Birding Locations
Langlois return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 A-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 A-2 geographic coordinates 42 55’ 30” N 124 26’ 59” W
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Location: Langlois is located near the northern border of Curry County. It's 13.5 miles south of Bandon and 40 miles north of Gold Beach. Cruising the streets of this tiny town can reveal some good birds. There are a couple of good roads to take west out of town. On the north side of town, take 1st Street west and drive into a marshy area. On the south end of town, take Allen Boyce Drive west and take the first right which will also access the marshy area west of town. Hwy 124 can be taken east of town to access some forest species.
Habitat and Birds: The marshy area west of town is good for herons, Marsh Wren, and Virginia Rail. The town itself has produced several good vagrants. Tropical Kingbird, Sprague's Pipit, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak have all been seen here. Red-shouldered Hawk can sometimes be found on the outskirts. Two Ross's Geese showed up here in November 2009.
Flores Lake/New River return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 A-2 geographic coordinates 42 53’ 42” N 124 30’ 19” W
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Location: Fourteen miles south of Bandon and 10 miles north of Port Orford, you will find the road to Floras Lake. Take Floras Lake loop west for less than a mile and turn on Floras Lake Road. Take this road 1.6 miles to Floras Lake. There is a day use fee for parking in this county facility. Locate the Floras Lake outlet and you will find a trail that leads across a pedestrian bridge to the beach. Access can be limited here during Snowy Plover nesting season (summer). This trail eventually ends at the mouth of the New River.
Habitat and Birds: Lake, marsh, pasture, and river bottom habitats exist here. In winter, look for Tundra Swans on the way into the lake. Raptors are abundant and American Bittern can be found around the parking lot. Ocean birds can be scoped from the trail and Snowy Plovers may be on the beach. The trail to New River is famous for rarities. Lapland Longspurs and Swamp Sparrow can be about as well as just about anything. This seems to be an active flyway so keep your eyes open for anything (Gyrfalcon has been seen here). Look for open fields in the surrounding countryside. A Mountain Plover was spotted here in Nov. 1999 and again in 2008. Other rarities include Bristle-thighed Curlew, Elegant Tern, and Tropical Kingbird.
Sixes & Cape Blanco return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 B-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 A&B-1&2 geographic coordinates 42 50’ 11” N 124 33’ 45” W
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Location: Take Hwy 101 north out of Port Orford for 3.5 miles and look for Cape Blanco Road off to the west. Take Cape Blanco Road for 3.2 miles and you will come to Beaver Marsh. Just west of the marsh, look for a side road that leads to Hughes House. Here you will find a trail that leads to the Sixes River (0.5 miles). Please close any gate that you go through on this trail. Continue on to the end of the cape. You can scan the ocean from this location.
Habitat and Birds: This is another of the famous estuaries in Curry County. The river mouth can provide Swamp Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, raptors, and gulls. The bluff at the cape gives good views of ocean birds like loons and sea ducks. The marsh is good for Red-shouldered Hawk, White-tailed Kite, Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail, and Sora as well as many more. Buff-breasted Sandpiper and other good shorebirds can be found here. A White-winged Dove was found here in 2006 & 2007 and a Common Ground-Dove showed up in 2006. A Least Flycatcher was found here in 1985 and another in 1999. Tropical Kingbird has been spotted many times and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has been found here at least three times. A Black-backed Wagtail showed up in 1996 and a Red-throated Pipit was here in 2004. A Chestnut-sided Warbler was mist netted near here in 1995 and a Black-throated Green Warbler was reported seen in 1982. Blackpoll Warbler has been found here several times and a Prairie Warbler showed up in 1994. Two female Lark Buntings visited Cape Blanco in 1979 and a male was there in 1994. Chestnut-collared Longspur, Indigo Bunting, and Dickcissel have all shown up at Cape Blanco. Clearly, this is a must see location.
Elk River Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 B-2 geographic coordinates 42 47’ 24” N 124 29’ 34” W
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Location: About 2.5 miles north of Port Orford off of Hwy 101. Take this road for about 10 miles into the coast range along the Elk River. Bird along the way. There is a fish hatchery you can stop at around 7.5 miles down this road. It will eventually become FR 5325 and will climb into the Coast Range.
Habitat and Birds: This area has produced Common Moorhen and Tropical Kingbird but more commonly the species here include Mountain Quail, finches, American Dipper, chickadees, nuthatches, grosbeaks, and woodpeckers. Marbled Murrelets nest in the old growth along this river and its tributaries.
Port Orford return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 C-2 geographic coordinates 42 44’ 44” N 124 29’ 51” W
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Location: Port Orford is in central Curry County on Hwy 101. It lies 26 miles north of Gold Beach and 26 miles south of Bandon. It's just south of Cape Blanco. North of town, take Paradise Point Road to its end and scan the sea for birds. There is a 3-mile (one way) trail that will take you to the mouth of the Elk River. This is a great place to watch sea birds and bay birds. From Paradise Point, go back east and turn right on Arizona Street until you come to a section of Garrison Lake. Pull over and bird here. Continue into town and turn right on Pinehurst. Check the old Mill Pond on the south side of the road and the city dock on the north side for ducks. Go east back to Hwy 101 and head south through town. Take Harbor Drive off of 101 to Battle Rock Beach (Harbor becomes Dock Road). Sea Watches can be done from the headland off of Coast Guard Road. Take 8th or 9th Street west to Coast Guard Road. Take Coast Guard Road to the Coast Guard facility and hike out to the headland. This area is called The Heads or Port Orford Heads Wayside. Walk the trail here for exceptional sea birding.
Habitat and Birds: The town itself can produce some local rarities. Oregon's first confirmed Common Moorhen was found here in 1976. Other oddities include a Blackpoll in 1992 (another in 1993), Rose-breasted Grosbeak in 1998, and Dickcissel in 1993. Common Grackle been found here several times and a Great-tailed Grackle visited in 1992 Orchard Oriole has also turned up in Port Orford. More common birds here include Wood Duck, Harlequin & Long-tailed Duck (look on the trail at The Heads), Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Brown Pelican, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, Virginia Rail, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Red Phalarope, Heermann's Gull, Thayer's Gull, Ancient Murrelet, Cassin's Auklet, hummingbirds (look for Allen's, Anna's, and Rufous on the trail at The Heads), Pileated Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow and Pine Siskin.
