Tucked along Oregon’s rugged South Coast, Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site protects one of the last remaining old-growth groves of Oregon myrtle trees — a species found nowhere else on earth outside a narrow strip of southwestern Oregon and northern California. These aromatic, broad-leafed evergreens can live for centuries, and walking among their twisted trunks feels like stepping into a forgotten corner of the Pacific Northwest.

The grove sits along the Coquille River, where the humid coastal air and mild winters create ideal conditions for myrtle to thrive alongside Douglas fir, western red cedar, and a lush understory of sword ferns and mosses. This is a quiet, contemplative stop rather than a full-day destination — perfect for a short walk beneath the canopy, photography, or simply breathing in the distinctive spicy-sweet scent of myrtle wood.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the riparian habitat along the river corridor, where osprey, kingfishers, and various songbirds are common. The site is day-use only with no camping facilities, but nearby options along the South Coast — including Bullards Beach State Park — offer full-service campgrounds just a short drive away.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when trails are dry and the canopy filters soft light through the grove. Winter visits have their own appeal, with fewer visitors and moss-draped branches glistening after rain.

Come for the rare trees, stay for the stillness. Coquille Myrtle Grove rewards those who slow down.

Explore Nearby

• New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern — Public Land in Oregon
• Mule Creek Trail — Public Land in Oregon
• Coquille River Light — Lighthouse in Oregon
• Cape Blanco Light — Lighthouse in Oregon
• Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest — National Forest in Oregon, California