Bandon, Oregon: Hidden Coastal Gem

Sea, Cranberries and Gorse blend to create Bandon's colorful history

Sep 23, 2008 Tina Lynch

Unspoiled charm and relaxed ambience, combined with the incredible natural beauty of Bandon, make it a tranquil and scenic getaway destination on Southern Oregon's Coast.

At a place where the Coquille River and the Pacific Ocean meet on the Southern Oregon Coast is a magical little town called Bandon or Bandon-by-the-Sea. Visitors can enjoy the friendly boardwalk, cute streets and distinctive boutiques of Old Town, marvellous coastal scenery, as well as unbelievably fresh seafood from the docks, homemade fudge and candies in the sweet shops, fresh-baked bread and coffee creations at the cafés, not to mention delectable gastronomic delights in the restaurants!

History of Bandon: Prior to 1850 the area was mainly inhabited by the Coquille Indians and though French-Canadian trappers discovered gold in1851 at nearby Whiskey Run Beach, not much changed until the first permanent settlers moved in around 1853, when the site of the present-day town was firmly established. From that point on the town became a transportation point for inland produce and supplies. George Bennet christened the town “Bandon” in 1873 in honour of his hometown in Ireland. 1877 saw the creation of the first Post office, quickly followed by the beginning of cheese making in1880 and the christening of the first sawmill, school, and Catholic Church in1883. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began constructing the jetty in1884 and 1888 witnessed the completion of the first ocean-going schooner to be built in Bandon; a landmark date. A woollen mill was built in 1893 and 1896 was the proud year of the Coquille River Lighthouse, providing safer conditions for river traffic, thereby helping to stimulate and build the local economy. By 1912, there were five saw mills, two shipyards, a creamery, and two canneries, clearly demonstrating that Bandon had become a major port between San Francisco, California and Portland, Oregon.

Cranberry Crazy: One of the main agricultural crops of Bandon, the history of cranberry cultivation in Oregon stretches back to 1885. At that time, a man named Charles McFarlin tried his luck panning for gold in California and, failing to make his fortune, turned instead to cultivating vines from Cape Cod. The particular variety of Massachusett’s cranberry adapted well to the conditions on the Pacific coast and the bog at Hauser, Oregon proceeded to yield cranberries for 80 years, earning the variety the name of McFarlin in his honour. Cranberry cultivation continued to boom and this remarkable berry plays a major role in the economic and agricultural health of Bandon. Today roughly 95% of Oregon’s cranberry production comes from the area, which equates to approximately 5% of the country’s total production. September is Cranberry harvest time and 2008 marks Bandon’s 62nd Cranberry Festival with harvest blessings, fun, games, and entertainment for all ages.

Curse of the Gorse: Irishman George Bennett, responsible for naming the town, introduced gorse (Ulex europaeus) into the local area, which flourished and became wild. Unfortunately the plant then wreaked havoc on the town in the way of fanning destructive fires. In 1936, for example, embers from a slash fire of a nearby logging crew ignited some gorse inside the city limits, resulting in flames and massive damage, namely the destruction of Bandon’s entire commercial district and 11 fatalities.

Recreational Activities: There is a plethora of activities to enjoy in Bandon and the surrounding areas, such as birding, surfing, crabbing, horseback riding, fishing, and wine tours to nearby wineries. Bandon is also on the way to becoming “Oregon’s Golf Coast” and is home to three premier golf courses - Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails - as well as a new 18-hole course at Bandon Crossings.

A gem on the Southern Oregon Coast, Bandon is a marvellous seaside getaway destination, with plenty to see, do, enjoy, and discover.

The copyright of the article Bandon, Oregon: Hidden Coastal Gem in NW U.S./Alaska Travel is owned by Tina Lynch. Permission to republish Bandon, Oregon: Hidden Coastal Gem in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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