Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
By Erin Bernard
Published: 06/22/2014  Updated: 08/16/2019
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park offers access to two miles of sand dunes, serene picnic areas, as well as swimming, boating and water sports on its two lakes.
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park offers access to two miles of sand dunes, serene picnic areas, as well as swimming, boating and water sports on its two lakes.  Photo by Gary Hayes

Those who come to the Oregon coast in search of sand dunes, water sports or other scenic outdoor pursuits will find a well-appointed 500-acre stomping ground at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park near Florence.

From boating and swimming to dune buggying and sandboarding, this sprawling, sandy spot is a veritable outdoor enthusiast's paradise. In the autumn, fill your belly with wild ripe huckleberries and blackberries before heading out for fine swimming and hiking. Best of all, the park was designed to blend in seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

A scramble up the sloping sand dunes will get your heart pounding, but the views from the top of the two-mile stretch are well worth it: trees and ocean as far as the eye can see. And a sandboard will make quick work of the trip back down. If relaxation is your priority, kick back along the glittering edges of two freshwater lakes. Take a swim at Cleawox, then drop your boat or canoe into Woahink and explore. Or take a kayak tour and learn more about the area's geography and history.

In the spring, pink Pacific Rhododendron bloom in the forest understory throughout the park. Honeyman is also home to several spots listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Cleawox Lake Bathouse, constructed from stone and log in 1938 and a number of other historic outbuildings.

The park requires a day-use pass, annual Oregon State Parks pass or Oregon Pacific Coast Passport. A large forested campground offers more than 185 tent sites, 45 full hook-ups, 120 sites with water and electric; and 10 yurts.

Jessie M. Honeyman State Park is located off U.S. Highway 101, three miles south of Florence.
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park