Rocky Point Bridge return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 C-2 geographic coordinates 42 43’ 11” N 124 27’ 59” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Travel 2.4 miles south of Port Orford and pull off just before you get to the bridge. If you haven't found Harlequin Ducks in some of the other places, this is the spot to check. There are other good birds here as well.
Brush Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 C-2 geographic coordinates 42 41’ 12” N 124 26’ 44” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Five miles south of Port Orford and 2.5 miles south of the Rocky Point Bridge is the bridge over Brush Creek. Park just past the bridge. Hike down to the estuary below. Gulls and shorebirds can be abundant here. There is a trail to the top of Humbug Mountain near here. Look for a sign about 0.25 miles south of the Brush Creek bridge. Here you might be able to get good looks at one of Oregon's most beautiful warblers; the Hermit Warbler.
Arizona Beach State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 D-3 geographic coordinates 42 36’ 54” N 124 23’ 59” W
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Location: Recently acquired by the state, this is one of the newest public birding locations in the county. About four miles north of Euchre Creek and about 12 miles south of Port Orford, this state park is worth a stop.
Habitat and Birds: Beaches, grassy areas, pond, willows, wetland, and forest are all found at this location. Just about anything can be here because of the varied habitats available. Scan the ocean for scoters and other waterfowl. Check out the vegetation for passerines. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found here in 1988.
Euchre Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 E-3 geographic coordinates 42 33’ 47” N 124 23’ 05” W
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Location: Located 12 miles north of Gold Beach, Hwy 101 passes right through the wetland and offers few viewing areas. A parking area located just south of the wetland allows a person to park and walk along the highway or the beach to view the wetland. If you prefer to view the eastern perimeter, look for a sign that says "To Cedar Bend Golf Course" and this road will loop around the wetland on the east side.
Habitat and Birds: Flooded pasture and wetlands next to the coast provide a tempting feeding environment for many species. Waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors (including White-tailed Kite and Red-shouldered Hawk), and Larids frequent this location. Keep an eye out for Elegant Terns in the fall. Black Phoebe can be found here (look near the bridge) and Red-shouldered Hawks can be found along this route. A Magnolia Warbler was found here in 1971, so you never know what might turn up.
Nesika Beach return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 E-3 geographic coordinates 42 30’ 22” N 124 24’ 48” W
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Location: This community is off of Hwy 101 6.5 miles north of the Rogue River at Gold Beach. Take Nesika Road from 101 and travel through the town. There are multiple beach access points here.
Habitat and Birds: Shorebirds, gulls, terns, and sea ducks can be seen from the beach. A Clay-colored Sparrow showed up at this location once.
Burnt Ridge Road/FSR 2308 return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 D-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 59 E-6 geographic coordinates 42 33’ 41” N 124 03’ 15” W
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Location: This route will take you into the famous Biscuit Fire of 2002 and access some high country. At the south end of the Rogue River Bridge in Gold Beach, take Jerry's Flat Road east for 29 miles. The road will eventually become the Agness Road and you will go through the small community of Agness just before you leave this road. Just after Agness, look for Burnt Ridge Road (also called Forest Service Road 2308 on some maps). Take this road for 8.1 miles and the road makes a sharp turn. Look for Forest Service Road 150. Begin serious birding at this point. The road will end at a paved road called Shasta Costa Road. CHECK WEATHER CONDITIONS. WINTER TRAVEL MAY NOT BE ADVISED ON THIS ROAD.
Habitat and Birds: Mixed conifer forest intermingles with burned forest to provide a diverse habitat and many species of forest birds. Look for Sooty Grouse, Nashville Warbler, and Green-tailed Towhee. Higher up on 2308, look for Mountain Quail, Rufous and Allen's Hummingbirds, flycatchers, Mountain Chickadee, Townsend's Solitaire, and a very nice mix of other forest passerines.
Rogue River Walk Trail return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 F-3 geographic coordinates 42 27’ 52” N 124 20’ 56” W
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Location: At the south end of the Rogue River bridge, turn east on Jerry's Flat Road. Take this road five miles to a gravel area just before the Jim Hunt Creek Bridge. Walk across the bridge to the trailhead. This trail is 1.8 miles long and ends at Huntley Park.
Habitat and Birds: The beginning section of this hike provides good riparian vegetation and birds to look for include woodpeckers, hummingbirds, warblers, and other passerines.
Gold Beach return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 A-8 geographic coordinates 42 24’ 26” N 124 25’ 18” W
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Location: Gold Beach is 52 miles south of Bandon on Hwy 101. It's about 29 miles north of Brookings. There is a nice little harbor just south of the Rogue River. Take Harbor Way west and you will see the harbor off to the right. Continue on this road as it winds around for a quarter mile to South Jetty Road. Take South Jetty as it becomes Oceanside Drive and follows the beach. You can scan the airport on your left and the beach on your right. Oceanside will return to Hwy 101. A nice side trip is to take 3rd St. east into the Coast Range forest. Third St. becomes Grizzly Mt. Road and takes you into good forest habitat for a change of species. Back in Gold Beach, go just past the southern edge of town and pull over to scope the mouth of Hunter Creek for gulls and shorebirds.
Habitat and Birds: Birds that have been seen in Gold Beach include Green-winged Teal, Eared Grebe, Brown Pelican, Great Egret, Osprey, assorted gulls, American Pipit, Allen's Hummingbird, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, and Fox Sparrow. Rare birds seen here include Greater White-fronted Goose, Baird's Sandpiper, Ruff, Elegant Tern, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Cape May Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Magnificent Frigatebird, White Wagtail, and Rusty Blackbird. More common birds here include Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Heerman's Gull, Thayer's Gull, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hutton's Vireo, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, Lincoln's Sparrow and American Goldfinch.
