🏆🏆 Coast Highway Rest — Forested highway wayside between Florence and Yachats
Washburne State Wayside provides a forested rest stop along US-101 on the Central Oregon Coast between Florence and Yachats. The old-growth Sitka spruce forest creates a cathedral canopy over the picnic area, providing a peaceful break from the coastal highway. The nearby Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park (a separate facility) offers camping with beach access.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | US-101, Lane County, OR |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Forest | Old-growth Sitka spruce |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as Washburne State Park?
No — the wayside is a day-use rest stop, while Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park (nearby) offers camping and beach access. Both honor the same family but are separate facilities.
About Washburne Wayside
Washburne State Wayside sits along Highway 126 east of Eugene in the scenic McKenzie River valley. The wayside offers forested rest stops among towering Douglas fir trees along one of Oregon’s most beautiful river valleys — the McKenzie is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise water.
Washburne State Wayside in Lane County on the central Oregon coast provides beach access and picnicking near the Heceta Head Lighthouse — one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. The wayside sits in the shadow of the dramatic basalt headland topped by the iconic white lighthouse. The adjacent Heceta Head keeper’s house is now a bed-and-breakfast.
Things to Do
Picnicking, fishing in the McKenzie River for rainbow trout, and enjoying the forest atmosphere. The McKenzie River Trail nearby offers world-class mountain biking and hiking along blue-green pools and waterfalls.
Beach walking, viewing and photographing Heceta Head Lighthouse, tidepooling, whale watching, and visiting the lighthouse keeper’s house B&B — one of Oregon’s most unique lodging experiences.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park (a short drive away) or Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Oregon state parks online at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🌲 Visit Washburne State Wayside
Cathedral spruce — old-growth rest stop on the Central Coast.
Wildlife & Nature
Washburne SW — on the central Oregon Coast. The wayside’s beach, coastal forest, and creek support Roosevelt elk, bald eagles, and shorebirds. Gray whales pass offshore during migration.
Nearby Attractions
Florence — 10 miles south. Heceta Head Lighthouse — 2 miles south. Sea Lion Caves — 3 miles south.
Park Location
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