Top 14 Natural Monuments in Curry County

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.

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.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor spans 12 ocean-hugging miles between Brookings and Gold Beach along Highway 101. The thick coastal forest, craggy bluffs, secluded beaches, and offshore rock formations are all beautiful features of this area, with one stunning vista after another. There are picnic areas, viewpoints, and trailheads, all accessible from the highway, making it a very popular spot for thousands of visitors who come to experience the remarkable features of the incredible Oregon Coast.

Pistol River Beach is unlike the flat sections of the surrounding beaches, with wind-sculpted dunes that extend for over three miles. In the summer months, the Pistol River often forms a lagoon near its mouth, attracting a diverse array of birdlife. The shifting dune system creates a breathtaking landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset, as the Pistol River winds through the sand before it meets the Pacific.

Meyers Creek Beach is a picturesque stretch of coastline with impressive sea stacks that rise from the sand and in the water close to the shoreline. If the tide is extremely low, you can walk out to and even through some of these beautiful formations. Around the bases of the sea stacks, you can find fascinating tide pools teeming with marine life. This beach is one of many along the Oregon Coast worthy of taking some memorable photos.

Otter Point Recreation Site is a secret paradise on the Oregon Coast. This unmarked gem requires insider knowledge to find, but a short, effortless walk from the parking area leads to the breathtaking Otter Point, a sandstone peninsula high above the Pacific. On a clear day, you can see nearly 100 miles of coastline, from Cape Blanco down to northern California. There are beaches on either side of the point, perfect for finding your own secluded spot to enjoy this beautiful place.

Battle Rock Wayside Park gets its name from the historic battle that occurred at Battle Rock, a basalt promontory located at the north end of the park. In 1851, the Qua-to-mah Native Americans fought against Captain William Tichenor’s men in this area. The park features picnic tables and a beautiful, secluded stretch of beach. Keep an eye out for pelicans diving into the water close to the nearby dock, which is a busy spot for commercial fishermen.

Cape Blanco State Park, located at the westernmost tip of the state and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is home to a 19th-century lighthouse and an early Irish settler's home. There are more than eight miles of hiking trails to explore that lead to the beach, breathtaking ocean viewpoints, and fishing spots along the Sixes River, as well as access to the lighthouse. The park also features a 42-site campground, which includes a hiker/biker camp, firewood for sale, flush toilets, and hot showers, making it a great base camp for enjoying the park's history, trails, and rugged coastline.