Brookings – Harbor is situated in the heart of Oregon’s Banana Belt, the area enjoys mild weather the year around with sunny warm days in the summer and cool days in the winter.
The town is located on the south end of the southern Oregon coast, just six miles north of the California border. Located on US Highway 101, at the mouth of the beautiful Chetco River, Brookings is the largest town in the sparsely populated Curry County.
Harbor is an unincorporated area just to the south, across the Chetco River bridge. Harbor is worth a quick detour off of US Route 101 to discover the shopping, fresh fish dining plus river and ocean views.
Sightseeing, Fishing, Redwoods, and more.
To the north is the stunning Samuel H. Boardman State Park with its spectacular coastline, rocky outcroppings, and smooth, sandy beaches, all easily accessible from highway US 101.
Nearby is the Alfred A. Loeb State Park with 300 acres of myrtle wood and the Oregon Redwood Forest.
The drive north is one of the most scenic in the world. State Parks line the coast offering easy access to the beaches and views from shear cliffs. Visit the Natural Arch or travel further north to the world-renowned Pistol River. Whether hiking, fishing, strolling along wide-open beaches, surfing, whale and bird watching, or just sitting and absorbing the stunning scenery, it will be the highlight of your coast vacation … more.
Bird Watching
To go bird watching near Brookings – Harbor, most travel north along US Route 101 to the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor to see marine birds. Common and rare birds, such as the slaty-backed gull, can be found along the coast.
The stunning Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile stretch along the coast, of forested park with its spectacular coastline, rocky outcroppings, and smooth, sandy beaches. Starting with Arch Rock to the north, there are several spots for birders to look out for shore birds. These breathtaking views are easily accessed from US Highway 101. Harris Beach State Park is just north of Brookings.
The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor starts just north of Brookings Harbor and continues to about half way to Gold Beach. For more information, download a brochure of the park.
Camping & RV’s
There are US Forest Service campgrounds along the Chetco River in the Siskiyou National Forest, near the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area; and an Oregon State Park just to the north along the Pacific … more
Redwoods
Near Brookings is the location for the northernmost redwood forest, the Oregon Redwoods. This forest is located a short distance from town, up the Chetco River in the Alfred E. Leob State Park. There is also the Oregon Redwoods Trail near the state boarder, a short distance south that is worth a visit and hike.
Brookings – Harbor is the western gateway to the nearly 180,000 acre Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the Siskiyou National Forest. Travel up the Wild and Scenic Chetco River for a trip into the wild. Vacation in a comfortable hotel in town, camp along the Chetco, or rent one of the shelters that belong to the Forest Service. Or travel north and hike along the Pacific Coast Trail and enjoy the views. Visit one of the many parks, … more
Bicycling
It is 26 miles (42 km) from Brookings to Crescent City. Route 101 and this part of your cycling adventure is considerably less physically stressful than the previous section.
Starting out from Brookings or one of the parks north of town, travel through the urban center and cross the Chetco River. South of the Chetco is the unincorporated area of Harbor. After leaving Harbor, route 101 is nearly flat the entire way into Crescent City. There are also few viewpoints from Route 101, which is why many … more
Tide Pooling
Tidepooling offers a view into the fascinating world of marine life. Miles of state parks, with easy access from US Route 101, invite you to explore. Look for the colorful sea stars, anemones, and crabs found in the intertidal zone. Time your visit for low tide, watch your step, and keep a careful eye out on the ocean tides and waves. Please remember that these creatures are alive and fragile. Please watch in wonder and leave them to live and thrive in their natural environment without disturbing them.
ATV’s
Two trails were available for Class III ATVs (motorcycles) in the Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest. ATVs are not allowed. The Chetco Gorge Trail #1112 is along the upper Chetco River northeast of Brookings. The Chimney Camp Trail is a wooded trail southeast of Brookings on the Winchuck River is no longer open to ATVs or motorcycles. The Chetco Ranger District Office is now closed. Question should be referred to the Gold Beach Ranger District Office, 25 miles north of Brookings. Detailed maps and info are available from the Gold Beach Ranger District Office.
Whales
The state parks offer ideal viewpoints for whale watching as they travel up and down the coast. The best time is during the spring or late fall migration, but you may be able to spot a spout any time during the height of summer vacation.
During Whale Watch Week (generally last week of December and March), volunteers are located at Cape Ferrelo and Harris Beach. But whales can be spotted at any time of the year.
Fishing
During the fall, the Chetco River in Oregon has runs of salmon that produce fish averaging 20-25 pounds but it is not uncommon to hook into a 45-50 pounder. The latter part of December signals the beginning of the winter steelhead run, which continues until late March. Fishing in the Chetco River among the fragrant Myrtlewood trees adds to the enjoyment of the day.
Dungeness crabs are caught in season by the many fishing boats that call Harbor their home port.
For information on fishing and shell fishing visit The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
We love living on the southern Oregon coast, near the northern California coast. We recommend that everyone who loves nature and beauty visit here.
But living here is not for everyone. We suggest that you visit here and see the towns plus experience the beauty. What keeps it so natural and unspoiled is that it is remote. That makes the visit special and exciting.