Here are the Visitor's Tales for Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park.
During the first week of August, I spent time vacationing on the Oregon coast with a friend. We rented a convertible and trekked down the coast from Lincoln City all the way to Brookings, then back up to Portland to return home.
During our travels, we stayed at three state campsites: South Beach, Honeyman and Sunset Bay.
We hit the Newport Aquarium first. I have never seen anything like the huge jellyfish tank there!
Each campsite was comfortable and clean with great facilities. I must say that Honeyman was my favorite of the three because it is located in the middle of a beautiful old growth forest.
The wonder of Oregon Dunes is a major attraction at Honeyman. We avoided the dune buggys and spent a couple of days hiking and just relaxing by the lake.
Perhaps one of the most spectacular points along the coast was the Oregon Dunes Overlook south of Honeyman. We arrived a couple of hours before sunset and made the mile or so hike out to the coast.
What we found was a beautiful beach that was entirely deserted. That, plus the amazing dunes and islands of trees surrounded by sand, made the hike one I will always remember.
Sunset Bay was a very beautiful area as well. First, there are terrific tide pools within easy walking distance from the campsite. There is also terrific hiking with amazing coast scenery. Take the trail that leads you to the formal garden [Shore Acres] for a terrific time!
One of the definite highlights of our trip was a 4-hour jet boat ride up the Rogue River. We had seen the brochures that showed a lot of wildlife along the river. I could not believe that we would really see that many animals, but we did! We saw osprey, otters, a bald eagle, seals, deer and even a bear!
Bill Benish
Related Parks:
South Beach State Park
Sunset Bay State Park
Shore Acres State Park
My family and I have been camping at Honeyman State Park since I was six
years old! Thirty-six years of summer fun. I remember the evening programs
that the park personnel would show of points of interest. The nightly
marshmallow roasts and the nature hikes for the kids, that the park still
does to entertain the park visitors. I remember the determination of every
child of setting out to walk to the beach, and turning back too soon! The
4th of July parades around the park that invite all campers to show their
patriotism by outlandishly decorating a variety of things. These are my
memories that I have been sharing with my nieces since they have been old
enough to walk, and am now sharing with my children. This has to be the best
campground for families that I've ever camped in. Many of my most fondest
memories are in this park, and I hope that many more will be formed there.
Susan Hafdahl
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