Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park sits along Oregon’s Central Coast, tucked between the dense Siuslaw National Forest and the wild Pacific shoreline just north of Florence. What sets Washburne apart is its rare combination: old-growth Sitka spruce forest on one side, a broad sandy beach on the other, and a short trail connecting the two through coastal meadows where Roosevelt elk graze year-round.

The park’s Hobbit Trail is the standout attraction — a narrow, root-laced path winding through moss-draped forest before dropping onto a secluded beach framed by rocky headlands. It feels genuinely hidden, even on busy summer weekends. The China Creek Trail loops through old-growth forest and connects to the longer Heceta Head trail system, offering views of the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse perched on the cliffs to the south.

Beachcombing, tidepooling at low tide, and wildlife watching round out the activities. Gray whales migrate past in spring and winter, and harbor seals haul out on nearby rocks.

The campground offers 57 full-hookup sites and several walk-in tent sites sheltered under the forest canopy. Sites stay well-protected from coastal wind, making this one of the more comfortable campgrounds on the Oregon coast. Reservations fill quickly from June through September.

Visit in late spring or early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds. Winter brings dramatic storms worth watching from the beach — just bring layers. This park rewards visitors who slow down and explore on foot.

Explore Nearby

• Heceta Head Light — Lighthouse in Oregon
• Pacific Coast Scenic Byway-Oregon — Scenic Byway in Oregon
• Siuslaw National Forest — National Forest in Oregon
• Old Growth Ridge National Recreation Trail — Public Land in Oregon
• Lower Lake Creek Falls — Public Land in Oregon