rentals has you covered. 

Roads End State Recreation Site

A fine place for a romantic stroll with tidepools, islands, and the headland with its hidden cove. Sailboarders come from everywhere! When Lincoln City's beaches are crowded or over-windy, this sheltered spot just north of town is surprisingly quiet. A short path descends to the beach at the pebbly mouth of a lazy little creek. The north …

Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint

Rocky Creek is a spectacular ocean-front park on a forested bluff overlooking the ocean. Offshore rocks provide spectacular wave action in storms and are nesting areas for birds and sea lions and harbor seals. The viewpoint is an official Whale Spoken Here site for watching gray whales.

Saddle Mountain State Natural Area

Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is cherished for its hiking trails, wildflowers and breathtaking scenery. A small, seasonal campground, day-use picnic area, a two and a half mile trail to the summit and a short .16 mile side trail are the humble offerings at Saddle Mountain. While it may not seem like much, be prepared to marvel at the she…

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 coastline should be saved for the public. What gems they gave us: admire the 300-y…