Rogue River Estuary/Gold Beach return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 F-3 geographic coordinates 42 25’ 18” N 124 25’ 45” W
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Location: From the north end of Gold Beach, you can take just about any street west and you will end up at the river mouth and have a view of the estuary. West Moore Street is probably the most direct route. Take West Moore until you get to the airport and veer north until your reach South Jetty Road. This road will take you to the river mouth. It becomes Oceanside Drive when it bends south. Look near the boat basin for shorebirds and loafing gulls during lower tides.
Habitat and Birds: Low tides expose sandy bars that provide shorebirds, cormorants, pelicans, waders, and Larids (this is one of the best places to find Elegant Tern in late summer or early fall) a place to loaf and rest. Brown Pelican is abundant here. Look for Black Scoter with the more common Surf and White-winged Scoters around the boat basin. This is a good place to find Brant. At the jetty itself, Rock Sandpipers can sometimes be found in season among the more common Surfbirds and Black Turnstones. A White-winged Dove was here in September 2000.
Hunter Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 A-8 geographic coordinates 42 23’ 12” N 124 25’ 24” W
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Location: Hunter Creek is less than a mile south of Gold Beach. To access the river mouth. cross the bridge for Hunter Creek and park in the pull-off area off of Hwy 101. You can also drive through the RV park on the south side of the road to get a good look at the beach. To take the Hunter Creek Loop and bird the river, take Hunter Creek Loop Road about a quarter mile north of the river just outside of Gold Beach. A nice side trip from here is to stay on Hunter Creek Road instead of returning to Hwy 101. This road will soon become County Hwy 635 and will take you into the Coast Range.
Habitat and Birds: Gulls, terns, and shorebirds can be found here. Offshore rocks might harbor resting cormorants or gulls. Search the waters around these rocks for Harlequin Ducks. Strange things have turned up here, including Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Orchard Oriole.
Pistol River return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 B-8 geographic coordinates 42 17’ 29” N 124 24’ 29” W
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Location: The Pistol River is about 17 miles north of Brookings and about 10 miles south of Gold Beach. From Hwy 101, turn east on Pistol River Road. Quickly, you will come to a "T". You can turn in either direction and find good birds. Turn south and birding is good for a half mile or so. If you turn north from the "T", you will find good birding for about two miles. Return to Hwy 101 and access several exits that will take you to the river mouth and estuary.
Habitat and Birds: Along with a river mouth and estuary, the Pistol River provides birds with varied habitats that include pastures, ponds, coastal scrub, riparian areas and trees like spruce, alder, and willow. Golden Eagles can be found at this location. Other birds that have been seen in this area include White-faced Ibis, Eurasian Wigeon, White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Snowy Plover, Solitary Sandpiper, Long-billed Curlew, Allen's Hummingbird, Lewis's Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Tropical Kingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Northern Shrike, vagrant warblers (Prairie in 2002), Bobolink, Clay-colored Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow. A Blue Grosbeak was spotted here in 2006.
Brookings State Parks return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates Loeb State Park 42 06’ 41” N 124 11’ 16” W; Redwood State Park 42 07’ 11” N 124 11’ 47” W; Boardman State Park 42 05’ 59” N 124 20’ 26” W; Harris Beach State Park 42 03’ 57” N 124 18’ 17” W; Forest Wayside State Park 42 05’ 49” N 124 17’ 44” W
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Locations: Alfred Loeb State Park is eight miles up the north bank of the Chetco River. Known for it's Myrtle Wood and Redwood forests, this park provides river access, a nature trail, Chetco River access, campsites and several rental cabins. Redwood State Park is just north of Loeb State Park. You can take the Redwood Nature Trail from Loeb to this park or continue on the North Bank Chetco River Road to the park. Four miles north of Brookings is Samuel H. Boardman State Park. You can access the Oregon Coast Trail from here. There are many viewpoints along the trail, including House Rock Viewpoint and Whalehead Viewpoint. Tide Pools are abundant here and rocky shore birding is good. For an ocean view, try Harris Beach State Park. Just north of Brookings, this park and campground is great for viewing alcids on Goat Rock. Puffins, guillemots, and murres nest on the rock as do others. Allen's Hummingbirds can be found on the brushy slopes between the access road and the beach. Forest Wayside State Park can be accessed off of Hwy 101 north of Brookings. Go one mile north of the road to Harris Beach and turn east on Carpenter Road. Travel 1.8 miles to the park.
Habitat and Birds: Many of these parks have beautiful gardens that attract hummingbirds and migrating warblers. If forested areas, look and listen for Golden-crowned Kinglets and Pacific-slope Flycatchers. Northern Pygmy-Owls can be found in these areas if you are diurnal. Nocturnal searches can produce other owl species. Check the beaches for Elegant Terns in late summer and fall.
Harris Beach State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 D-9 geographic coordinates 42 04’ 06” N 124 18’ 52” W
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Park Brochure and Map
Location: Harris Beach is just north of Brookings. As you begin to leave Brookings going north, look to your left for the park signs. Arch Rocks and Goat Island can be scoped for nesting sea birds and loafing gulls.
Habitat and Birds: Some very rare birds have been found here over the years, including Bar-tailed Godwit, Least Tern, Tropical Kingbird, White Wagtail, Cape May Warbler, and Prairie Warbler. More common species might include Surfbird, Dunlin, Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Western Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Brant's Cormorant, Brown Pelican, and Whimbrel.
Chetco Estuary return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates 42 02’ 40” N 124 16’ 15” W
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Location: From Brookings, access to the harbor or boat docks is accomplished by turning west on Lower Harbor Road on the south side of the Chetco River Bridge. Park in public parking and work your way around the harbor. Continue on Lower Harbor Road until you reach Boat Basin Road and turn west. This road takes you to the river mouth.
