Nestled between Yachats and Florence, just a short drive north of the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park offers a picturesque oceanside retreat.
The park blends lush evergreen forest with a wide stretch of sandy and gravel beach.
Well-developed facilities include a campground, trail system, and day-use areas, making it a popular destination for camping, hiking, beachcombing, rockhounding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Carl Washburne State Park Rockhounding
The beach features a mix of sandy shoreline and gravel bars. Common finds include agates, jasper, petrified wood, seashells, and occasional sea glass.
Per Oregon State Parks regulations, digging tools, metal detectors, and rock hammers are generally prohibited.
Rockhounding is possible year-round, but the best conditions occur between November and April, when winter storms and king tides expose new material.
🔵 A permit is required to collect vertebrate fossils.
Things to Do: Exploring the Area
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park is not only a haven for beachcombers but offers a well-developed network of trails showcasing coastal forest and ocean views.
One notable trail, the China Creek Loop via Valley Trail, spans 3.3 miles as a one-way hike, beginning at a day-use parking area on the west side of the highway.
The China Creek and Valley Trail system includes several connecting routes that can form longer loop hikes.
Nearby, the Hobbit Trail provides access to Hobbit Beach through a lush coastal forest.
For a longer adventure, hikers can access the trail toward Heceta Head Lighthouse, offering scenic ocean views along the way.
For those seeking a more comprehensive adventure, the Hobbit Beach and China Creek Loop include a hike described above, along with the enchanting Hobbit Trail. This extended pathway leads hikers back to the starting point, providing a picturesque journey through the captivating Hobbit Beach.
While exploring the enchanting region between Yachats and Florence, several iconic landmarks and natural wonders promise a memorable experience.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area features rocky headlands, tide pools, spouting horns, and the famous sea formation known as Cook's Chasm and Thor's Well. During high tides and storms, waves surge dramatically through the basalt formation.
The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center offers educational exhibits on marine life, forests, and coastal geology.
Nearby, the Cape Perpetua West Shelter provides panoramic views from 800 feet above sea level, overlooking much of the Oregon coastline.
Another major attraction is Sea Lion Caves, a large sea cave system that serves as a seasonal resting area for Steller sea lions.
Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park | Facts
Material: Agate, jasper, petrified wood, and marine fossils
Tools: Sand Dipper Square Scoop
Land type: Rocky and sandy beach
Best time to visit: Year-round, the best time is between November and April
Land manager: Oregon State Parks
Fees: None
Location: 14 miles north of Florence • Oregon • USA
Road access: Any vehicle
Places to Stay Near Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park
The park campground offers a variety of options, including full-hookup RV sites, electrical and water sites, tent sites, yurts, and hiker/biker camping.
Facilities include drinking water, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, and firewood sales.
Yurts require reservations, while other sites are typically first-come, first-served.
Nearby towns such as Yachats and Florence offer additional lodging, including hotels and inns.
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Carl Washburne State Park Directions
From Yachats,
- Follow 11 miles south on Highway 101 to the destination on the right.
Phone: 541-547-3416
stateparks.oregon.gov