Planning Your Trip

Getting to North Bend, Oregon

Students regularly travel from across the United States to attend our silversmithing classes. Here’s what you need to know:

By Air

Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) – 15 minutes away
Most flights to OTH originate in Portland, Denver, and San Francisco.

Recommended for Students From:

  • California, Washington → Drive or fly to OTH
  • Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico → Fly to PDX, scenic drive down the coast
  • Texas, Oklahoma → Fly to Eugene or Portland
  • East Coast → Fly to PDX (best connections)
  • Midwest → Fly to PDX or OTH

Note: The closest major airport is Eugene (EUG) – about 2 hours away. Many students fly into Eugene, rent a car, and enjoy a couple of extra days exploring the Oregon Coast (scenic ocean views, lighthouses, dune buggies, hikes, and great seafood). The cost savings on the flight usually more than covers the car rental. Flights to Eugene are typically only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Places to Stay

Low-End / Budget

Itty Bitty Inn – Local, unique, eclectic small motel. Students love this place. I’ve met the owner and he’s very personable. Only 11 minutes away.
Rated Yelp’s #1 Budget Hotel in Oregon. Very close to restaurants in North Bend.

High-End

The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park – Coos Bay – 14 minutes away

Mid-Range

Lakeshore Lodge – Lakeside – Nice restaurant on site (medium prices). Only 8 minutes away.

Airbnb & Vrbo options are also plentiful in the area.

Things to do in addition to taking our classes

While you’re visiting the stunning Oregon Coast from Florence to Bandon, there’s so much more to enjoy beyond our silversmithing classes. This stretch of Highway 101 offers dramatic ocean views, historic lighthouses, thrilling dune adventures, beautiful hikes, and some of the freshest seafood on the West Coast. Click the sections below to explore each category.

Scenic Ocean Views

The Oregon Coast between Florence and Bandon is famous for its rugged beauty — towering sea stacks, dramatic cliffs, and endless Pacific waves. Many viewpoints are right off Highway 101.

Heceta Head Lighthouse Viewpoint

One of the most photographed spots on the entire coast. The lighthouse sits high on a cliff with waves crashing below. Great for whale watching in winter and stunning sunsets year-round.

Learn more about Heceta Head State Park

Heceta Head Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast

Lighthouses

Three beautiful lighthouses are located along this route, each with its own history and panoramic views.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Built in 1894, this is one of the most iconic lighthouses in America. You can climb the tower for amazing views.

Heceta Head Lighthouse official information

Umpqua River Lighthouse

Located in Winchester Bay, this red-capped lighthouse offers tours and a small museum.

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

Coquille River Lighthouse

At the entrance to Bandon’s harbor, this charming lighthouse is great for sunset photos and short beach walks.

Coquille River Lighthouse details

Dune Buggies & Sand Adventures

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is one of the largest coastal dune systems in the world. Riding a dune buggy is a thrilling way to experience them.

Sandland Adventures (Florence)

Offers giant dune buggy tours that go through the dunes and onto the beach. Family-friendly with narrated tours.

Book a dune buggy tour at Sandland Adventures

People riding on Oregon sand dunes

Ride the Oregon Dunes / Torex ATV Rentals

Rent your own ATV or buggy and explore at your own pace. Guided tours also available.

Ride the Oregon Dunes rentals

Hikes

Tahkenitch Dunes Trail

Moderate 5–6 mile loop through forest to open dunes and the beach. Great for wildlife and wildflowers.

Tahkenitch Dunes Trail information

John Dellenback Dunes Trail

Leads to some of the tallest dunes in the area — perfect for climbing and running down the sand.

John Dellenback Dunes Trail

Shore Acres to Sunset Bay Trail

Easy cliffside walk with incredible ocean views and tide pools.

Great Seafood

The Oregon Coast is famous for fresh Dungeness crab, oysters, clams, and fish caught the same day.

THE WATERFRONT DEPOT (Florence)

Legendary clam chowder and waterfront views. A classic stop since 1946.

The Waterfront Depot

Legendary cuisine, awesome wait staff, and an unprecedented experience.

Tony’s Crab Shack (Bandon)

Tonys Crab Shop.
Casual spot in Old Town Bandon known for fresh crab, fish tacos, and harbor views.

Edgewater Restaurant (Bandon)

Edgewater Restaurant

Upscale waterfront dining with excellent seafood and wine list.

Enjoy your time on the beautiful Oregon Coast — safe travels and we look forward to seeing you in class!

We’ve had students come to our classes from these states:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.