Towns on Oregon’s less-developed southern coast seem less like destinations in their own right and more like gateways to the region’s wild landscapes. That’s especially true in Lakeside, a sleepy little community where outdoor activities are the big draw. Near-instant access to nature is the town’s defining feature. You’ll find coastal dunes, beaches, forests, and, of course, lakes all around you. And relative to towns on the northern and central regions of the Oregon coast, Lakeside feels remarkably remote and uncrowded. If your ideal getaway includes fishing, boating, paddling, hiking, and bird watching in peace, then book one of the cabins here and discover the wonders of this waterfront hideout.

For a warm day on one of the nearby lakes, you can’t beat the dry and mild months of July and August, the most popular times to visit for outdoor adventures. The average summer highs hover in the upper 60s Fahrenheit and dip to the lower 50s, which is ideal for a sweaty hike but less ideal for swimming. Pack layers, as the nights can get quite cool even in the warmest months.

Some locals joke that there are two seasons on the southern Oregon coast: rainy and not rainy. From around October to April, expect frequent rainfall, gusty winds, and fog. The wettest months are December (around 14 inches of rain on average) and January (11 inches). In the gray depth of winters, storm watching is a semi-serious pastime, though the hurricane-force winds are a tad less dramatic inland at Lakeside. Bring waterproof coats and boots if you venture out in the off-season.

Tenmile Lakes

While there are more than a dozen lakes in close proximity to town, Lakeside’s water-activity hubs are Tenmile Lake and North Tenmile Lake. Together, these siblings add up to nearly 2,000 liquid acres for on-the-water action: boating, paddling, and jet skiing. The lakes are notable for their fishing. Several resorts and marinas offer access points to the lakes as well as rentals.

John Dellenback Dunes Trail

This 5.5-mile, out-and-back loop takes you through a slice of the sprawling Oregon Dunes to sandy ocean beaches. The hike — officially John Dellenback Dunes Trail #1339 in the Siuslaw National Forest — highlights the contrasting landscapes Lakeside is known for.

William M. Tugman State Park

This lesser-known state park grants you access to the western arm of Eel Lake, where you’ll find the day-use area’s fishing dock and boat ramp. Around the south end of the lake, a trail gives hikers views of the many inlets. Bird watchers come here to spot ospreys, cranes, and other winged creatures.