Habitat and Birds: The Harbor Area is the best place in the county for Black-crowned Night-Herons. Other birds include sea ducks, rocky shore birds, loons, Brown Pelicans, cormorants, and sea ducks. The river mouth and north jetty should be checked for Black-legged Kittiwakes, Elegant Terns, and other Larids, as well as ocean species. Unusual species seen here include Yellow-billed Loon.
Chetco River Don Cameron Bridge return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates 42 07’ 27” N 124 11’ 13” W
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Location: From Hwy 101 between Brookings and the Chetco River, take North Bank Chetco River Road for about four miles until you reach Don Cameron Bridge. Park on the wide shoulders and access the river via a gravel road that leads to a water intake facility.
Habitat and Birds: This area has extensive riparian vegetation as well as mixed conifer forest. The river provides ample places for birds to rest or feed. Look for Snowy Egret (best spot in the county), Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Nighthawk, Willow Flycatcher, Scrub Jay, vireos, warblers (including Yellow-breasted Chat), and orioles.
Brookings return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 Pg. D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates 42 03’ 09” N 124 17’ 02” W
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Location: Brookings is on Hwy 101 29 miles south of Gold Beach and five miles north of the California border. One of the "must see" places in Brookings is Chetco Point. Find the post office in Brookings and take Wharf Street to the oceans edge. Look for the sewage treatment facility. You will find a graveled area with parking for a dozen cars on the left. Behind the sign at the park entrance is a trail running beside the treatment facility. In fifty yards the trail opens to the point. This point will give you good scope views of the ocean and there is beach access here as well. To access the north jetty of the Chetco River, find the post office in Brookings. Turn toward the sea on Wharf Street. Go three blocks and turn left on Railroad Street. Take an immediate right on Memory Lane. This road will dead end at Sea Cliff Terrace. Take Sea Cliff Terrace to the trailhead for the jetty.
Habitat and Birds: Birding the residential areas of Brookings can often produce some very good results. Some of the more unusual birds found here include Broad-winged Hawk, Gyrfalcon, White-winged Dove (more than once), Eurasian Collared-Dove, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Tropical Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo (one of only two Oregon records), Brown Thrasher, Lucy's Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Clay-colored Sparrow (more than once), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (several times), Blue Grosbeak in 2005 and Indigo Bunting in 1991, Common Grackle in 1994, Orchard Oriole, and Baltimore Oriole. Local Hummingbird feeders can host Allen's Hummingbirds. More common birds here include Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, California Quail, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Sooty Shearwater, Brown Pelican, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Green Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Virginia Rail, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Red Phalarope, Heermann's Gull, Thayer's Gull, Ancient Murrelet, Cassin's Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush, Wrentit, 13 species of warblers, Cedar Waxwing, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark, Lesser Goldfinch, and Pine Siskin.
Harbor return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates 42 03’ 11” N 124 16’ 04” W
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Location: Harbor is a small town located just south of Brookings after you pass over the Chetco River. There is a small harbor that can be accessed off of Lower Harbor Road. (County Hwy 816). Look for a right turn onto Boat Basin Road (Hwy 824). This road will take you to a view of the river mouth from the south side.
Habitat and Birds: There have been some unusual species that have shown up in this region. Red-shouldered Hawk, Elegant Tern, Costa's Hummingbird, Pine Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow (twice), Dickcissel, and Orchard Oriole have all been catalogued from this location. More common birds here include Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Brown Pelican, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Heermann's Gull, Thayer's Gull, Pileated Woodpecker, Anna's Hummingbird, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, and American Goldfinch.
Winchuck River Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-10 geographic coordinates 42 00’ 17” N 124 12’ 56” W
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Location: The Winchuck River is only one mile north of the California border. Go six miles south of Brookings on Hwy 101. The access to this area is immediately north of the bridge over the Winchuck River. Go west for a short distance and pull into the small parking area. You can view the river mouth from here or walk along the beach for better access. About a half mile north of the river, you can take Winchuck River Road. You can take this road into the surrounding forest for a different mix of species. Just a little more than eight miles down this road, you will find FR 1108 (Wheeler Creek Rd.) and just beyond that, the 1107 Road. Both of these roads will give you access to the Coast Range forest.
Habitat and Birds: Shorebirds and Larids are the big draw at the river mouth. Just about any of Oregon's regular gull species can be found here in season. Elegant Tern and Little Gull have also been seen in the past. Migrants hanging around the river mouth have included rarities like Virginia Warbler, Northern Parula, Worm-eating Warbler, and Clay-colored Sparrow (several times). The trip up Winchuck River Road may bring you into contact with Mt. Quail, Ruffed Grouse, Sooty Grouse, several woodpecker species, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, and many other forest species.
Crissey Field State Park – Oregon Welcome Center return to the top
Location: Located just north of the CA border, it is west of Hwy 101; Winchuck State Wayside - located north of the Winchuck River off of 101 exactly one mile north of the CA border.; Winchuck River Road - go 0.3 miles north of the Wayside and you will see Winchuck River Road. Follow this road east for one mile and look for a wide spot to pull off. This is Winchuck Ponds.; Peavine Road/FSR 1101 - continue along Winchuck Road for 0.5 miles and look for a bridge leading to Peavine Road which is also Forest Service Road 1101. Take this road for four to five miles.
Habitat and Birds: Crissey Field State Park is good for passerines. The beach near the river mouth is good for shorebirds, sea-birds, and gulls. Winchuck State Wayside is very good for vagrant warblers and has beach access for wading birds and waterfowl. Winchuck River Road and Winchuck Ponds are good for rails, herons, waterfowl, and raptors. Look for Snowy Egret and Solitary Sandpiper. Peavine Road/FSR 1101 climbs into timber and gains 1,200 ft. Watch for forest species and Allen's Hummingbird. This is one of the best owling locations in the county with at least six species of owls found on this road.
