Thereu2019s no better time than summer to hit the trail, 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. This is where the crowds thin out, the cliffs grow steeper, and the coastline feels like itu2019s all yours.
Of course, the Oregon Coast Trail isnu2019t the only way to enjoy this wild stretch of coastline. The Southern Oregon Coast is packed with hidden coves, inland forest trails, windswept bluffs, and uncrowded beaches just waiting to be explored. Some of the best Oregon Coast hikes veer slightly inland or down lesser-known side trails, rewarding hikers with lush forests, river crossings, and lookout points that donu2019t make it onto every tourist map. And if your legs need a break? No problem. Youu2019ll find plenty of things to do near Bandon beyond the trailu2014charming shops, fresh seafood, local art galleries, and stunning viewpoints like Face Rock and Coquille Point.
When it comes to planning your hiking getaway, the Inn at Face Rock is the perfect place to call home. This cozy, coastal escape sits just minutes from the beach and trail access, offering easy proximity to some of the top hikes in Oregon without sacrificing comfort. After a long day exploring the Oregon Coast Trail or checking out the best Oregon hikes in the area, you can return to plush accommodations, ocean breezes, and a hot soak to wind down. Itu2019s the kind of place that makes you want to extend your trip by a few daysu2014and maybe start planning your return before youu2019ve even left.
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. It winds through sandy beaches, rocky headlands, lush coastal forests, and charming seaside towns, giving hikers a front-row seat to the stateu2019s dynamic coastal ecosystem. While many people opt to tackle the full route over several weeks, plenty more choose to explore it section by sectionu2014and for those in the know, the Southern Oregon Coast near Bandon offers some of the most spectacular and underappreciated stretches of the entire trail.
The OCT in the Bandon area cuts through a uniquely varied landscapeu2014wide beaches backed by towering cliffs, windswept dunes, tidal flats, and dramatic rock formations like Face Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Table Rock. This stretch is ideal for those craving solitude and immersion in coastal wilderness. Starting just north of Bandon, youu2019ll hike south past Bullards Beach State Park, a great starting point with easy beach access and a lighthouse at the Coquille River mouth. From there, youu2019ll hit long, uninterrupted beach segments, where the trail becomes more intuitiveu2014there are few signs or blazes, so a tide chart, GPS, and good planning are essential. Timing your hikes with the tides is especially important here, since high tide can cover stretches of beach and make some headlands impassable.
South of Bandon, the OCT becomes more rugged and remote. One of the highlights is the section between Seven Devils State Recreation Site and Cape Arago, a less-traveled stretch that offers solitude, sea stacks, and the chance to spot seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. This part of the trail isnu2019t just about racking up mileageu2014itu2019s about immersing yourself in the landscape. Youu2019ll hike over headlands with sweeping ocean views, descend into quiet coves, and traverse stretches of forest that feel like a hidden world. Unlike other long-distance trails, the OCT incorporates ferry crossings, beach walking, and occasional road connectors that bring a distinct rhythm and variety to the journey. Summer offers the best weather, of course, but also brings blooming wildflowers, clearer skies, and more predictable tidesu2014making it the ideal time to explore this trail.
What sets this portion of the Oregon Coast Trail apart isnu2019t just the views or the remotenessu2014itu2019s how unfiltered and untamed it still feels. While the northern coast sees more foot traffic, the southern sections reward hikers with a sense of discovery and real connection to the raw coastline. Whether youu2019re logging miles along the beach or pausing for a sunset over the Pacific, hiking the Oregon Coast Trail near Bandon is an unforgettable chapter in any Oregon hiking adventure.
After a day of hiking windswept beaches, crossing headlands, and chasing the tide along the Oregon Coast Trail, thereu2019s nothing better than kicking off your boots and settling in somewhere that feels like a reward in itself. Thatu2019s exactly what youu2019ll find at the Inn at Face Rock, located just minutes from Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and some of the best Oregon Coast hikes. This coastal escape offers the kind of comfort that turns a great trip into a truly memorable oneu2014inviting rooms, coastal charm, and a location that keeps you connected to everything you came here to experience.
What sets the Inn at Face Rock apart is the thoughtful blend of convenience and relaxation. Youu2019re just a short walk from the sand, a quick drive to downtown Bandon, and within easy reach of stunning Southern Oregon Coast trailheads. On-site, youu2019ll find cozy, spacious roomsu2014many with gas fireplaces, patios, and ocean breezesu2014and amenities that help you recharge, like a heated indoor pool and hot tub, a generous hot breakfast, and wide-open lawns perfect for stretching out sore legs. Itu2019s the kind of place where you can sip coffee in the morning with a sea view, then catch sunset just steps away without ever needing to check your watch.
Hospitality here goes beyond the basics. The team at the Inn at Face Rock is known for their warm, personalized service, whether itu2019s 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, this is the kind of place that makes you feel like youu2019ve landed somewhere special. For anyone exploring the Southern Oregon Coast or hiking the Oregon Coast Trail, staying at the Inn at Face Rock isnu2019t just convenientu2014itu2019s essential.