Coos Bay, North Bend, & Charleston
Start Your Trip in Oregon’s Adventure Coast
Tucked between rugged coastline, forests, and the dynamic waters of Coos Bay, this trio of coastal communities forms one of the most vibrant crossroads on the Oregon Coast. Here, the forest meets the tides, working waterfronts meet wild estuaries, and adventure meets deep cultural history.
North Bend, Coos Bay, and Charleston sit at the heart of the Coos estuary, where rich tidal flats and coastal waters have supported salmon, shellfish, seaweed, deer, elk, river fish, and countless forest plants for generations — resources central to the lifeways of the Indigenous peoples who have long called this region home.
Explore the area’s stories and ecosystems at the Coos History Museum, or take a short drive to Shore Acres State Park, where dramatic cliffs, winter waves, and lush botanical gardens showcase the coastal landscape at its most powerful. Nearby Cape Arago offers overlooks for spotting migrating whales and seabirds, while the working harbor in Charleston provides a front-row view of Oregon’s fishing culture in action.
We invite you to join us for our Winter Waters Day in Coos Bay in partnership with Oregons Adventure Coast and Travel Southern Oregon Coast!
Join us in Coos Bay for an afternoon and evening where science, art, and community come together at 7 Devils Brewery. This FREE community event features a Pub Science talk on seaweed and kelp, hands on seaweed inspired art, and a deep dive into coastal culture at a brewery that truly lives its local values. Rooted in Oregon’s South Coast, 7 Devils is known for weaving regional ingredients, artists, musicians, and farmers into everything they do, including their Elakha Ale brewed with local dulse seaweed. Their approach to food and drink aligns closely with Winter Waters, celebrating the land, sea, and people that define this place.
The science talk is led by Alanna, seaweed farmer, forager, and Winter Waters co founder. Drawing from her work farming Pacific dulse with Oregon Seaweed and teaching kelp harvesting and processing through Shifting Tides, she will explore seaweed from ocean to plate. Expect an engaging, accessible look at seaweed farming and foraging in Oregon, its role as a culinary ingredient, and practical ways to use it at home, grounded in marine science and coastal stewardship.
The evening also includes a creative activity with Washed Ashore. Participants will make seaweed kabobs from cleaned marine debris that will become part of future large scale sculptures, blending art, education, and environmental action. If you want to see more, visit Washed Ashore’s new home gallery at Pony Village Mall, with exhibits on display daily and the studio open Saturdays from 12 to 4.
Stay All Weekend!
Want to do the whole 3-day Adventure coast weekend of events with a group? In partnership with Winter Waters, Meridian Boutique Travel invites you to join a soulful, small-group weekend through Coos Bay, Bandon, and Reedsport from February 20-22, 2026. This tour includes accommodations and tickets to all the Winter Waters events. Spots are limited, so sign up for the waitlist.
Thank you to Travel Southern Oregon Coast and Oregon’s Adventure Coast for sponsoring Winter Waters in this region.
Getting Here
Approximate driving times to North Bend under normal traffic and weather conditions are:
Seattle, WA → North Bend: about 6 to 7 hours (360 miles)
Portland, OR → North Bend: about 4 to 4.25 hours (220 miles)
Salem, OR → North Bend: about 3.25 hours (170 miles)
Corvallis, OR → North Bend: about 3 hours (155 miles)
Eugene, OR → North Bend: about 2 to 2.25 hours (120 miles)
Roseburg, OR → North Bend: about 1.5 hours (85 miles)
Reedsport, OR → North Bend: about 25–30 minutes (22 miles)
Grants Pass, OR → North Bend: about 3 to 3.25 hours (170 miles)
Klamath Falls, OR → North Bend: about 4.75 to 5.25 hours (260 miles)
Most routes follow Highway 101 along the coast or Highway 38 to the Umpqua River before heading south. For the most accurate, up-to-date road conditions, check TripCheck.com. Winter weather can bring rain, wind, and occasional delays, so travel prepared — chains recommended!
Coast Like a Local
The Oregon Coast Visitors Association put together a helpful guide that we think is extra important when visiting the Oregon coast in the wintertime, when weather can be a bit unpredictable. Stay safe, have fun, and know before you go.
Know Before You Go
Check weather patterns, tide schedules, and fire restrictions before heading out. Winter storms and King Tides can bring especially hazardous conditions.
Sign up for Emergency Notifications at oralert.gov and install the FEMA app on your phone to get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.
Have a Plan for the Unexpected
Whether it’s a sudden storm or a tsunami warning, knowing local tsunami evacuation routes is essential for both locals and visitors. Maps are posted in many areas and can also be found at oregontsunami.org.
Respect the Power of the Ocean
Locals know to never turn their back to the ocean. Sneaker waves can strike unexpectedly, carrying anything in their path out to sea.
If a storm is forecasted, admire the coast from a safe distance—or even consider staying indoors when conditions are particularly risky.
Watch for signs of rip currents and avoid swimming alone.
Navigate Terrain Cautiously
Coastal terrain can be rough, slippery, and unpredictable. Avoid climbing on driftwood logs, rocks, or jetties, and be mindful of cliffs that may erode or collapse.