The Many Charms of Bandon

After more than 80 miles of stunning Oregon coastline, viewpoints, and photo ops, we cruised into Bandon feeling tired and hungry. We were barely halfway to our final destination. Our Leaf needed a charge, and we needed lunch. On a whim, we detoured into Bandon, hoping to find both. This Oregon coastal gem proved, once again, that the best adventures are sometimes those that you don’t plan for. Join me for a look at a surprising place I never knew we needed to visit.

The Town of Bandon

Bandon turned out to be one of the most impressive Oregon coastal towns that we passed through. Old Town Bandon is only a few blocks wide and long, but by using what’s called a historic overlay, they’ve kept the historic feel alive. Well-kept shops lined both sides of the street. There wasn’t a chain store or restaurant in sight. Right away, we knew this was a place worth spending some time.

Lunch was fish tacos at Tony’s, a seafood joint on the bay that was swamped at two in the afternoon. We scored some of the last fish tacos for the day. A man sitting at the table next to ours got the very last one. We sat, watching locals and visitors enjoy the unusually warm October day and wondering why we hadn’t ‘discovered’ Bandon sooner.

Natural Charms and Face Rock

Pressed for time, we didn’t visit the cranberry shop or the ice cream store. But we’re determined to return for the food as well as the scenery. Bandon you see, has some amazing haystacks, or sea stacks, that make for stunning photos. 

Geologists can explain the processes that led to the formation of a wonder like Face Rock, but I like the Native American legend more. In the legend, a beautiful princess named Ewauna, the daughter of Chief Siskiyou, was well known for her grace and kindness.

Despite the elders’ warnings about Seatka, a malevolent spirit that lurked beneath the surface, Ewauna and her loyal dog Komax wandered into the ocean. Ewauna carried a basket filled with small animals. When Sitka tried to ensnare Ewauna, Komax leaped to her defense. In the battle, Ewauna’s delicate animals tumbled into the churning sea, creating a splash that echoed along the shore. In a furious rage, Seatka hurled Komax aside. But Ewauna remained steadfast, her heart resolute, continuing to look only at the moon.

The power of Ewauna’s defiance saved her, but it also transformed her. Rather than being ensnared by Seatka, she was metamorphosed into the rock that stands tall today. Face Rock immortalizes Ewauna as she forever gazes upward to the heavens. Komax and the other animals were also transformed into the other sea stacks now surrounding Ewauna.

Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Yes, Bandon completely stole my heart! From great food to Princess Ewauna’s eternal vigil at Face Rock to jaw-dropping sea stacks, Bandon delivered magic everywhere. I’m already plotting the next visit, but this time with leisurely downtown strolls, mandatory ice cream stops, and explorations of the nearby coastline. What’s up for next week? Another Oregon coastal adventure! See you then.

If you enjoyed this week’s Friday Morning Post, please leave a comment with your time on the puzzle. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the post! Thanks for being here!

See all my Friday Morning Posts here. If you missed last week’s post, you can use this link to view Tree Tunnel Terror — Driving Through a Giant Redwood.