Birding Locations
Langlois return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 A-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 A-2 geographic coordinates 42 55’ 30” N 124 26’ 59” W
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Location: Langlois is located near the northern border of Curry County. It's 13.5 miles south of Bandon and 40 miles north of Gold Beach. Cruising the streets of this tiny town can reveal some good birds. There are a couple of good roads to take west out of town. On the north side of town, take 1st Street west and drive into a marshy area. On the south end of town, take Allen Boyce Drive west and take the first right which will also access the marshy area west of town. Hwy 124 can be taken east of town to access some forest species.
Habitat and Birds: The marshy area west of town is good for herons, Marsh Wren, and Virginia Rail. The town itself has produced several good vagrants. Tropical Kingbird, Sprague's Pipit, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak have all been seen here. Red-shouldered Hawk can sometimes be found on the outskirts. Two Ross's Geese showed up here in November 2009.
Flores Lake/New River return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 A-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 A-2 geographic coordinates 42 53’ 42” N 124 30’ 19” W
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Location: Fourteen miles south of Bandon and 10 miles north of Port Orford, you will find the road to Floras Lake. Take Floras Lake loop west for less than a mile and turn on Floras Lake Road. Take this road 1.6 miles to Floras Lake. There is a day use fee for parking in this county facility. Locate the Floras Lake outlet and you will find a trail that leads across a pedestrian bridge to the beach. Access can be limited here during Snowy Plover nesting season (summer). This trail eventually ends at the mouth of the New River.
Habitat and Birds: Lake, marsh, pasture, and river bottom habitats exist here. In winter, look for Tundra Swans on the way into the lake. Raptors are abundant and American Bittern can be found around the parking lot. Ocean birds can be scoped from the trail and Snowy Plovers may be on the beach. The trail to New River is famous for rarities. Lapland Longspurs and Swamp Sparrow can be about as well as just about anything. This seems to be an active flyway so keep your eyes open for anything (Gyrfalcon has been seen here). Look for open fields in the surrounding countryside. A Mountain Plover was spotted here in Nov. 1999 and again in 2008. Other rarities include Bristle-thighed Curlew, Elegant Tern, and Tropical Kingbird.
Sixes & Cape Blanco return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 B-4 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 A&B-1&2 geographic coordinates 42 50’ 11” N 124 33’ 45” W
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Location: Take Hwy 101 north out of Port Orford for 3.5 miles and look for Cape Blanco Road off to the west. Take Cape Blanco Road for 3.2 miles and you will come to Beaver Marsh. Just west of the marsh, look for a side road that leads to Hughes House. Here you will find a trail that leads to the Sixes River (0.5 miles). Please close any gate that you go through on this trail. Continue on to the end of the cape. You can scan the ocean from this location.
Habitat and Birds: This is another of the famous estuaries in Curry County. The river mouth can provide Swamp Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, raptors, and gulls. The bluff at the cape gives good views of ocean birds like loons and sea ducks. The marsh is good for Red-shouldered Hawk, White-tailed Kite, Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail, and Sora as well as many more. Buff-breasted Sandpiper and other good shorebirds can be found here. A White-winged Dove was found here in 2006 & 2007 and a Common Ground-Dove showed up in 2006. A Least Flycatcher was found here in 1985 and another in 1999. Tropical Kingbird has been spotted many times and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has been found here at least three times. A Black-backed Wagtail showed up in 1996 and a Red-throated Pipit was here in 2004. A Chestnut-sided Warbler was mist netted near here in 1995 and a Black-throated Green Warbler was reported seen in 1982. Blackpoll Warbler has been found here several times and a Prairie Warbler showed up in 1994. Two female Lark Buntings visited Cape Blanco in 1979 and a male was there in 1994. Chestnut-collared Longspur, Indigo Bunting, and Dickcissel have all shown up at Cape Blanco. Clearly, this is a must see location.
Elk River Road return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 B-2 geographic coordinates 42 47’ 24” N 124 29’ 34” W
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Location: About 2.5 miles north of Port Orford off of Hwy 101. Take this road for about 10 miles into the coast range along the Elk River. Bird along the way. There is a fish hatchery you can stop at around 7.5 miles down this road. It will eventually become FR 5325 and will climb into the Coast Range.
Habitat and Birds: This area has produced Common Moorhen and Tropical Kingbird but more commonly the species here include Mountain Quail, finches, American Dipper, chickadees, nuthatches, grosbeaks, and woodpeckers. Marbled Murrelets nest in the old growth along this river and its tributaries.
Port Orford return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 B-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 C-2 geographic coordinates 42 44’ 44” N 124 29’ 51” W
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Location: Port Orford is in central Curry County on Hwy 101. It lies 26 miles north of Gold Beach and 26 miles south of Bandon. It's just south of Cape Blanco. North of town, take Paradise Point Road to its end and scan the sea for birds. There is a 3-mile (one way) trail that will take you to the mouth of the Elk River. This is a great place to watch sea birds and bay birds. From Paradise Point, go back east and turn right on Arizona Street until you come to a section of Garrison Lake. Pull over and bird here. Continue into town and turn right on Pinehurst. Check the old Mill Pond on the south side of the road and the city dock on the north side for ducks. Go east back to Hwy 101 and head south through town. Take Harbor Drive off of 101 to Battle Rock Beach (Harbor becomes Dock Road). Sea Watches can be done from the headland off of Coast Guard Road. Take 8th or 9th Street west to Coast Guard Road. Take Coast Guard Road to the Coast Guard facility and hike out to the headland. This area is called The Heads or Port Orford Heads Wayside. Walk the trail here for exceptional sea birding.
Habitat and Birds: The town itself can produce some local rarities. Oregon's first confirmed Common Moorhen was found here in 1976. Other oddities include a Blackpoll in 1992 (another in 1993), Rose-breasted Grosbeak in 1998, and Dickcissel in 1993. Common Grackle been found here several times and a Great-tailed Grackle visited in 1992 Orchard Oriole has also turned up in Port Orford. More common birds here include Wood Duck, Harlequin & Long-tailed Duck (look on the trail at The Heads), Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Brown Pelican, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, Virginia Rail, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Red Phalarope, Heermann's Gull, Thayer's Gull, Ancient Murrelet, Cassin's Auklet, hummingbirds (look for Allen's, Anna's, and Rufous on the trail at The Heads), Pileated Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow and Pine Siskin.
