Perched on the leading edge—and windward face—of a moving continent, Oregon is blessed with dynamic geology and mild climate.

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Geology

Framed by the Pacific to the west and low mountains to the east, the Oregon Coast is actually quite diverse, with basalt or sandstone headlands on the north and central regions, and mostly metamorphic headlands on the south.  Sandy beaches lay between the rocky headlands, and the Oregon Dunes stretches between the central and south coast regions.

Climate

Being halfway between the equator and the North Pole, on the eastern edge of the Pacific, gives us a wonderfully moderate climate.

The Coos Bay Area on the southern Oregon coast experiences approximate average temperatures of 38°F (low) – 53°F (high) in January; and 52°F (low) – 68°F (high) in August—giving us comfortable weather for outdoor adventures all year long!

 

Tides

The regular rise and fall of the sea is a critical feature of the sea’s edge in most parts of the world.  Certain human activities, such as tidepooling and clamming, can only be undertaken at certain tide levels.

Dunes

Over past eons, the rising and falling sea level has carved out a low spot on the Oregon Coast–then piled the sand on.  Today the Oregon Dunes offer a suite of varied, related habitats.

Beaches

About 60 percent of Oregon’s shoreline is sandy beach, with most beaches punctuated by rocky headlands on either side.

Humans

People have lived in the Coos Region for many thousands of years; while Europeans and Americans started visiting in the 1500s, they didn’t settle here until the 1850s.

Communities

Two cities and several outlying unincorporated areas make up today’s “Coos Bay Area.”