Crissey Field State Recreation Site
🌊 Oregon’s First Beach — Where Highway 101 Crosses From California Into the Oregon Coast — Crissey Field State Recreation Site near Brookings, Oregon, southernmost beach access in Oregon, Welcome Center, Winchuck River estuary, wetland trails, whale watching, birding, beach access, driftwood, Samuel Boardman corridor nearby — Curry County, OR
You’ve been driving Highway 101 north through the California redwoods. You cross the state line. And the first place Oregon invites you to stop is a 40-acre welcome mat on the Pacific Ocean. Crissey Field is Oregon’s southernmost beach — the place where the Oregon Coast begins and the California coast ends.
There’s a Welcome Center staffed by state park rangers. There’s a beach covered in driftwood. There’s a river estuary where harbor seals fish at high tide. And there are wetland trails through Sitka spruce where bald eagles perch and shorebirds feed in the shallows. If this is your first taste of the Oregon Coast, you’re starting at the right place.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The Beach | Sandy beach with massive driftwood logs — some the size of trees (because they are trees). Beachcombing, photography, and surfing. The beach stretches north toward Brookings. In summer, a land bridge sometimes connects to Winchuck Beach |
| Winchuck River Estuary | The Winchuck River meets the Pacific here — creating a restored coastal wetland rich in wildlife. Harbor seals and sea lions fish the estuary. The mixing of salt and fresh water creates habitat for juvenile salmon and a diverse bird population |
| Birding | The combination of estuary, wetlands, beach, and forest makes this a premier birding stop. Shorebirds, raptors, herons, cormorants, and migrating songbirds. Osprey and bald eagles are regular residents |
| Whale Watching | Gray whales migrate past the coast December through May. The elevated areas near the Welcome Center provide good vantage points. Humpback whales are increasingly seen in summer months |
| Welcome Center | A 4,500-square-foot facility staffed by state park and Forest Service employees. Regional information, trail maps, tide tables, and whale watching reports. Clean restrooms. The friendliest first impression Oregon offers |
| Wetland Trails | Easy walking trails through restored coastal wetlands and Sitka spruce forest. Interpretive signs explain the ecology. The trails are flat and accessible — perfect for families and nature photography |
The Southern Oregon Coast
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brookings | The warmest spot on the Oregon Coast — a “banana belt” where mild temperatures grow Easter lilies commercially. The town sits at the mouth of the Chetco River, one of Oregon’s wildest and most scenic rivers |
| Samuel Boardman Corridor | 12 miles north of Crissey Field — the most dramatic stretch of coastline on the entire Oregon Coast. Arch rocks, natural bridges, sea stacks, and cliffside viewpoints. If you see one thing on the southern Oregon Coast, make it this |
| The Border | Crissey Field sits less than a mile from the California–Oregon state line. The contrast is immediate: California’s redwood coast gives way to Oregon’s driftwood-strewn beaches. The geological transition is visible in the rocks |
| Day-Use Only | No camping at Crissey Field. For overnight stays, Harris Beach State Park in Brookings has a full campground with ocean views. Alfred A. Loeb State Park on the Chetco River offers old-growth myrtle wood camping |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ☀️ Clearest weather. Fog lifts. The coast at its most photogenic. Birding excellent. The Winchuck River low and clear. Whale watching begins |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 🌸 Gray whales northbound. Wildflowers in the wetlands. Birding peak. The estuary alive with activity. Rain tapering off |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warmest weather (rare for Oregon Coast). Beach days. Families. The land bridge to Winchuck Beach may form. Fog possible mornings |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Gray whales southbound. Storm watching — dramatic seas. Rainfall high. The Welcome Center provides shelter. The coast at its wildest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the first beach when entering Oregon?
Yes — Crissey Field is the southernmost beach access point in Oregon. If you’re driving Highway 101 north from California, this is literally where the Oregon Coast begins.
Can I camp here?
No — Crissey Field is day-use only. The nearest camping is at Harris Beach State Park in Brookings (3 miles north) or Alfred A. Loeb State Park on the Chetco River.
🌊 Cross the State Line. Stop at the Beach. Welcome to Oregon.
Oregon’s first beach. A Welcome Center that actually welcomes you. A river estuary where seals chase salmon. And driftwood logs the size of buildings on a beach where California ends and something wilder begins.
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