Rocky Point Bridge return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 C-2 geographic coordinates 42 43’ 11” N 124 27’ 59” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Travel 2.4 miles south of Port Orford and pull off just before you get to the bridge. If you haven't found Harlequin Ducks in some of the other places, this is the spot to check. There are other good birds here as well.
Brush Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 C-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 C-2 geographic coordinates 42 41’ 12” N 124 26’ 44” W
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Location, Habitat and Birds: Five miles south of Port Orford and 2.5 miles south of the Rocky Point Bridge is the bridge over Brush Creek. Park just past the bridge. Hike down to the estuary below. Gulls and shorebirds can be abundant here. There is a trail to the top of Humbug Mountain near here. Look for a sign about 0.25 miles south of the Brush Creek bridge. Here you might be able to get good looks at one of Oregon's most beautiful warblers; the Hermit Warbler.
Arizona Beach State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 D-3 geographic coordinates 42 36’ 54” N 124 23’ 59” W
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Location: Recently acquired by the state, this is one of the newest public birding locations in the county. About four miles north of Euchre Creek and about 12 miles south of Port Orford, this state park is worth a stop.
Habitat and Birds: Beaches, grassy areas, pond, willows, wetland, and forest are all found at this location. Just about anything can be here because of the varied habitats available. Scan the ocean for scoters and other waterfowl. Check out the vegetation for passerines. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found here in 1988.
Euchre Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 E-3 geographic coordinates 42 33’ 47” N 124 23’ 05” W
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Location: Located 12 miles north of Gold Beach, Hwy 101 passes right through the wetland and offers few viewing areas. A parking area located just south of the wetland allows a person to park and walk along the highway or the beach to view the wetland. If you prefer to view the eastern perimeter, look for a sign that says "To Cedar Bend Golf Course" and this road will loop around the wetland on the east side.
Habitat and Birds: Flooded pasture and wetlands next to the coast provide a tempting feeding environment for many species. Waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors (including White-tailed Kite and Red-shouldered Hawk), and Larids frequent this location. Keep an eye out for Elegant Terns in the fall. Black Phoebe can be found here (look near the bridge) and Red-shouldered Hawks can be found along this route. A Magnolia Warbler was found here in 1971, so you never know what might turn up.
Nesika Beach return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 D-5 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 E-3 geographic coordinates 42 30’ 22” N 124 24’ 48” W
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Location: This community is off of Hwy 101 6.5 miles north of the Rogue River at Gold Beach. Take Nesika Road from 101 and travel through the town. There are multiple beach access points here.
Habitat and Birds: Shorebirds, gulls, terns, and sea ducks can be seen from the beach. A Clay-colored Sparrow showed up at this location once.
Burnt Ridge Road/FSR 2308 return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 25 D-8 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 59 E-6 geographic coordinates 42 33’ 41” N 124 03’ 15” W
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Location: This route will take you into the famous Biscuit Fire of 2002 and access some high country. At the south end of the Rogue River Bridge in Gold Beach, take Jerry's Flat Road east for 29 miles. The road will eventually become the Agness Road and you will go through the small community of Agness just before you leave this road. Just after Agness, look for Burnt Ridge Road (also called Forest Service Road 2308 on some maps). Take this road for 8.1 miles and the road makes a sharp turn. Look for Forest Service Road 150. Begin serious birding at this point. The road will end at a paved road called Shasta Costa Road. CHECK WEATHER CONDITIONS. WINTER TRAVEL MAY NOT BE ADVISED ON THIS ROAD.
Habitat and Birds: Mixed conifer forest intermingles with burned forest to provide a diverse habitat and many species of forest birds. Look for Sooty Grouse, Nashville Warbler, and Green-tailed Towhee. Higher up on 2308, look for Mountain Quail, Rufous and Allen's Hummingbirds, flycatchers, Mountain Chickadee, Townsend's Solitaire, and a very nice mix of other forest passerines.
Rogue River Walk Trail return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 F-3 geographic coordinates 42 27’ 52” N 124 20’ 56” W
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Location: At the south end of the Rogue River bridge, turn east on Jerry's Flat Road. Take this road five miles to a gravel area just before the Jim Hunt Creek Bridge. Walk across the bridge to the trailhead. This trail is 1.8 miles long and ends at Huntley Park.
Habitat and Birds: The beginning section of this hike provides good riparian vegetation and birds to look for include woodpeckers, hummingbirds, warblers, and other passerines.
Gold Beach return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 A-8 geographic coordinates 42 24’ 26” N 124 25’ 18” W
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Location: Gold Beach is 52 miles south of Bandon on Hwy 101. It's about 29 miles north of Brookings. There is a nice little harbor just south of the Rogue River. Take Harbor Way west and you will see the harbor off to the right. Continue on this road as it winds around for a quarter mile to South Jetty Road. Take South Jetty as it becomes Oceanside Drive and follows the beach. You can scan the airport on your left and the beach on your right. Oceanside will return to Hwy 101. A nice side trip is to take 3rd St. east into the Coast Range forest. Third St. becomes Grizzly Mt. Road and takes you into good forest habitat for a change of species. Back in Gold Beach, go just past the southern edge of town and pull over to scope the mouth of Hunter Creek for gulls and shorebirds.
Habitat and Birds: Birds that have been seen in Gold Beach include Green-winged Teal, Eared Grebe, Brown Pelican, Great Egret, Osprey, assorted gulls, American Pipit, Allen's Hummingbird, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, and Fox Sparrow. Rare birds seen here include Greater White-fronted Goose, Baird's Sandpiper, Ruff, Elegant Tern, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Cape May Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Magnificent Frigatebird, White Wagtail, and Rusty Blackbird. More common birds here include Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Heerman's Gull, Thayer's Gull, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hutton's Vireo, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, Lincoln's Sparrow and American Goldfinch.
