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 combines lush, evergreen forests with an expansive, sandy, and gravel beach.

The well-developed area features an extensive trail system, a campground for those seeking an overnight escape, and various other amenities.

Carl Washburne State Park is a fantastic destination for activities such as rockhounding, beachcombing, hiking, camping, picnicking, and nature viewing.

Carl Washburne State Park Rockhounding

The beach at the park features a mix of sandy shores and extensive gravel bars. The most common rocks found here include various agates, jasper, and petrified wood. Additionally, you may discover seashells and sea glass.

As part of the Oregon State Parks system, the use of digging equipment, rock picks, or metal detectors is prohibited. However, Sand Dipper Square Scoop are permitted.

Rockhounding is productive year-round, but the best time to visit is between November and April when winter storms and king tides expose new layers of sand.

Note: A permit is required to collect vertebrate fossils.

Cautions: Beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwood, and sneaker waves. Never turn your back to the ocean.

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park is not only a haven for beachcombers but also a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, offering a well-developed network of trails that showcase the park's natural beauty.

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.

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.

Another option is the 1.8-mile trail to Heceta Head Lighthouse, offering stunning coastal views.

While exploring the enchanting region between Yachats and Florence, several iconic landmarks and natural wonders promise a memorable experience.

The 2,700-acre Cape Perpetua Scenic Area features rocky beaches, tide pools, spouting horns, and mysterious Thor's Well.

Thor's Well, known as the "Gate to Hell" at Cook's Chasm, is a 20-foot deep cave nestled in basaltic rock. During high tides and storms, water shoots up to 20 feet high.

Cape Perpetua Visitor Center offers exhibits and short movies interpreting the region's marine life, forestry, and historical features.

Built in the 1930s, Cape Perpetua West Shelter stands 800 feet above sea level, providing panoramic views of up to 70 miles of coastline and 37 miles out to sea.

America's largest sea cave, Sea Lion Caves serve as the seasonal home to Steller (Northern) sea lions. This natural refuge offers a glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures, providing shelter during winter before they move to rock ledges outside the cave in the spring and summer months.

The campground at the park offers a variety of accommodations including41 full-hookup sites with water, electricity, and sewage, 14 sites with electrical and water hookups, 7 tent sites, 2 yurts, and hiker/biker camp.

Yurts require advance reservations, while all other spots are first-come, first-served.

Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park campground has drinking water, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, and firewood for sale.

For those preferring more conventional lodging, the nearby towns of Yachats and Florence offer a range of hotel options.