Located north of Florence in the Siuslaw National Forest, Washburne’s creekside campground is just north of Heceta Head and about 10 miles south of Cape Perpetua. The campground is located on the east side of Highway 101, with a buffer of native plants and trees between its spacious, shady sites and the highway.
Trailheads at the north and south ends of the campground plunge into coastal forest in route to miles of sandy beach, where you’ll find picnic tables and space to watch whales and comb the beach for agates. From the south trailhead, the Valley Trail leads to two connections: the Hobbit Trail descends a half mile to the beach; the Heceta Head Trail climbs to the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, a 6-mile round-trip hike from the campground.
Park trails comprise a section of the Oregon Coast Trail; backpackers can stop over in the campground’s hiker/biker camp, which is first-come, first-served for those arriving on foot or bicycle.
History
The original tract was acquired by gift from the Narcissa Washburne Estate in 1962. The park was named in honor of Carl G. Washburne, husband of Narcissa, Eugene businessman and Oregon Highway commissioner 1932 to 1935. Negotiations for the park were started by Samuel Boardman in 1936.
SAFETY FIRST AT THE BEACH!
- Never turn your back on the ocean.
- Utilize a local tide table!
- Leave the wildlife alone! Don't pry sea stars off rocks, don't poke the anemones, and let all wildlife be.
- Don't play on driftwood logs or on eroding rocky areas.
- Always stay on the designated trails, don't climb over fences or barriers.
- Check seasonal restrictions before planning a campfire on the beach, as they aren't always allowed.
- While swimming isn't overly popular here, if you do want to brave the 52°F water, please be aware of rip currents!