Rogue River Estuary/Gold Beach return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 58 F-3 geographic coordinates 42 25’ 18” N 124 25’ 45” W
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Location: From the north end of Gold Beach, you can take just about any street west and you will end up at the river mouth and have a view of the estuary. West Moore Street is probably the most direct route. Take West Moore until you get to the airport and veer north until your reach South Jetty Road. This road will take you to the river mouth. It becomes Oceanside Drive when it bends south. Look near the boat basin for shorebirds and loafing gulls during lower tides.
Habitat and Birds: Low tides expose sandy bars that provide shorebirds, cormorants, pelicans, waders, and Larids (this is one of the best places to find Elegant Tern in late summer or early fall) a place to loaf and rest. Brown Pelican is abundant here. Look for Black Scoter with the more common Surf and White-winged Scoters around the boat basin. This is a good place to find Brant. At the jetty itself, Rock Sandpipers can sometimes be found in season among the more common Surfbirds and Black Turnstones. A White-winged Dove was here in September 2000.
Hunter Creek return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 A-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 A-8 geographic coordinates 42 23’ 12” N 124 25’ 24” W
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Location: Hunter Creek is less than a mile south of Gold Beach. To access the river mouth. cross the bridge for Hunter Creek and park in the pull-off area off of Hwy 101. You can also drive through the RV park on the south side of the road to get a good look at the beach. To take the Hunter Creek Loop and bird the river, take Hunter Creek Loop Road about a quarter mile north of the river just outside of Gold Beach. A nice side trip from here is to stay on Hunter Creek Road instead of returning to Hwy 101. This road will soon become County Hwy 635 and will take you into the Coast Range.
Habitat and Birds: Gulls, terns, and shorebirds can be found here. Offshore rocks might harbor resting cormorants or gulls. Search the waters around these rocks for Harlequin Ducks. Strange things have turned up here, including Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Orchard Oriole.
Pistol River return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 B-1 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 B-8 geographic coordinates 42 17’ 29” N 124 24’ 29” W
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Location: The Pistol River is about 17 miles north of Brookings and about 10 miles south of Gold Beach. From Hwy 101, turn east on Pistol River Road. Quickly, you will come to a "T". You can turn in either direction and find good birds. Turn south and birding is good for a half mile or so. If you turn north from the "T", you will find good birding for about two miles. Return to Hwy 101 and access several exits that will take you to the river mouth and estuary.
Habitat and Birds: Along with a river mouth and estuary, the Pistol River provides birds with varied habitats that include pastures, ponds, coastal scrub, riparian areas and trees like spruce, alder, and willow. Golden Eagles can be found at this location. Other birds that have been seen in this area include White-faced Ibis, Eurasian Wigeon, White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Snowy Plover, Solitary Sandpiper, Long-billed Curlew, Allen's Hummingbird, Lewis's Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Tropical Kingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Northern Shrike, vagrant warblers (Prairie in 2002), Bobolink, Clay-colored Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow. A Blue Grosbeak was spotted here in 2006.
Brookings State Parks return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates Loeb State Park 42 06’ 41” N 124 11’ 16” W; Redwood State Park 42 07’ 11” N 124 11’ 47” W; Boardman State Park 42 05’ 59” N 124 20’ 26” W; Harris Beach State Park 42 03’ 57” N 124 18’ 17” W; Forest Wayside State Park 42 05’ 49” N 124 17’ 44” W
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Locations: Alfred Loeb State Park is eight miles up the north bank of the Chetco River. Known for it's Myrtle Wood and Redwood forests, this park provides river access, a nature trail, Chetco River access, campsites and several rental cabins. Redwood State Park is just north of Loeb State Park. You can take the Redwood Nature Trail from Loeb to this park or continue on the North Bank Chetco River Road to the park. Four miles north of Brookings is Samuel H. Boardman State Park. You can access the Oregon Coast Trail from here. There are many viewpoints along the trail, including House Rock Viewpoint and Whalehead Viewpoint. Tide Pools are abundant here and rocky shore birding is good. For an ocean view, try Harris Beach State Park. Just north of Brookings, this park and campground is great for viewing alcids on Goat Rock. Puffins, guillemots, and murres nest on the rock as do others. Allen's Hummingbirds can be found on the brushy slopes between the access road and the beach. Forest Wayside State Park can be accessed off of Hwy 101 north of Brookings. Go one mile north of the road to Harris Beach and turn east on Carpenter Road. Travel 1.8 miles to the park.
Habitat and Birds: Many of these parks have beautiful gardens that attract hummingbirds and migrating warblers. If forested areas, look and listen for Golden-crowned Kinglets and Pacific-slope Flycatchers. Northern Pygmy-Owls can be found in these areas if you are diurnal. Nocturnal searches can produce other owl species. Check the beaches for Elegant Terns in late summer and fall.
Harris Beach State Park return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 D-9 geographic coordinates 42 04’ 06” N 124 18’ 52” W
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Park Brochure and Map
Location: Harris Beach is just north of Brookings. As you begin to leave Brookings going north, look to your left for the park signs. Arch Rocks and Goat Island can be scoped for nesting sea birds and loafing gulls.
Habitat and Birds: Some very rare birds have been found here over the years, including Bar-tailed Godwit, Least Tern, Tropical Kingbird, White Wagtail, Cape May Warbler, and Prairie Warbler. More common species might include Surfbird, Dunlin, Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Western Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Brant's Cormorant, Brown Pelican, and Whimbrel.
Chetco Estuary return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates 42 02’ 40” N 124 16’ 15” W
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Location: From Brookings, access to the harbor or boat docks is accomplished by turning west on Lower Harbor Road on the south side of the Chetco River Bridge. Park in public parking and work your way around the harbor. Continue on Lower Harbor Road until you reach Boat Basin Road and turn west. This road takes you to the river mouth.
