Located on Oregon’s rugged south coast, Harris Beach offers a splendid seascape for sightseers, several trails, and miles of sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. From the day-use area, enjoy beachside picnicking with a picturesque view of the sea stacks dotting the ocean, including the largest island off the Oregon coast.
Bird Island (also called Goat Island) is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for such rare birds as the tufted puffin. The island makes for amazing wildlife viewing from the park's many viewpoints. Watch gray whales on their winter and spring migrations, harbor seals, California sea lions, sea birds and the rich marine gardens.
Some camp loops close for the winter. Reservable sites can be booked up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: This 12-mile-long park along Highway 101 is a series of scenic waysides, some with picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy unparalleled ocean views. Or you can explore the park by foot via a series of hikes that make up a portion of the Oregon Coast Trail. The south end of the park is only three miles north of Harris Beach.
McVay Rock and Winchuck State Recreation Sites offer access to beaches south of Brookings. At the border, Crissey Field has wetlands, a trail to the beach and a welcome center with more information on things to see and do.
Visit Brookings: Known for its azalea festival and bike-friendly streets, Brookings also has a boat launching ramp, moorage facilities, boat rentals, and charter boat service at the south jetty, near the mouth of the Chetco River.
Visit Gold Beach: 30 miles north of Brookings, the town is a gateway to the famous Rogue River.
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The land was purchased from various owners between 1926 and 1985. Early developments were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and 1935. Harris Beach is named for George Scott Harris, a native of Scotland, who obtained the property about 1871. Harris served in the British Army in India, later going to Africa and New Zealand. He arrived in San Francisco in 1860, worked in railway construction and mining and migrated to Curry County in 1871 where he became a naturalized citizen on April 6, 1880. Mr. Harris raised sheep and cattle on the park land, which passed to his nephew, James, in 1925, and also served as Curry County Commissioner in 1886-87.