The fact is that they are all nearly surrounded by the body of water called Coos Bay. Coos Bay is a large bay measuring 13.5 miles north to south and 8.3 miles from its opening into the Pacific Ocean to its most eastern point.

Coos Bay is physically large but does not appear as large as it is because it is made up of several bays and sloughs. If you study a map you will see that North Bend and the City of Coos Bay are actually on a peninsula that juts into Coos Bay from the south.

We have found at least two names for the Charleston, Coos Bay, and North Bend area, Oregon’s Bay area and Oregon’s Adventure Coast. We like both.

At the point where Coos Bay doglegs south the McCullough Bridge, shown in the photo, crosses over the bay. The height of the center span allows ocean going ships to pass under the bridge. The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway goes over the bridge.

From first settlement Coos Bay has been known for its sea traffic. Coos Bay is the largest natural harbor ocean shipping center between Seattle and San Francisco.

The south end of the 40 mile long Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area ends on the north end of Coos Bay.

The City of North Bend was incorporated in 1903 and has a population of nearly 10,000. North Bend’s original economy, over 100 years ago, revolved around the port, fishing industry, logging, and lumber mills.

The McCullough Bridge

Bridges are a big part of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

The Cities of Charleston, Coos Bay, and North Bend are known as Oregon’s Bay Area. Combined they are the largest population area on the Oregon Coast.

Recreation

There are a plethora of recreational opportunities in the area from the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area to the north, the ocean beaches to the west, boating on the bay and in the ocean, and sport fishing in your own boat or on one of the many charters available.

Cape Arago can be reached on the Cape Arago Highway that heads west from the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway through Charleston. On this loop you will find the quaint fishing village of Charleston with its port facilities then further west. This unincorporated community, near the harbor’s entrance to the Pacific Ocean, is the center of commercial and sport fishing in the area.

West of Charleston, near the Harbor Opening, you will find Bastendorff Beach County Park with its beach and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, especially at sunset. Further on are Sunset Bay and Shore Acres State Parks. For more information on the parks see “Recommended State Parks” below.

Recommended Attractions in Coos Bay, Oregon

Parks
Cape Arago State Park Visit the Park's web site. Located on Cape Arago at the end of the Cape Arago Highway 15 miles SW of Coos Bay. The cape is a scenic headland jutting into the Pacific. There are spectacular views of the Pacific from here.	Mingus Park and Choshi Gardens 10^th St, Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-269-0215
Shore Acres State Park 13 miles SW of North Bend on the Cape Arago Highway Visit the Park's website. This park was originally the summer home, on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, of the timber baron and entrepreneur Louis J. Simpson. In 1921 the home burned, the depression cancelled the building of its replacement, and the grounds fell in disrepair. In 1942 Organ State Parks purchased the property and restored the beautiful gardens.	Sunset Bay State Park 89814 Cape Arago Highway Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-888-3778 Visit the Park's website. This park is 12 miles SW of Coos Bay on the Cape Arago Highway. It has 29 full hookup RV sites, 34 electrical only sites, 66 tent sites, and 8 yurts.
Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area Off Hwy 101 24 Mi NE of Coos Bay on Coos River Hwy 1-800-551-6949 Visit the Park's website.
Shopping
See listings
Museums
Coos Art Museum 235 Anderson Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-267-3901.	Marshfield Sun Printing Museum Original equipment of The Sun Newspaper 541-267-3762 Front Street and Bayshore Coos Bay, OR 97420
Visitor Information
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce 145 Central Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-266-0868 http://www.oregonsbayareachamber.com/	Coos Bay Visitor Information Center 50 Central Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-269-0215 or 1-800-824-8486

Listed Attractions in Coos Bay, OR

We have not necessarily visited or recommend listed businesses.

Antiques

Antiques at the Bank – 541-269-5293

201 Central Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420

Antique & Auction Co – 541-267-5361

347 S Broadway, Coos Bay OR 97420

Malones Antiques – 541-269-4668

145 S Broadway, Coos Bay, OR 97420