Habitat and Birds: The Harbor Area is the best place in the county for Black-crowned Night-Herons. Other birds include sea ducks, rocky shore birds, loons, Brown Pelicans, cormorants, and sea ducks. The river mouth and north jetty should be checked for Black-legged Kittiwakes, Elegant Terns, and other Larids, as well as ocean species. Unusual species seen here include Yellow-billed Loon.
Chetco River Don Cameron Bridge return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates 42 07’ 27” N 124 11’ 13” W
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Location: From Hwy 101 between Brookings and the Chetco River, take North Bank Chetco River Road for about four miles until you reach Don Cameron Bridge. Park on the wide shoulders and access the river via a gravel road that leads to a water intake facility.
Habitat and Birds: This area has extensive riparian vegetation as well as mixed conifer forest. The river provides ample places for birds to rest or feed. Look for Snowy Egret (best spot in the county), Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Nighthawk, Willow Flycatcher, Scrub Jay, vireos, warblers (including Yellow-breasted Chat), and orioles.
Brookings return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 Pg. D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates 42 03’ 09” N 124 17’ 02” W
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Location: Brookings is on Hwy 101 29 miles south of Gold Beach and five miles north of the California border. One of the "must see" places in Brookings is Chetco Point. Find the post office in Brookings and take Wharf Street to the oceans edge. Look for the sewage treatment facility. You will find a graveled area with parking for a dozen cars on the left. Behind the sign at the park entrance is a trail running beside the treatment facility. In fifty yards the trail opens to the point. This point will give you good scope views of the ocean and there is beach access here as well. To access the north jetty of the Chetco River, find the post office in Brookings. Turn toward the sea on Wharf Street. Go three blocks and turn left on Railroad Street. Take an immediate right on Memory Lane. This road will dead end at Sea Cliff Terrace. Take Sea Cliff Terrace to the trailhead for the jetty.
Habitat and Birds: Birding the residential areas of Brookings can often produce some very good results. Some of the more unusual birds found here include Broad-winged Hawk, Gyrfalcon, White-winged Dove (more than once), Eurasian Collared-Dove, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Tropical Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo (one of only two Oregon records), Brown Thrasher, Lucy's Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Clay-colored Sparrow (more than once), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (several times), Blue Grosbeak in 2005 and Indigo Bunting in 1991, Common Grackle in 1994, Orchard Oriole, and Baltimore Oriole. Local Hummingbird feeders can host Allen's Hummingbirds. More common birds here include Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, California Quail, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Sooty Shearwater, Brown Pelican, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Green Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Virginia Rail, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Red Phalarope, Heermann's Gull, Thayer's Gull, Ancient Murrelet, Cassin's Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux's Swift, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush, Wrentit, 13 species of warblers, Cedar Waxwing, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark, Lesser Goldfinch, and Pine Siskin.
Harbor return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-2 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-9 geographic coordinates 42 03’ 11” N 124 16’ 04” W
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Location: Harbor is a small town located just south of Brookings after you pass over the Chetco River. There is a small harbor that can be accessed off of Lower Harbor Road. (County Hwy 816). Look for a right turn onto Boat Basin Road (Hwy 824). This road will take you to a view of the river mouth from the south side.
Habitat and Birds: There have been some unusual species that have shown up in this region. Red-shouldered Hawk, Elegant Tern, Costa's Hummingbird, Pine Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow (twice), Dickcissel, and Orchard Oriole have all been catalogued from this location. More common birds here include Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Brown Pelican, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Heermann's Gull, Thayer's Gull, Pileated Woodpecker, Anna's Hummingbird, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush, Wrentit, Cedar Waxwing, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, and American Goldfinch.
Winchuck River Area return to the top
DeLorme (copyright 2001) Pg 17 D-3 DeLorme (copyright 2008) pg 65 E-10 geographic coordinates 42 00’ 17” N 124 12’ 56” W
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Location: The Winchuck River is only one mile north of the California border. Go six miles south of Brookings on Hwy 101. The access to this area is immediately north of the bridge over the Winchuck River. Go west for a short distance and pull into the small parking area. You can view the river mouth from here or walk along the beach for better access. About a half mile north of the river, you can take Winchuck River Road. You can take this road into the surrounding forest for a different mix of species. Just a little more than eight miles down this road, you will find FR 1108 (Wheeler Creek Rd.) and just beyond that, the 1107 Road. Both of these roads will give you access to the Coast Range forest.
Habitat and Birds: Shorebirds and Larids are the big draw at the river mouth. Just about any of Oregon's regular gull species can be found here in season. Elegant Tern and Little Gull have also been seen in the past. Migrants hanging around the river mouth have included rarities like Virginia Warbler, Northern Parula, Worm-eating Warbler, and Clay-colored Sparrow (several times). The trip up Winchuck River Road may bring you into contact with Mt. Quail, Ruffed Grouse, Sooty Grouse, several woodpecker species, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, and many other forest species.
Crissey Field State Park – Oregon Welcome Center return to the top
Location: Located just north of the CA border, it is west of Hwy 101; Winchuck State Wayside - located north of the Winchuck River off of 101 exactly one mile north of the CA border.; Winchuck River Road - go 0.3 miles north of the Wayside and you will see Winchuck River Road. Follow this road east for one mile and look for a wide spot to pull off. This is Winchuck Ponds.; Peavine Road/FSR 1101 - continue along Winchuck Road for 0.5 miles and look for a bridge leading to Peavine Road which is also Forest Service Road 1101. Take this road for four to five miles.
Habitat and Birds: Crissey Field State Park is good for passerines. The beach near the river mouth is good for shorebirds, sea-birds, and gulls. Winchuck State Wayside is very good for vagrant warblers and has beach access for wading birds and waterfowl. Winchuck River Road and Winchuck Ponds are good for rails, herons, waterfowl, and raptors. Look for Snowy Egret and Solitary Sandpiper. Peavine Road/FSR 1101 climbs into timber and gains 1,200 ft. Watch for forest species and Allen's Hummingbird. This is one of the best owling locations in the county with at least six species of owls found on this road.