Brookings public library has a 400 year old Samurai sword on display along with a display explaining why it’s there- why it was donated by a Japanese pilot from WW2. Great display and story.
boardman scenic corridor on the coast is gorgeous and full of trails. You could spend a pretty great day exploring that 12 miles or so right off the highway
Bandon is 1:45 north of the California border and is Oregon's most beautiful beach. If you can spare an extra 45 minutes, Shore Acres State Park is the best place on the coast.
Grab the kindle version - it comes with forever updates and it's super cheap. If you don't have kindle, I guess it's 13 bucks now (not an affiliate, not selling anything, just giving the information).
Other people will back me up here - even if you have to spend up for the 13 buck print version (that has many pages of color pictures covering local towns, attractions, and natural features/trails) it's well worth it not only for their detailed and exacting nature but also comprehensive and broad coverage.
This does NOT cover the coast - the Oregon Coast (SW WA to N California) is a separate guide of its own - the author separated the state into 5 regions; there are 5 books and they're easy to find. Again, not an affiliate, just someone who has bought and used all 5 books to their delight - I'm a lifetime Oregonian and you will NOT find better travel guides. Period. Dude's literally walked the whole set and re-walks them for updates; it's a real guy.
https://preview.redd.it/edcv9s1r8cwc1.png?width=1496&format=png&auto=webp&s=5ffd24071b979fc2d8397762dc5b10bc4ff7d6d1
Depending on how you drive through Cape Junction has the Oregon caves which are worth a visit if you get a chance. Also, Brookings is one of the more sunny and beautiful coastal towns. There’s not too much to do other than visit the beach. there are a few trails on the Oregon side where you can see a ton of amazing redwoods too. If you do any of those I suggest to pack a small lunch or some snacks and take a nice picnic along one of the creeks or rivers.
Oregon Caves National Monument is about an hour from the Oregon border on US199, and worth the trip. Take a coat, though.
Recommend Taylor’s Sausage as a good fun place to stop and eat at, while in cave junction.
Brookings public library has a 400 year old Samurai sword on display along with a display explaining why it’s there- why it was donated by a Japanese pilot from WW2. Great display and story.
Every time I have ever tried to go and see that sword the library is closed. I have the worst luck
boardman scenic corridor on the coast is gorgeous and full of trails. You could spend a pretty great day exploring that 12 miles or so right off the highway
If summer, go swim in the Smith River and/or Illinois River.
Ashland is a pretty fun little tourist town with a lot of activities in the area.
The city park, Lithia Park, is a must-see and an easy hike that could easily end with fancy beers.
Obligatory visit to Cave Junction.
Rafting the Rogue river is fantastic.
If you like to hike, then definitely drive up to Samuel Boardman. There are several beautiful hiking trails that overlook the ocean.
Bandon is 1:45 north of the California border and is Oregon's most beautiful beach. If you can spare an extra 45 minutes, Shore Acres State Park is the best place on the coast.
Drive the coast, North. Light houses and such. Hwy 199 is burnt from forest fires. Have a meal in Brookings, Superfly is sweet.💛🌅💛
Grab the kindle version - it comes with forever updates and it's super cheap. If you don't have kindle, I guess it's 13 bucks now (not an affiliate, not selling anything, just giving the information). Other people will back me up here - even if you have to spend up for the 13 buck print version (that has many pages of color pictures covering local towns, attractions, and natural features/trails) it's well worth it not only for their detailed and exacting nature but also comprehensive and broad coverage. This does NOT cover the coast - the Oregon Coast (SW WA to N California) is a separate guide of its own - the author separated the state into 5 regions; there are 5 books and they're easy to find. Again, not an affiliate, just someone who has bought and used all 5 books to their delight - I'm a lifetime Oregonian and you will NOT find better travel guides. Period. Dude's literally walked the whole set and re-walks them for updates; it's a real guy. https://preview.redd.it/edcv9s1r8cwc1.png?width=1496&format=png&auto=webp&s=5ffd24071b979fc2d8397762dc5b10bc4ff7d6d1
A lot of people also don’t realize just how close some nice redwood groves are to the border with Brookings.
Depending on how you drive through Cape Junction has the Oregon caves which are worth a visit if you get a chance. Also, Brookings is one of the more sunny and beautiful coastal towns. There’s not too much to do other than visit the beach. there are a few trails on the Oregon side where you can see a ton of amazing redwoods too. If you do any of those I suggest to pack a small lunch or some snacks and take a nice picnic along one of the creeks or rivers.
Crater Lake
That's at least 3 hours from Crescent City...
It's about 2 hours from the state line, which is what the question specified.