Pilot Butte State Park - Oregon

Address:Bend, Oregon

Ecola State Park has both a bounty of beautiful beaches and is rich in history as well. Crescent beach is perfect for picnicking and whale watching, and Indian beach, great for surfing, swimming and soaking in the sun. Hiking is available along the coastal bluffs with great views of Tillamook Rock lighthouse, also known as "Tilly." Nature lovers will have plenty of tide pools to explore here as well as birds and other wildlife to keep their eyes peeled for. And for those who want to spend the night, there are primitive cabins available 1.5 miles from the Indian Beach trailhead.

Located at the end of Cape Arago Highway about 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay, Cape Arago is a scenic headland jutting into the Pacific Ocean. Long used by native Americans, Cape Arago was first sighted by Europeans during one of Sir Francis Drake's expeditions in the late 1500s. Modern visitors can scan the horizon for migrating whales and other marine mammals, as well as fishing boats and ships entering and leaving nearby Coos Bay. The south cove trail leads down to a sandy beach and superior tide pools where you can visit intertidal plants and animals (but please enjoy them with your eyes only). The north cove trail provides access for fishing, beachcombing, and viewing the off-shore colonies of seals and sea lions at Shell Island -- a designated National Wildlife Refuge. The trail is closed March 1- June 30 to protect seal pups. Picnic tables, restrooms and a gazebo shelter are available for daytime use.