Nestled along Oregon’s southern coast, several charming small towns exist in the shadow of magnificent redwood forests. These ancient trees, some over 2,000 years old, create unique communities where daily life revolves around natural beauty.
The towering redwoods influence everything from local architecture to community traditions in these special places.
1. Brookings: Gateway To The Redwoods
Located just north of the California border, Brookings welcomes visitors to Oregon’s redwood country with open arms. The town’s economy thrives on both tourism and logging, creating an interesting balance between preservation and industry.
Local buildings often incorporate redwood elements, showcasing the wood’s natural beauty and durability. Downtown cafés serve breakfast with views of misty forests, while hiking trails begin practically at the edge of town.
2. Port Orford’s Artistic Forest Inspiration
Artists flock to Port Orford for the magical quality of light filtering through redwood canopies. This creative community hosts monthly gallery walks featuring paintings, sculptures, and photography inspired by the surrounding forests.
Wooden studios dot the hillsides, where craftspeople transform redwood burls into stunning furniture pieces. The town’s historic buildings feature elaborate redwood trim, a testament to early settlers who recognized the wood’s exceptional qualities.
3. Gold Beach’s River And Redwood Harmony
Where the mighty Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean, Gold Beach offers a perfect blend of water and woodland adventures. Jet boat tours take visitors upriver, passing through corridors of redwoods that line the banks in certain stretches.
The town’s annual Redwood Festival celebrates this unique ecosystem with guided hikes, educational talks, and a popular wooden boat show. Local restaurants specialize in salmon dishes served on redwood plank boards, combining two of the region’s natural treasures.
4. Bandon’s Misty Redwood Mornings
Morning fog rolls through Bandon’s streets, reminiscent of the mist that nurtures the nearby redwood groves. This atmospheric town embraces its connection to the forest with architecture that mimics the trees’ natural forms.
Rounded rooflines and soaring entryways echo the shape of redwood canopies. The local high school sports teams are called “The Sentinels,” named after the towering trees that stand guard over the community. Woodworking is taught in schools, preserving traditional forest-inspired crafts.
5. Cave Junction’s Underground And Overhead Wonders
Famous for both the Oregon Caves and spectacular redwood groves, Cave Junction offers visitors a chance to explore wonders above and below ground. The town’s visitor center resembles a redwood grove, with support columns designed to mimic tree trunks.
Local wineries produce unique vintages said to be influenced by the mineral-rich soil of the redwood ecosystem. Summer evenings bring community gatherings under strings of lights hung between young redwoods in the town square, creating a magical forest atmosphere.
6. Redwood Highway Haven Of Powers
Tiny Powers might be easy to miss if not for its charming redwood-themed storefronts. The entire main street celebrates the forest heritage with carved wooden signs and redwood bark accents on buildings.
Founded by lumber workers in the 1800s, Powers has transformed from a logging town to a conservation community. The local museum displays antique logging tools alongside modern forest management exhibits. Children’s playground equipment is carved from fallen redwood trees, creating whimsical forest creatures for youngsters to climb.
7. Coos Bay’s Harbor And Forest Blend
Oregon’s largest coastal town still maintains a small-town feel, especially in neighborhoods where redwoods tower over homes. The shipbuilding industry here historically relied on redwood timber for its water-resistant properties, creating a deep connection between forest and harbor.
Maritime museums display wooden vessels crafted from local trees. Restaurants feature outdoor patios built around living redwoods, allowing diners to enjoy meals while gazing up at the towering giants. The town’s annual Timber Carnival showcases logging skills alongside conservation education.
8. Florence’s Dunes Meet Ancient Trees
Where coastal sand dunes transition to redwood groves, Florence occupies a unique ecological niche. The town’s architecture reflects this dual identity with buildings that incorporate both driftwood and redwood elements.
Wind-sculpted trees at the forest edge inspire local art, particularly glass blowing that mimics their twisted forms. Florence’s community center features a ceiling made from salvaged redwood, creating a warm atmosphere for gatherings. The annual Rhododendron Festival celebrates the flowering plants that thrive in the redwood understory.
9. Myrtle Point’s Redwood-Inspired Craftsmanship
Woodworking traditions run deep in Myrtle Point, where generations of artisans have transformed redwood into everything from musical instruments to fine furniture. The town’s historic district features Victorian homes with elaborate redwood detailing that has withstood over a century of coastal weather.
A cooperative woodworking studio allows visitors to learn traditional techniques from master craftspeople. The local farmers market operates under a pavilion built from a single massive redwood that fell during a 1962 storm, its enormous trunk serving as both roof support and natural history exhibit.
10. Lakeside’s Reflections Of Redwood Majesty
Situated where forest meets freshwater, Lakeside offers stunning views of redwoods reflected in calm waters. Canoe and kayak rentals allow visitors to paddle through flooded groves during seasonal high water, creating an otherworldly experience.
The town library is built entirely from sustainably harvested redwood, its reading room designed to mimic a forest clearing. Local legends tell of an ancient redwood growing from an island in the lake’s center, said to be planted by native tribes centuries ago. Sunset boat tours showcase the golden light filtering through lakeside redwood stands.