The Seven Devils Recreation Site in Bandon, Oregon: Bird Watching, Hiking, Camping, Dune Buggy’s Oh My!
The Seven Devils is a name that has intrigued locals and visitors for centuries. According to one version of the tale, early European settlers and fishermen who ventured into the area often described hearing eerie sounds from the cliffs, such as the howling wind and the crashing waves. These atmospheric noises, combined with the mist that frequently rolled in from the ocean, gave rise to tales of spirits or mischievous forces inhabiting the area.
The name "Seven Devils" also refers to the area's geography, with the cliffs and hills resembling jagged peaks in certain places. Some believe that the “seven” refers to seven prominent hills or peaks that can be seen from various parts of the site. While the exact origin of the name remains shrouded in mystery, it adds an air of mystique to the area, making it all the more intriguing to explore.
The Seven Devils Recreation Site is located just a few miles southwest of Bandon, Oregon, off of Highway 101. Bandon itself is a fun little coastal town known for its historic lighthouse, wildlife, and seafood. From Bandon, head west along Seven Devils Road, which is part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands. The drive to the recreation site is spectacular, taking you through an ever-changing landscape of wetlands, forests, and ocean views.
As you wind your way along Seven Devils Road, you'll experience some of the most picturesque vistas in this area. The road itself is scenic and quiet, making it a peaceful prelude. Depending on the time of year, you may also encounter various migratory birds along the way, so keep your camera ready.
Arguably the highlight of the Seven Devils Recreation Site is the gorgeous beach. Unlike some of Oregon’s more popular beaches, Seven Devils Beach offers a more serene and peaceful experience. The long stretch of golden sand is often deserted, making it an ideal place to walk, reflect, or simply enjoy the natural beauty around you. The beach is framed by dramatic cliffs on one side, which creates a striking contrast against the open ocean. These cliffs are rich in geological history and are often the subject of study by geologists and photographers. The waves that crash against the shore are perfect for watching surfers, beachcombers, and kite flyers, or simply taking in the endless horizon. When the tide is low, the beach transforms into an even more fascinating place to explore, as tide pools become visible along the rocks. These natural pools are teeming with marine life such as starfish, crabs, and anemones, making it a family friendly spot to entertain children as well as adults. The rhythmic sound of the ocean and the constant shifting of the sand is such a peaceful backdrop for a day spent at the beach.
For all my hiking pals out there, the Seven Devils Recreation Site has several hiking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the beautiful coastal landscape. The Seven Devils Loop Trail is perhaps the most popular, a relatively easy 1.5-mile trail that weaves through the coastal forest and leads you to the edge of the cliffs, where you can take in the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The hike itself is a delightful mix of coastal vegetation and dramatic ocean views. The forested sections of the trail are home to towering spruce and fir trees, along with salal, huckleberry bushes, and ferns. The air smells fresh and clean, filled with the scent of the ocean and the woods. The trail features several lookout points where visitors can stop and marvel at the view. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are longer and more rugged hiking routes nearby. These can take you further along the cliffs and even lead to other areas of the Oregon Coast Trail, which spans the entire coast of the state.
As you wander the trails, you’ll notice a variety of seabirds, shorebirds, and other species that call the area home. The cliffs and coastal ecosystems create an ideal habitat for a number of birds, including pelagic cormorants, black oystercatchers, and western gulls. In the fall and winter months, this area also becomes a migratory hotspot, with thousands of waterfowl, including canvasbacks, buffelheads, and scaup stopping in the estuaries and marshes nearby.
The site is also known for its populations of bald eagles, which nest along the cliffs and hunt in the surrounding coastal waters. The sight of these majestic birds soaring overhead, or perched high on a cliff, adds to the grandeur of the area.
Beyond the beach and trails, the Seven Devils Recreation Site is also home to sand dunes and wetlands, each with its own unique attraction. The dunes offer a rugged, otherworldly landscape where you can walk, climb, or just enjoy the quiet solitude. The shifting sand dunes are constantly changing, shaped by the winds and tides, and are an excellent place to explore at different times of the day. Try out dune buggy riding or simply walk along the undulating landscape, the dunes are a perfect outdoor playground. The wetlands surrounding the area are rich in biodiversity. The Coquille River estuary is also very close by, canoeists and kayakers can navigate the calm, shallow waters, getting up close and personal with the marshland creatures that call the area home. The tidal areas are particularly interesting as the changing waters create an ever-evolving landscape filled with migrating birds, fish, and aquatic plants.
The Seven Devils Recreation Site is not just a day trip, it’s also an excellent place for camping and picnicking. The site has several well-maintained picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with a view. The picnic tables are situated among the trees and provide shade, while the nearby beach is only a short walk away. If you're looking to extend your visit, the recreation site also offers camping options, including primitive campsites. The nearby campground is a great place to rest and relax, with ease of access to the beach and hiking trails. For those who enjoy a more rustic experience, there is dispersed camping in the area, as well providing a true back-to-nature experience.
Unlike the more popular tourist spots along the Oregon Coast, Seven Devils remains largely unknown to the masses, making it an ideal place for anyone looking to escape the crowds in the tourist months. The tranquility of the environment also makes it an excellent place for photographers. With dramatic cliffs, rolling fog, and stunning ocean views, Seven Devils offers an ever-changing landscape that is perfect for capturing the beauty of the coast. So, next time you find yourself in southern Oregon, take a detour off the beaten path and visit this beautiful site. Whether you stay for an afternoon or the entire weekend, you’re bound to leave with memories of serenity and relaxation. Another beautiful area that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of the Oregon Coast.
