Harris Beach: A Family-Friendly Destination for All Seasons

Harris Beach is a stunning and popular state park near Brookings on the southern Oregon coast. It is named after George Scott Harris, a Scottish pioneer who settled there in the late 19th century. Harris Beach boasts various natural features, such as sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, tide pools, islands, forests, and meadows.

It is also home to diverse wildlife, including whales, seals, sea lions, birds, and Oregon’s most significant island rookery of rare tufted puffins.

Harris Beach is a scenic and relaxing place to visit, but also fun and exciting. It offers a range of activities and attractions for families of all ages and interests, no matter what season it is. Whether looking for adventure, education, or entertainment, you will find something to suit your taste at Harris Beach. 

This article will show you why Harris Beach is an excellent choice for families throughout the year and what you can do and see there each season.

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How to Reach There from Oregon?

Harris Beach State Park is on US Highway 101, north of Brookings, in Curry County on the Oregon south coast. Depending on where you are in Oregon, you can reach there by car, bus, or train. Here are some possible options:

By Car:

You can drive along Highway 101, which runs along the Oregon coast and offers scenic views of the ocean, the cliffs, and the forests. You can also take Interstate 5, which runs through the inland of Oregon and connects to Highway 199, which leads to Brookings and Harris Beach.

The driving time and distance will vary depending on your starting point, but you can use online maps or GPS to plan your route and check the traffic conditions.

By Bus to Harris Beach:

You can take a bus from Portland, Eugene, Medford, or other major cities in Oregon to Brookings, which is the nearest town to Harris Beach. You can use online services like Greyhound or Curry Public Transit to book your bus ticket and check the schedule and fares.

The bus ride will take several hours, depending on your departure point and the number of stops. Once you arrive in Brookings, you can take a taxi, a shuttle, or a local bus to Harris Beach, about 3 miles north of the town center.

By Train

You can take a train from Portland, Eugene, Salem, or other major cities in Oregon to Coos Bay, the closest train station to Harris Beach. You can use online services like Amtrak or Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad to book your train ticket and check the schedule and fares.

The train ride will take about 5 hours from Portland, and you can enjoy the scenic views of the Oregon coast along the way. Once you arrive in Coos Bay, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a shuttle to Brookings and Harris Beach, about 80 miles south of Coos Bay.

Activities at Harris Beach in the Spring

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Harris Beach, as the weather is mild and pleasant, and the park is less crowded than in the summer. There are many things that families can do and see at Harris Beach in the spring, such as:

Whale watching

Harris Beach is one of the best spots on the Oregon coast to watch the annual migration of gray whales, which pass by the park from late March to early June.

You can spot these majestic creatures from the shore or join a guided boat tour for a closer look. You might also see other marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, and dolphins.

Birding

Harris Beach is a haven for bird lovers, as it hosts over 100 species of birds, including the rare tufted puffins, which nest on Bird Island from April to August.

You can observe these colorful and charismatic birds from the beach or use a telescope or binoculars for a better view. You can also see other birds, such as pelicans, cormorants, gulls, terns, and eagles.

Hiking

Harris Beach has several trails that offer scenic views of the ocean, the forest, and the meadows. You can hike along the beach or explore the inland trails that lead to the campground, the picnic area, or the viewpoints.

Camping

Harris Beach has a spacious and well-maintained campground that can accommodate tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts. You can enjoy the amenities, such as restrooms, showers, fire pits, and picnic tables, or join the evening programs, such as campfire talks, nature walks, and star gazing.

You can also experience the sounds and sights of nature, such as the waves, the birds, and the flowers.

Harris Beach in the Summer

Summer is the peak season for visiting Harris Beach, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the park is full of life and color. There are many things that families can do and see at Harris Beach in the summer, such as:

Swimming

Harris Beach is one of the warmest beaches in Oregon, thanks to its location in a banana belt. The water temperature can reach up to 70°F (21°C) in the summer, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and splashing around.

You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, or surfboards from local outfitters and explore the coastline and the islands.

Tide pooling

Harris Beach has some of the best tide pools in Oregon, where you can discover various marine life, such as starfish, sea anemones, crabs, mussels, and urchins. You can also see the most significant island rookery of rare tufted puffins in Oregon on Bird Island, part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

The best time to visit the tide pools is during low tide, which you can check on the park’s website or at the visitor center.

