Harris Beach State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harris Beach State Park |
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Harris Beach tidelands
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| Type | Public, state |
| Location | Curry County, Oregon |
| Nearest city | Brookings |
| Operated by | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
Harris Beach State Park is an amazing Oregon State Park located on US Highway 101, just north of the town of Brookings. It's a fantastic place for families and friends to explore the beautiful Oregon Coast. This park offers a mix of sandy beaches, rocky tide pools, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you want to relax, explore, or camp, Harris Beach has something for everyone!
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Discover Harris Beach State Park!
Harris Beach State Park is a popular spot for visitors of all ages. It's easy to find, right off US Highway 101. The park has a special day-use area where you can enjoy a picnic with your family. There are clean restrooms available, making your visit comfortable.
Camping Adventures at the Park
If you love camping, Harris Beach State Park is a great choice! The campground is open all year round. You can choose from different types of campsites:
- Sites for RVs (Recreational Vehicles)
- Cozy yurts, which are round, tent-like structures with beds
- Traditional tent sites for a classic camping experience
Camping here lets you wake up close to nature and enjoy the sounds of the ocean.
Bird Island: A Special Wildlife Home
One of the most exciting features of Harris Beach State Park is Bird Island, also known as Goat Island. This island is reported to be the largest island off the Oregon Coast. It's not just any island; it's a National Wildlife Refuge! This means it's a protected area for animals.
Bird Island is super important because it's a breeding site for many different kinds of birds. One of the most famous birds that nests here is the tufted puffin. These unique birds have bright orange beaks and tufts of yellow feathers, making them look very cool. Protecting places like Bird Island helps these amazing birds and other wildlife thrive.
What Can You Do at Harris Beach?
There are so many fun activities to do at Harris Beach State Park:
- Explore the Beach: Walk along the sandy shores and enjoy the fresh ocean air.
- Discover Tide Pools: When the tide is out, you can find fascinating tide pools. Look for sea stars, anemones, crabs, and other small sea creatures. Remember to look but not touch, to keep them safe!
- Picnic with a View: Use the picnic tables in the day-use area for a meal with a beautiful ocean backdrop.
- Photography: The park offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset or with the unique rock formations.
- Wildlife Watching: Bring binoculars to spot birds on Bird Island or other animals in the park.
Harris Beach State Park is a wonderful place to connect with nature and make lasting memories.
