There is a parking area near the South Jetty, and it makes a perfect spot for a beach walk. As you walk along the beach you will see many of the beautiful rock formations that make the Bandon beach one of the most spectacular on the West Coast. At your feet as you walk on the first part of your journey you will see lots of small stones. Look closely and you may find some agates.
As you start the walk along the beach, look at the houses to your left. Those are built on land that wouldn’t be there were it not for the Jetty. The Jetty (along with the North Jetty) changed the course of the Coquille River. The photo below is taken from the East end of the North Jetty, looking across the channel at the South Jetty. (note–clicking on the photo will open an enlarged photo in another window)
If you travel to the park at Coquille point, you will have a good view of Elephant Rock. This rock is distinguished by two sea caves formed around what appears to be the elephant’s trunk.
The areas of stone above the caves appear to be the ears. During heavy seas (and high tide), water rushes through the caves, and can resemble tusks.
One of the best view points is a short way down the steps leading to the beach.