Coos County, Oregon is located in the southwestern part of the state along the Pacific Ocean. The county covers an area of approximately 2,629 square miles and spans two of Oregon’s major geographical regions: the Coast Range and the Klamath Mountains. The county’s landscape is characterized by its rugged coastline, deep river valleys, and dense forests.
The northern portion of Coos County lies within the Coast Range, a mountainous region characterized by steep slopes and thick forests. The highest point in this region is Marys Peak which rises to an elevation of 4,097 feet above sea level. This region also contains several rivers including Coquille River which empties into Coos Bay on the county’s western side.
To the south lies the Klamath Mountains which contain a variety of terrain ranging from dense forests to open grasslands and shrub-steppe areas. These mountains are home to several peaks such as Mount Scott which rises to an elevation of 8,929 feet above sea level. This region also contains several rivers including Rogue River which flows through nearby Curry County before emptying into Coos Bay on its eastern side.
Coos County’s climate is generally mild with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing during winter months or rising above 90 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months. Precipitation is plentiful throughout the year with most areas receiving between 40-50 inches annually while higher elevations may receive upwards of 80 inches each year.
Overall, Coos County offers a wide range of geographic features from its rugged coastline to its dense forests and high mountain peaks that make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts from all over Oregon and beyond.
Country seat and other main cities of Coos County, Oregon
Coos County, Oregon is home to a variety of cities and towns. The county seat, Coquille, is located in the center of the county and is the largest city in the area. It has a population of over 5,000 people and serves as the economic hub for Coos County. According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, other major cities in Coos County include North Bend, Bandon, Lakeside, Myrtle Point, Powers, and Coos Bay.
North Bend is located along the southern Oregon coast at the mouth of the Coquille River. It has a population of over 10,000 people and serves as an important transportation hub for travelers visiting the region. The downtown area offers plenty of shopping and dining options as well as access to some beautiful beaches along nearby Simpson Beach State Park.
Bandon sits on a scenic harbor along Oregon’s south coast near Cape Blanco State Park. It’s home to around 3,000 people who enjoy its relaxed atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking nearby trails that lead to stunning views of nature preserves. Bandon also features several restaurants offering fresh seafood from local fishermen or cozy cafes serving up homemade pastries and coffee.
Lakeside lies on Tenmile Lake near Highway 101 along Oregon’s south coast and offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities such as boating or fishing on its pristine waters. Many visitors come here for its spectacular sunsets where they can relax by campfires or explore nearby trails that lead to some breathtaking views overlooking Tenmile Lake Marina in one direction or Mount Hebo in another direction.
History of Coos County, Oregon
Coos County, Oregon has a long and varied history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was originally inhabited by the Coquille Indian Tribe and was known as Toquay (or “big water”) until 1851, when the Oregon Territorial Legislature created Coos County. The county was named after the Coquille River, which is still an important part of life in the area today.
In 1853, settlers began arriving in Coos County and soon established towns like Coquille, Bandon, North Bend, Lakeside, Myrtle Point and Powers. These towns quickly grew as logging became a major industry in the area. Logging camps were set up throughout Coos County and at one point there were over 200 logging operations in the county.
The timber industry provided much needed jobs and revenue for local citizens but it also had a devastating impact on the environment. In 1914, Congress passed legislation that created Siuslaw National Forest to help protect some of the remaining old-growth forests in Coos County from further destruction by logging companies.
Today, Coos County is still heavily reliant on its timber industry but it has also diversified its economy with other industries such as tourism, fishing and aquaculture. The area also boasts several state parks including Bastendorff Beach State Park near Charleston, Cape Arago State Park near Charleston and Sunset Bay State Park near Bandon that attract visitors from all over Oregon.
Economy of Coos County, Oregon
Coos County, Oregon is a largely rural area located on the South Coast of the state. The county’s economy is heavily reliant on its timber industry, which has been a major source of employment and income for local citizens since the mid-1800s. Today, logging and wood products make up more than half of Coos County’s total economic output.
The timber industry is still an important part of life in Coos County but it has also diversified its economy with other industries such as tourism, fishing and aquaculture. Tourism is a major source of revenue in Coos County with many visitors coming to explore its pristine beaches, majestic mountains and picturesque rivers. The county also hosts several popular festivals throughout the year such as the Bandon Cranberry Festival in October and the Charleston Seafood Festival in August that attract thousands of visitors from all over Oregon.
Fishing is another major industry in Coos County with commercial fishing operations taking place along the coast near Charleston, Bandon and Port Orford. The area also has several sport fishing opportunities including salmon, steelhead and trout fishing on rivers like the Rogue River near Gold Beach or Smith River near Brookings.
Aquaculture is another important component of Coos County’s economy with oyster farms located along both sides of Netarts Bay near Tillamook Bay. In addition to oysters, there are several other aquaculture operations throughout the county that produce clams, mussels, seaweed and other shellfish products for sale at local markets or restaurants.
Overall, Coos County’s economy has remained stable despite recent economic downturns due to its diverse mix of industries that provide jobs and income for local citizens.