My 10 favorite things to do in Brookings, Oregon

Explore Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail

Oregon is known for a robust farm-to-table (or boat-to-table) ecosystem that makes great food easy to come by anywhere in the state. The Southern Oregon Coast produces Dungeness crab December-August, Blueberries in summer, pumpkins in fall, and deep red cranberries from October to December. Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail is a collaborative effort — featuring local farms, restaurants, and markets.

For example, try the cuisine of Oxenfree Public House, Fat Irish Kitchen & Pub, First Rise Baking Co., or Chetco Brewing Company — all are on “The Trail.” Superfly Martini Bar & Grill is a distillery-turned-eatery complete with delicious craft cocktails, and I enjoyed my lunch at Black Trumpet Bistro. Both are local favorites too. Lastly, coffee is an important food group for me, and I loved my perk from Cosmic Grind Organic Espresso — a drive-by kiosk near the Port of Brookings.

All these suggestions are located on the interactive map at the end of this article. The map features highlights along the entire Southern Oregon Coast as well.

Chetco Point Park

Chetco Point Park is a stroll to dramatic cliffs projecting into the Pacific Ocean in a way that opens up a view back to the coastline. From the point at the end, it’s easy to see a 180-degree view of the Brookings coastline, and perfect for lazy sunsets.

Wander through an Oregon redwood forest

Speaking of another world — how about the redwood forests in Oregon! I know there are much more prominent examples in the beautiful State and National Parks down the road in California — and the main entrance is only 90 minutes away from Brookings. However, my two favorite Oregon redwood trails are unique places offering excellent examples of the integration between California and Oregon coastal climates and the species that have lived here over the ages.

The Oregon Redwoods Trail is essentially on the state line and just inside the border of the Siskyou National Forest — only 6 miles from Highway 101. The road is unimproved but easy enough for a basic SUV-type vehicle. From the parking lot, enjoy a simple 3/4 mile loop or a more extended version of the trail that adds about another mile. Get “lost” under the canopy of skyscraper-tall giants.

Another fabulous option is the Redwoods Nature Trail, just up the road from Loeb State Park (mentioned above). This 1.1-mile loop is stunning, elegantly folding Myrtlewood, Maple, and fir into a dramatic forest of redwood trees. Wild rhododendron, ferns, and other ground plants attract the eye while the loud drum of a mountain creek perks up your eardrums.

These experiences are worthy of their article; click the link below for more information and photos. Or, if you’re interested in soul-nourishing places on the entire Coast, check out my article: Ten of the best Oregon Coast hikes to reclaim your soul.

Take long walks on the beach — a Brookings, Oregon, thing to do

Oregon is known for its vast beaches that can stretch as far as the eye can see. In this part of the state, there are also a lot of exciting rock stacks that frame the beachscape with beautiful textures. No matter the weather, the scene comes together to provide inspiring walks. Since all the beaches in Oregon are public, and there are numerous pullouts from Highway 101, it should be straightforward to claim your swath of sand. Be sure to monitor the tides, so you don’t get stranded.

Brookings, Oregon thing to do — enjoy an ocean vessel at sea.

Since Brookings has a natural harbor with a jetty, boating is a way of life here. Deep-Sea fishing charters can be lined up as well as whale-watching tours. The view of the coastline from the sea offers a different perspective on the flow between land and sea. Salmon, Lingcod, Rockfish, Albacore Tuna, and even Halibut can be caught in and around Brookings. This depends on the time of year, but two charter companies to try are Brookings Fishing Charters and Tidewind Sportfishing mentions Whale Watching trips as well as fishing junkets.