Information
Landmark: Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State ParkCity: Florence OR
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Florence OR, USA Oregon, North America
Overview
Jessie M., her hair tucked behind one ear, glanced up with a quick smile.Honeyman Memorial State Park-locals usually just say Honeyman State Park-sits on the central Oregon coast, a few minutes south of Florence on U. S. 101, where travelers stop to hike the trails and watch the wind ripple across the dunes.Spanning over 2,000 acres, the park sits inside the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a vast sweep of coastal sand where wind carves ripples into the largest dunes on the continent.The landscape blends towering sand dunes, shadowy pine forests, clear freshwater lakes, and quiet wetlands, creating a rich mix of sights that catches visitors’ eyes at every turn.The park’s two main lakes-Cleawox and Woahink-invite visitors to paddle, swim, or simply feel the cool spray drifting off the water.Cleawox Lake, with its still, glassy water and soft, sandy edges, is perfect for a swim, while nearby Woahink Lake calls for a paddle-kayak, canoe, or even a quiet afternoon of fishing.Tall pines and rolling sand dunes ring both lakes, giving them a tucked-away feel, even though the park’s easy to reach.Winding trails circle the lakes and weave through the shady forest, perfect for hiking, spotting deer, or snapping a photo of sunlight on the water.Golden sand dunes rise in sweeping curves, giving the park its unmistakable character.You can wander the dunes on foot, race down their slopes on a sandboard, or, in certain months, rumble across them in an OHV through marked trails.Season by season, the dunes drift and reshape, creating a living landscape where light and shadow slip across the rippled sand-a scene that’s always ready for the camera.Hikers and bikers can explore miles of trails, from gentle paths shaded by pine trees to steep, wind-swept climbs over open dunes, offering a deep sense of both forest calm and sandy expanse.Honeyman State Park carries a deep sense of history, from its old stone picnic shelters to trails worn smooth by decades of footsteps.The Civilian Conservation Corps built it in the 1930s as Camp Woahink, a cluster of simple wooden cabins, and later renamed it to honor Jessie M. Honeyman, a Portland philanthropist, fought to protect Oregon’s rugged coastal lands, from wind-carved cliffs to quiet, sandy coves.Several original CCC buildings-like the stone picnic shelters and the old camp store-still serve visitors today, lending the park its historic charm and forming part of the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park’s Historic District, where weathered picnic tables sit beneath tall, whispering pines.The park’s packed with everything from shady picnic tables to wide, open trails, making it easy to welcome every kind of visitor.You’ll find more than 350 campsites here, ready for tents, RVs, or even big group cookouts under the pines.Each campsite comes with modern comforts-restrooms, hot showers, and a picnic spot where you can spread out your lunch in the shade.The camp store stocks essentials, while picnic tables tucked under shady trees invite day visitors to linger over lunch in the fresh air.The park stays open all year, though trails and services shift with the seasons-snow may close some paths in winter.Day-use and camping fees still apply.Jessie M. is a must-see for tourists, with its bright red awning catching your eye from half a block away.At Honeyman Memorial State Park, you can wander pine-scented trails, paddle across glassy lakes, and still find quiet spots to just breathe.It offers rugged trails to explore, stunning views of pine-covered hills, glimpses into a rich past, and plenty of quiet spots to unwind.You can swim in the clear water, paddle along the shore, hike the winding trails, wander through soft sand dunes, or just sit back and take in the calm, glassy lake.Because it’s just outside Florence, you can reach the coast in minutes-hear the gulls, smell the salt air-which makes the park a key stop in any central Oregon Coast trip.With its mix of wildflower-covered meadows, hiking trails, and rich cultural heritage, the park draws travelers of every age.
