Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site
🏆🏆🏆 Ancient Myrtle Grove — One of the last old-growth Oregon myrtle groves in existence
Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site protects a rare stand of old-growth Oregon myrtle (California bay laurel) along the Coquille River in Southern Oregon. Oregon myrtle is one of the most prized hardwoods in North America — its burled wood produces stunning grain patterns used in fine woodworking. This grove contains some of the largest and oldest specimens remaining, with trees exceeding 100 feet in height and several centuries in age.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Coquille River, Coos County, OR |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Feature | Old-growth Oregon myrtle (100ft+) |
| Trail | Short interpretive trail |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oregon myrtle?
Oregon myrtle (Umbellularia californica) produces some of North America’s most beautiful hardwood. The aromatic leaves and stunning burl grain make it prized for woodworking. This grove protects some of the last old-growth specimens.
About Coquille Myrtle Grove
Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site protects one of Oregon’s finest stands of myrtle wood (California bay laurel) — a prized hardwood that grows only in southwestern Oregon and northern California. The trees here are among the largest specimens in existence, with some reaching over 100 feet tall. Myrtle wood has been commercially harvested for fine furniture and woodworking for over a century.
Things to Do
A short interpretive trail winds through the grove with signs explaining the ecology and commercial history of myrtle wood. The Coquille River nearby offers fishing and riverside walking. Several myrtle wood shops in nearby Coos Bay sell crafted items from this beautiful, aromatic hardwood.
Insider Tips
Rare trees: This grove protects Oregon myrtle (California bay laurel) — a tree that grows naturally only in southwestern Oregon and California. Pro tip: Crush a leaf and smell — the intense, complex aroma has been described as a combination of bay leaf, pepper, and camphor. Myrtlewood shops: The town of Coquille and surrounding coast have myrtlewood gift shops — the wood produces beautiful bowls and carvings.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round: The evergreen myrtle grove is beautiful in all seasons. Spring: Wildflowers beneath the trees. Fall: Mushroom season. Winter: Rain intensifies the aromatic compounds — the grove smells strongest in wet weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about myrtlewood?
Oregon myrtle (Umbellularia californica) produces one of the most beautiful hardwoods in North America — swirling grain patterns, warm colors, and natural luster. Myrtlewood bowls, cutting boards, and carvings are iconic Oregon coast souvenirs.
Wildlife & Nature
Coquille Myrtle Grove protects a rare old-growth stand of Oregon myrtle (also called California bay laurel or pepperwood) — a tree found only in southwestern Oregon and California. Myrtle wood is prized for its spectacular grain patterns and was historically carved into bowls, trays, and decorative objects. The trees produce aromatic leaves used in cooking (similar to bay laurel) and produce olive-like fruits. This grove contains specimens over 200 years old and 4+ feet in diameter. The forest understory supports sword fern, oxalis, and wild ginger. Varied thrushes — orange-breasted relatives of the American robin — forage in the leaf litter. Pacific wren — tiny birds with astonishingly loud, complex songs — inhabit the old-growth understory.
Nearby Attractions
Coquille — a historic lumber town — has a charming downtown and the Coquille Valley Museum. Bandon is nearby with Face Rock Beach, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, and cranberry farms. Shore Acres State Park features botanical gardens on sea cliffs. Cape Arago State Park offers marine mammal viewing at Simpson Reef. Bullard Beach State Park has the restored Coquille River Lighthouse. South Coast’s myrtle wood shops sell hand-crafted items from this unique local timber.
🌳 Visit Coquille Myrtle Grove SNS
Ancient myrtle — last old-growth grove of North America’s finest hardwood.
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