Just 20 miles southeast of Coos Bay and a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean, Coquille offers a perfect blend of coastal allure and inland beauty. It’s nestled in the heart of southern Oregon’s beautiful Coquille Valley, and if you’re seeking a getaway where you can truly focus on where you are, Coquille is the place. With a population of around 4,000, Coquille retains its small-town charm, with community-oriented activities and outdoor adventure being the name of the game.
The town, incorporated in 1885, has been the seat of Coos County government since 1896. The city of Coquille (pronounced ko-KEEL) shares its name with the river and the Coquille Indian Tribe (pronounced ko-KWELL) that was moved to the reservation of the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians when settlers entered the area.
Coquille’s “marine temperate” climate provides mild weather year-round and also contributes to a lush landscape. As you explore Coquille and its surroundings, you’ll understand why Travel Holiday Magazine once named it one of the “10 Best Small Towns in America.”
Unique Adventures on the Rails
One of the most unique experiences in Coquille is the Joy Rails adventure. Formerly known as Oregon Coast Railriders, this attraction offers visitors a chance to pedal along unused railroad tracks, immersing themselves in Coquille Valley scenery typically only seen by car. Imagine yourself aboard a four-wheel, four-seat recumbent bicycle, straddling the railroad tracks. Pedaling the 12-mile round trip takes you right into the scenery . . . grazing cattle and abundant bird life are right at hand, dragonflies swoop overhead. The journey takes you past a working plywood mill and across a scenic log pond, offering glimpses into the area’s industrial heritage.
The Joy Rails experience is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Though 12 miles sounds like a lot, the design of the bikes shares the pedaling effort among the riders so you barely notice the exertion. It’s an excellent activity for families, groups of friends, and couples looking for a unique date idea.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Recreation
The Coquille area is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts. Within a 20-mile radius, you’ll find opportunities for beachcombing, hunting, fishing, clamming, crabbing, hiking, boating, and camping. It’s only 16 miles from downtown Coquille to Bullards Beach State Park, just 2 miles north of Bandon. There, enjoy year-round camping, hiking, and biking among the magnificent Douglas fir forests along the Coquille River. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Coquille Valley Elks Lodge course between Coquille and Myrtle Point. For a world-class golfing experience, the renowned Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes courses are just a short drive north of Bandon.
Sturdivant Park, located off Highway 42S, provides a boat ramp to the Coquille River, day-use facilities, and RV parking. For a more extended stay, check out Coos County’s LaVerne Park on the North Fork, which offers fishing, swimming, picnicking, RV hookups, and more. Or, consider staying at the recently renovated Myrtle Lane Inn. Real estate agent Lynn Kindred moved to Coquille in 1971 to teach 4th grade, and he’s been here ever since. He enjoys the 100 Acre Wood trail project, which is transitioning 144 acres of municipal timber property within city limits into approximately 5 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and multi-use trails.
Cultural Attractions and Community Spirit
Throughout the year, Coquille hosts various events that showcase its community spirit. The annual Coquille River Days celebration, held the first weekend after Memorial Day, features a parade and other festivities. Other events include the Fireman’s Picnic, car shows, and community-wide garage sales. The town takes pride in its strong educational programs, including a nationally recognized high school science program and an award-winning scholastic chess team.
No visit to Coquille is complete without experiencing the Sawdust Theatre. Running from the weekend after Memorial Day to Labor Day, the theater presents melodrama plays and vaudeville-style song-and-dance routines known as olios. Kindred co-wrote this summer’s production, “My, What a Circus” (or “Keep Your Big Hands Off My Bigfoot”). “Our theater holds 215 people,” he says. “We have a fairly sizable bank account to put on great productions, and we promise a lot of entertainment for $10 a head.”
The Coquille Community Building is another hub of activity, featuring a county library, auditoriums, a skating rink, and a public swimming pool. Art enthusiasts should make time to visit the Coquille Valley Art Association and art center. History and architecture buffs will enjoy strolling through the historic residential section, showcasing fine examples of Victorian and Craftsman homes. For a deeper dive into local history, the Coos County Logging Museum in nearby Myrtle Point offers fascinating insights into the area’s timber heritage.
A Taste of Local Flavor
Coquille’s dining scene offers something for every palate. Start your day at the Coffee Connection, a local favorite open until 1:30 pm. For sweet treats, don’t miss Frazier’s Bakery downtown, known for its excellent pastries. The Corner Bar and Grill, Uncle Randy’s, and Colleen’s offer a variety of dining options.
Plan Your Visit
To reach Coquille from Eugene, you have two scenic route options. Take Highway 101 south from Florence for a coastal drive, or travel south on I-5 and then west on Highway 42. That option will take you right by Wildlife Safari.
