There’s no better time than summer to hit the trails, and few places deliver an unforgettable hiking experience quite like the Southern Oregon Coast. With sweeping ocean views, quiet stretches of sand, and rugged headlands carved by centuries of wind and waves, hiking the Oregon Coast Trail near Bandon is a true adventure. Whether you’re tackling a full thru-hike or planning a few scenic day hikes, the southern portion of the Oregon Coast Trail offers some of the most dramatic and untouched landscapes anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Unlike other portions of the Oregon Coast Trail, the southern coast brings you thinner crowds, steeper cliffs, and a coastline that feels entirely your own. Of course, the Oregon Coast Trail is just one of the many things to do on the Oregon Coast. This region is packed with hidden coves, inland forest trails, windswept bluffs, and uncrowded beaches just waiting to be explored. If your legs need a break, you’ll find plenty more things to do in Bandon, including browsing charming shops, eating fresh seafood, exploring local art galleries, and taking in stunning viewpoints like Face Rock and Coquille Point.
When it comes to planning your coastal getaway for the summer, there’s no better place to stay in Bandon than the Inn at Face Rock. This cozy Oregon Coast hotel sits just minutes from the beach, offering easy proximity to some of the top hikes and things to do in southern Oregon without sacrificing comfort or affordability. Unwind with fantastic amenities, enjoy fresh coastal breezes, and enjoy a getaway that makes you want to extend your trip by a few days. Book your stay with us today!
What to Know About Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail
Stretching over 360 miles from the Columbia River in the north to the California border in the south, the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is one of the most scenic and diverse long-distance hikes in the country. The Oregon Coast Trail winds through sandy beaches, rocky headlands, lush coastal forests, and charming seaside towns, giving hikers a front-row seat to the state’s dynamic coastal ecosystem. While many people opt to tackle the full route over several weeks, plenty more choose to explore it section by section—and for those in the know, the Southern Oregon Coast near Bandon offers some of the most spectacular and underappreciated stretches of the entire Oregon Coast Trail.
The Oregon Coast Trail segments near Bandon are section seven, which starts in North Bend and ends in Bandon, and section eight, which starts in Bandon and extends south to Humbug Mountain State Park. Along these stretches of the Oregon Coast Trail, hikers will enjoy a uniquely varied landscape with wide beaches backed by towering cliffs, windswept dunes, tidal flats, and dramatic rock formations like Face Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Table Rock. It’s an ideal stretch of the coastline for hikers craving solitude and immersion in coastal wilderness.
Section Seven is just under 40 miles long and includes a possible side trek to the stunning Cape Arago State Park, arguably one of the best Oregon Coast State Parks. As you make your way south toward Bandon, you’ll encounter plenty of hidden coves, including the beach at Seven Devils State Recreation Site, packed with wildlife and those epic coastal views you’re looking for. As you reach the southern terminus of this section of the Oregon Coast Trail, you’ll find the expansive beach at Bullards Beach State Park, with access to the Coquille River Lighthouse.
South of Bandon, the Oregon Coast Trail becomes more rugged and remote, finding yourself on long, uninterrupted segments of beach. Section eight of the trail stretches for just over 40 miles south of Bandon and consists primarily of beach walks. Walking that many miles on sand can certainly get exhausting, but the views, wildlife, coastal towns, and limited road travel offer an experience on the Oregon Coast Trail unlike any other.
As you begin planning your hikes along the Oregon Coast Trail, it’s important to remember that sections of this trail are remote. That means there are few signs or blazes, and a tide chart, GPS, and good planning are essential. Timing your hikes with the tides is especially important as you cross headlands, as sometimes high tides make these areas impassable. Summer offers the best weather, of course, but also brings blooming wildflowers, clearer skies, and more predictable tides—making it the ideal time to explore this trail.
Our Bandon Hotel is the Ideal Home Base For Hikers
If you’re more interested in exploring segments of the Oregon Coast Trail rather than pursuing a long-distance trek all at once, our Bandon Hotel offers a fantastic home base for the segments along the Southern Oregon Coast. There are 80 miles of the Oregon Coast Trail that pass through this charming town, offering you plenty of opportunities to hike windswept beaches, cross headlands, and chase the tide along the Oregon Coast Trail.
But when your adventures are over for the day, there’s nothing better than kicking off your boots and settling in somewhere that feels like a reward in itself. That’s exactly what you’ll find at our Bandon Hotel, located just minutes from Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. This coastal escape offers inviting rooms, coastal charm, friendly hospitality, fantastic amenities like a free daily breakfast, fast WiFi and streaming services, an onsite pool and hot tub, pet-friendly accommodations, and so much more.
Not only that, but our Hotel is conveniently located near downtown Bandon to keep you connected to everything you came here to experience. You’re just a short walk from the sand, a quick drive to downtown Bandon, and within easy reach of stunning Southern Oregon Coast trailheads. Hospitality here goes beyond the basics. The team at the Inn at Face Rock is known for their warm, personalized service, whether it’s helping you pick the perfect local hike, suggesting the best seafood spots in town, or sharing tips on when to catch the tide just right.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend or an extended summer escape, we’d love to help you make the most of your time on the Southern Oregon Coast. Book your stay at our Bandon Hotel today!
