Traveling While Black: Coos Bay, OR
Even with Oregon’s complex history regarding Black people, we knew we had to still had to go! Well… we knew that our community really wanted us to go! First stop… Coos Bay, OR!
Coos Bay: A Coastal Gem with Deep Roots
TWB on the Coos Bay Boardwalk.
Our Oregon Coast road trip kicked off in Coos Bay, a city that proudly reflects its Native American roots more than any other stop on this trip. The city takes its name from its original inhabitants, the Coos Tribe.
The Coos people, like many indigenous tribes along the coast, thrived on the region’s abundant seafood and timber resources. And, of course, European settlers saw the same opportunities—especially when it came to timber.
Coos Bay’s growth skyrocketed during America’s booming timber industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it a major shipping and logging hub. Even today, remnants of that era are visible throughout the city.
But the region might never have reached its full potential without one critical structure: a lighthouse. Coos Bay’s rocky coast was infamous for shipwrecks in the 19th century. That changed in 1866 when the Cape Arago Lighthouse was built. Immediately, shipwrecks decreased, solidifying Coos Bay as a reliable hub for trade and settlers.
Today, while decommissioned, the lighthouse stands as a reminder of its essential role in shaping the region. Plus, let’s be honest—it makes for some stunning scenery!
But Coos Bay’s beauty isn’t just about its maritime history. Its location provides direct access to Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Oregon Dunes. Known as the “Gateway to the Oregon Dunes,” Coos Bay offers adventure lovers an unmatched experience. We’ll have more about our Oregon Dunes adventure on the next blog (and episode)!
The Drive: Seattle to Coos Bay
For this road trip series, our Drive Grade rating considers five key elements: (see more about our drive grade breakdown on our YouTube episode here).
Quality of Views: 1/2 – Scenic drives are a huge part of a great road trip experience. While this route had some gems, like glimpses of Mount Rainier on a clear day, it lacked the dramatic coastal landscapes that Oregon is famous for. The scenery is pleasant, but not the most breathtaking part of our journey.
Roadside Amenities: 2/2 – Long drives require reliable pit stops. Thankfully, this route had plenty of gas stations, restaurants, and coffee shops, making it easy to refuel both the car and ourselves. We never felt stranded without a place to stop for food or a restroom break.
Route Difficulty: 1/2 – A smooth, straightforward drive makes road trips more enjoyable. This leg required multiple highway switches, unlike the straight-shot coastal drives that followed, which added some minor inconvenience. While not overly complicated, it wasn't the easiest leg of the journey either.
Roadside Attractions: 2/2 – Stops along the way make the journey more exciting. From Tumwater (home of George Bush, Washington’s first Black pioneer) to Centralia (founded by another Black pioneer, George Washington), this route was rich with history. Plus, stops in Olympia and Salem added some extra cultural significance.
Parking Availability: 2/2 – Nothing is worse than struggling to find parking. Coos Bay offered plenty of free parking, making our visit stress-free and convenient. It’s always a relief when you don’t have to worry about expensive or hard-to-find parking options.
Final Drive Grade: 8/10!
Level of Fun: Coos Bay
For this road trip series, our Level of Fun rating considers five key elements: (see more about our Level of Fun breakdown on our YouTube episode here):
TWB at Shore Acres State Park
Quality of Activities: 2/2 – Coos Bay offers a range of outdoor and cultural activities. Whether hiking in nearby state parks, learning history at the Coos Bay Boardwalk, or visiting museums, there's something for everyone. The balance of adventure and education makes it a strong contender for fun seekers.
Demographic Applicability: 2/2 – A good destination has something for all types of travelers. From families to solo travelers, young adventurers to retirees, Coos Bay has diverse options, making it an inclusive spot. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s something here for you.
Quality of Restaurants: 2/2 – Food is a big part of any trip, and Coos Bay delivers. The highlight was Restaurant O, a fine dining spot led by MasterChef Eoghain O’Neill, featuring incredible Italian and French cuisine. Beyond that, there are several casual and seafood options that showcase the region’s flavors.
Special Events: 1/2 – While Coos Bay doesn’t host a ton of large events, the Bay Area Fun Festival in September brings energy to the city. Outside of that, the event calendar is a bit sparse. A few more festivals or regular entertainment options would elevate this score.
Affordability: 2/2 – Coos Bay is surprisingly affordable compared to other West Coast destinations. Dining out and lodging won’t break the bank, making it great for budget-conscious travelers. This makes it a fantastic destination for families or those looking for an economical getaway.
Final Level of Fun Score: 9/10!
Comfortability for Black People: Coos Bay
For this road trip series, our Comfortability For Black People rating considers five key elements: (see more about our Comfortability For Black People breakdown on our YouTube episode here):
Artifacts of Inclusion: 1/2 – The Alonzo Tucker Historical Marker honors the only documented lynching in Oregon, an important and sobering piece of history. Acknowledging past injustices is a key step in creating a more inclusive environment for visitors. Learn more about the Oregon Remembrance Project, the organization who brought this historical marker to life.
Diversity in Marketing: 1/2 – The Coos Bay visitor guide featured one Black and one Hispanic person. A small step, but a step nonetheless. More representation in tourism materials would help show a commitment to diversity.
Cultural Resource Groups: 1/2 – The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw have a strong presence, but no significant Black or other cultural organizations were found. While Indigenous representation is important, expanding support for other cultural experiences would be beneficial.
Black People Seen: 0/2 – We didn’t encounter any other Black people during our visit. This isn’t uncommon for smaller Oregon cities, but it does contribute to the feeling of isolation for Black travelers.
Personal Comfort: 2/2 – Despite the low Black population, our interactions were positive. Locals were friendly, and businesses like Bay Point Landing and Restaurant O made us feel welcomed. We never felt unsafe or out of place.
Final Comfortability Score: 5/10!
Final Thoughts: Coos Bay Delivered!
TWB at Shore Acres State Park
Coos Bay exceeded our expectations as the first stop of our Oregon Coast road trip. With an 8/10 drive grade, a 9/10 level of fun, and a 5/10 comfortability score, it proved to be a well-rounded destination.
While its Black comfort score isn’t as high as other places we’ve visited, we still had a great time and felt welcomed. The city has the opportunity to further embrace diversity and inclusivity, and we hope to see that in the future.
Next up—Newport, Oregon! Will it live up to Coos Bay’s experience? Stay tuned!
Would you visit Coos Bay? Let us know in the comments!
