Bullards Beach Loop

This hike starts at the northern beach parking area (the first one you come to past the horse camp). From there, it's a short climb over the fore-dune and out to the ocean beach. The beach is long and wide, particularly at low tide. From the parking area, it's 1.7 miles along the beach to the historic Coquille River Lighthouse (staffed between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily from mid-May through September).From the east side of the lighthouse, follow an old two-track road for 0.4 miles to the estuary beach and turn north on the beach. You are now hiking along the Coquille River, with the Bandon Marsh Wildlife Refuge across the river to the east. Follow the beach for 1.9 miles to a short dirt road that goes up to the park's entrance road, turn left (west) on to that road and follow it back to the parking area.If you want to minimize hiking on a paved road, look for a faded old two-track coming down to the beach about 0.2 miles before you reach the entrance road. Leave the beach and follow this old track to a pull-out along the entrance road just east of the beach parking area. Following the GPX track will take you this way.

Halfway through this loop, you'll pass by the historic Coquille River Lighthouse. It went into service in early 1896 and was abandoned in 1939 when an automated beacon was placed at the end of the south jetty. After years of neglect and vandalism, the lighthouse was restored in 1976. Part of its foundation was repaired in 2007. It's staffed from mid-May through September by volunteers who interpret the history of the area.