Gardiner, OR

Tucked along the Umpqua River right across from Reedsport, Gardiner is a quiet coastal community of around 250 residents. Set along Highway 101, the town traces its roots back to 1850, when a Boston merchant salvaged his cargo from a shipwreck at the river's mouth and set up a trading post. Today, Gardiner is best known for its scenic waterfront views and a designated historic district lined with preserved Victorian-era homes. It offers a peaceful, small-town setting near the Oregon Dunes, with everyday shops and services just a quick drive across the bridge.