The North Spit

Near the North Spit, Coos Bay offers a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes. The Blue Heron Bistro is a festive spot for German fare and seafood, known for its cozy atmosphere and great beer selection. Another popular choice is the 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse, which combines a brewery with a restaurant, offering a trendy and casual dining experience with live music. For seafood lovers, Captain's Choice Fish House provides a casual setting with a focus on deep-fried and grilled fish. SharkBite's Seafood Cafe is another favorite, serving locally sourced seafood in a laid-back environment.

These restaurants offer a blend of local flavors and international cuisines, ensuring there's something for everyone. They are well-regarded for their accessibility features, making them welcoming to a wide range of visitors.

For accommodations near the North Spit, visitors can choose from a range of options. The Best Western Inn at Face Rock in nearby Bandon offers a relaxed stay with amenities like an indoor pool and free breakfast. Closer to Coos Bay, Bay Point Landing provides a unique experience with RV camping and cabin rentals, ideal for those seeking a more rustic getaway. Both options offer wheelchair accessibility, ensuring comfort for all guests.

These hotels and resorts provide a mix of relaxation and adventure, catering to different preferences and needs.

The North Spit area offers basic amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas, but these are limited. Visitors often head to nearby Coos Bay for more comprehensive facilities like showers and rental equipment. The area is best suited for those looking to immerse themselves in nature with minimal infrastructure.

For more developed amenities, Coos Bay's shopping and dining areas are just a short drive away, offering a full range of services and facilities. This includes accessible restrooms and seating areas in many restaurants and shops.

Overall, while the North Spit itself is more primitive, its proximity to Coos Bay ensures that visitors have access to necessary amenities.

The North Spit is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the sand dunes. Visitors can also engage in water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding in the nearby waters of Coos Bay. The area's historical significance makes it a fascinating spot for those interested in exploring shipwreck sites and learning about local history.

For more adventurous activities, nearby North Bend offers opportunities for dune buggy rides and horseback riding on the coastal dunes. The scenic trails around Shore Acres State Park are another popular destination for hiking and nature walks.

Overall, the combination of natural beauty and historical sites makes the North Spit an engaging destination for a variety of interests.

While the North Spit itself has limited accessibility features due to its natural and remote setting, nearby Coos Bay offers more accessible options. Many restaurants and shops in Coos Bay are wheelchair accessible, providing a welcoming environment for visitors with disabilities.

For those planning to explore the North Spit, it's advisable to prepare for uneven terrain and limited facilities. However, the scenic views and historical significance make it a worthwhile destination for those willing to venture into a more natural setting.

Coos Bay's accessible transportation options, including public buses, also help ensure that visitors can move around the area with ease.

Parking near the North Spit is generally available along the access roads and at designated parking areas. However, these are often unpaved and may be limited in capacity. Visitors should be prepared for potential restrictions during peak seasons or special events.

For those planning to explore the surrounding areas like Coos Bay and North Bend, parking options are more abundant, with both street and lot parking available. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and plan accordingly to avoid any issues.

Overall, while parking is available, it may require some planning to ensure convenient access to the beach and nearby attractions.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the North Spit is its historical significance as the site of Camp Castaway. Established in 1852 by survivors of the shipwrecked *Captain Lincoln*, it marks an important event in the early U.S. presence on the Oregon coast. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts like copper nails and musket percussion caps, providing valuable insights into this period.

The area is also notable for its unique wildlife and natural features, including stabilized sand dunes and freshwater wetlands. The introduction of European beach grass in the late 19th century helped stabilize these dunes, transforming the landscape over time.

These historical and environmental aspects make the North Spit a captivating destination for those interested in both nature and history.

The North Spit is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby Shore Acres State Park is renowned for its beautiful gardens and stunning ocean views, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. The Charleston Marina offers a charming setting for waterfront dining and boat tours, providing an opportunity to explore the local marine life.

For history enthusiasts, the site of Camp Castaway itself is a significant attraction, offering insights into the region's past. Additionally, the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, located a bit further south, is another notable destination for those interested in maritime history and scenic coastal views.

These attractions complement the natural beauty of the North Spit, offering a well-rounded experience for visitors.