McVay Rock Recreation Area offers stunning 180-degree ocean views, making it a prime spot for whale watching. Each year, gray whales migrate past Curry County on their journey between the warm waters of Baja California and the icy seas of Alaska. Brookings has two peak seasons: October to mid-January, when whales head south to give birth, and mid-January to late April, when they return north to feed on shrimp and krill.

Located near the entrance to McVay Rock State Recreation Area on the eastside of Oceanview Drive is McVay Rock, a remnant of ancient volcanic activity or tectonic uplift that characterizes much of the Oregon coast. Over millions of years, the ocean’s relentless wave action shaped the rock into its current form.

The landmark was named in honor of William R. McVay, who settled in the area in 1861. While detailed records of his contributions are scarce, it is known that his homestead was located nearby.

Nestled along the Pacific Coast at the Oregon-California border lies the Easter Lily Capital of the World. It is here that over 95% of the world’s potted Easter Lily bulbs are grown. This unique region, spanning the Harbor-Brookings bench in Oregon and Smith River in California, became a hub for lily cultivation after Louis Houghton introduced hybrid bulbs in 1919. World War II disrupted Japan’s dominance in Easter Lily exports, cutting off U.S. supplies, and local growers stepped in. The region’s ideal climate and rich soils proved perfect for cultivation. Today, ten dedicated farms continue to grow these iconic trumpet-shaped flowers, brightening homes worldwide.

Here lies the gravesite of J.P. Wheeler, one of the first white settlers in the Winchuck Valley. Wheeler passed away in 1903 at the age of 63. His homestead was located several miles northeast of this site, across Wheeler Creek from the present-day Ludlum House. The homestead’s location is now marked by an old apple orchard.

Named after the Ludlum family, who purchased the home and property in 1943, the original Ludlum House is believed to have once been a boarding house in early Brookings before being disassembled and relocated. Peggy Ludlum bought the house and property while her husband, Robert, was serving in World War II as an intelligence officer for General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz in the Pacific campaign.

In the 1960s, the Forest Service acquired Ludlum House and its property. Due to deterioration, the original structure was replaced in 1999 with a new lodging that remains true to the original design and is available for rent year-round.

The picturesque Winchuck River winds through the lush landscapes of southern Oregon, carving its path through Curry County and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Stretching roughly 21 miles, it meets the Pacific Ocean just south of Brookings, Oregon. Along the way, at mile 12.8 of this ride, the river merges with Wheeler Creek—a pristine tributary renowned for its crystal-clear waters and dense, towering forests. This creek serves as a vital habitat for salmon and trout, while the surrounding riparian zones teem with wildlife. Black-tailed deer, black bears, river otters and eagles all thrive here, making this region a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.