Picnicking at Harris Beach

Harris Beach has a large and well-equipped picnic area where you can enjoy a meal with your family and friends. The picnic area has tables, grills, water, and restrooms surrounded by trees and flowers. You can also find a playground, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit nearby for fun and games.

You can bring your food and drinks or buy some from the park’s concession stand, which is open during the summer.

Activities to do in the Fall

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Harris Beach, as the weather is cool and crisp, and the park is adorned with vibrant colors. There are many things that families can do and see at Harris Beach in the fall, such as:

Fishing

Harris Beach is a great place to fish for salmon, steelhead, and trout, which run up the Chetco River from September to December. You can fish from the shore or rent a boat or a guide from local outfitters.

You can also fish for rockfish, lingcod, and halibut from the ocean or for crabs and clams from the bay. You will need a fishing license, which you can buy online or at local stores.

Biking

Harris Beach has several bike paths that offer scenic views of the coast, the forest, and the river. You can bike along the beach or explore the inland paths that connect to the campground, the picnic area, or the town of Brookings.

You can also bike a section of the Oregon Coast Trail, which passes through the park and connects to other state parks along the coast. You can bring your bike or rent one from local shops.

Exploring the nearby town of Brookings

Brookings is a charming and friendly town that offers a variety of attractions and amenities for visitors. You can stroll along the historic downtown, which has shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

You can also visit the Chetco Valley Historical Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of the area. In September, you can enjoy the annual Brookings Harbor Festival of Art, showcasing local artists and craftspeople.

Viewing the fall Foliage

Harris Beach is a spectacular place to witness the changing colors of the leaves, which range from yellow to orange to red. You can admire the fall foliage from the beach or the viewpoints along the trails.

You can also drive along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile-long park along Highway 101 that offers stunning views of the ocean, the cliffs, and the islands.

Harris Beach in the Winter

Winter is a cozy and adventurous time to visit Harris Beach, as the weather is cold and stormy, and the park is quiet and peaceful. There are many things that families can do and see at Harris Beach in the winter, such as:

Storm Watching

Harris Beach is a prime spot to witness the power and beauty of the winter storms, which bring strong winds, heavy rains, and high waves. You can watch the storms from the safety and comfort of your cabin or yurt or brave the elements and experience them from the beach or the viewpoints.

You can also see the dramatic effects of the storms on the landscape, such as erosion, driftwood, and tide changes.

Visiting the Nearby Adventure Parks

Harris Beach is close to several adventure parks that offer fun and thrilling activities for families, such as zip-lining, rope courses, bungee jumping, and go-karting. You can visit the Wild Rivers Adventure Park, the Rogue Valley ZipLine Adventure, or the Brookings Speedway for adrenaline-pumping fun.

Cozying up in the Cabins or Yurts

Harris Beach has several cabins and yurts that provide a warm and comfortable place to stay during the winter. You can enjoy the amenities, such as heating, electricity, beds, and furniture, or join the evening programs, such as campfire talks, nature walks, and star gazing.

Restaurants near Harris Beach, Oregon

Here are some of the top-rated restaurants:

Black Trumpet Bistro

This is a cozy and elegant restaurant that serves Italian, American, and seafood dishes, as well as wine and soups. Try their escargot, sirloin, or pizza. They are at 625 Chetco Ave, 2 miles from Harris Beach State Park.

Superfly Martini Bar & Grill

This is a fun and lively restaurant that serves American, bar, and contemporary cuisine, as well as cocktails and beer. You can try their tuna, mussels, or burgers. They are at 623 Memory Ln, 2.1 miles from Harris Beach State Park.

Khun Thai

This friendly and authentic restaurant serves Asian and Thai food, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. Checkout their chicken satay, pad thai, or green curry. They are located at 925 Chetco Ave, 1.6 miles from Harris Beach State Park.

Conclusion

As you can see, Harris Beach is a beautiful place to visit with your family, no matter the time of the year. It offers a variety of activities and attractions that cater to different ages and interests, as well as a stunning and diverse natural environment that will leave you breathless.

Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education, you will find it at Harris Beach. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Harris Beach today and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. You won’t regret it!