The best cycling routes in Harris Beach State Park

Crescent City is a coastal town known for great ocean views, redwoods, and laid-back atmosphere. It is a great place to base yourself while doing day-rides out to the coast and through redwood forests.

Harris State Park is home to the largest island off the Oregon Coast, known as Bird Island or Goat Island. It is a designated National Wildlife Sanctuary and is a crucial breeding ground for rare birds, including the tufted puffin. The park includes picturesque sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings with fascinating tide pools filled with a wealth of marine life. There is a spacious campground with multiple site options, including yurts and a hiker/biker camp, making it a fantastic spot for day visits and overnight stays.

This viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views high above the Pacific Ocean. It is a fantastic place to see whales during the fall and spring migrations, and if you're lucky enough to visit during these times, you'll see them feeding very close to the edge of the shoreline. There is a memorial here that faces the ocean, commemorating Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks superintendent. He is responsible for preserving much of the beautiful beaches and forests along the Oregon Coast for visitors to enjoy for years to come.

This offshore sea stack strikingly resembles the head of a whale, and when waves crash against it just right, the spray looks like a whale spouting. This remarkable formation is the largest sea stack near the coastline, and is the inspiration for the name of the beautiful surrounding beach.

The natural bridges, a highlight of the Samuel H. Boardman Corridor, are impressive sea arches carved by the Pacific Ocean over thousands of years. While unofficial trails lead to the cliffs, they can be dangerous due to steep drop-offs, so be very cautious if you choose to explore them—crossing the lower bridge is not recommended. Set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, sea stacks and the beautiful waters of the Pacific, this area is also known for its diverse wildlife and stunning sunsets. It is popular with photographers, especially on overcast days or early in the morning when the light is soft, to capture perfect images of these incredible formations.

This viewpoint offers a fantastic perspective of the massive natural rock arch standing alone in the Pacific Ocean. There are several shaded picnic tables here and a small loop trail that winds around the cliff edge, providing incredible views of the coast and Arch Rock.

This beautiful little park is open from sunrise to sunset and is free to the public. Just off Hwy 101, it features a wonderful collection of plants from around the world. There is a butterfly garden, a native plant area, and an impressive variety of succulents and blooming trees. Despite its compact size, the park includes several paths and benches throughout the grounds, making it a lovely place for a casual stroll to admire the scenery.

Crissey Field State Park is a scenic 40-acre park named after the former airfield that once existed here. Situated on the California border beside the Winchuck River, it's the southwesternmost point in Oregon. The park features sandy beaches, wetlands, and a grove of mature trees, with an impressive 4,500-square-foot Welcome Center that offers tourist information to thousands of visitors. There are several trails, including paths that run through driftwood and wetlands, and while exploring the beach, you'll likely see harbor seals and California sea lions. During the summer, tides are low enough to ford the Winchuck River to reach Winchuck Beach. There are restrooms, picnic areas, and ample room for parking (day use only).