Floras Lake State Natural Area on the Oregon Coast

Enjoy a slice of unsullied coastline at Floras Lake State Natural Area--also known as Floras Lake State Park, a little-visited, remote piece of the Oregon Coast. The park stretches inland from the ocean, with forests, lagoons and meadows--but everything retains a least a hint of the refreshing briny environment. It’s an entirely undeveloped area, wooded on three sides and bounded by dunes to the west.

Floras Lake is prized for its winds, which make it a prime spot for windsurfing. There’s also a lovely trail down to the beach along the dunes, which takes visitors alongside a series of colorful sandstone cliffs.

However, the best beloved trail is a 1.5 mile stroll through thick coastal woodlands to Blacklock Point – a grassy promontory between rocky hillsides. From this vantage point (80-100 feet up) one can admire the drop down to the pristine beach, and the view of tiny islands dotting the coastline and stretching out to the sea.

There’s no entrance or camping fee associated with this park, so it’s a great place to pitch a tent by the edge of the forest or close to the ocean.

Directions

• Head for Boice-Cope County Park, 15 miles south of Bandon and three miles west of U.S. 101.
• At the nearby Boice Cope County Park one can find a partly residential area next to Floras Lake, including a bed and breakfast establishment and a 34-site campground.