Coos Bay, Deep-water bay on the southern Oregon coast, United States.
Coos Bay is a sheltered inlet on the southern coast of Oregon, shaped by a network of channels and natural harbors that reach far inland. The water is generally calm and deep enough to accommodate large vessels alongside small fishing and recreational boats.
The bay was home to the Coquille people long before European settlers arrived in the 19th century and began using it to ship timber from the surrounding forests. Through the 20th century it grew into Oregon's largest coastal port, built largely on that timber trade.
The Coquille people have fished these waters for generations and still maintain a connection to the bay today. Along the shoreline, it is common to see small boats used for crabbing and fishing in ways that have changed little over time.
Public boat ramps and marinas give access to the water year-round, and fishing or crabbing are among the most common activities people come for. Tides and wind can change conditions quickly, so it is worth checking local forecasts before heading out on the water.
Beneath the surface, the bay holds large beds of eelgrass and saltwater marshes that act as a nursery for young fish and a resting point for migratory birds. These habitats are mostly invisible to a casual visitor but drive much of the bay's ecological life.
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