Category: Hike Announcement

Heceta Head and Hobbit Trail–Sunday, March 27, 2022

Heceta Head and Hobbit Trail–Sunday, March 27, 2022

The historic and popular Heceta Head Lighthouse sits 150 feet over the ocean and the light started providing aid to navigation in March, 1894. The light still shines, and this hike provides spectacular views both up and down the coast. In addition to the light, you’ll pass the lightkeeper’s home, which is now a bed and breakfast.

Please sign up for this hike

The Hikes:

Long Hikers

  • The more difficult hike (which really isn’t THAT difficult) will start at the Heceta Head parking area, and proceed past the old light keeper’s house to the Heceta Head lighthouse.  From the lighthouse we’ll climb to a viewpoint ABOVE the lighthouse for a unique view of the light, and then over the mountain to the Hobbit Trail.  We’ll take the Hobbit Trail to the beach, and then return over the same route to the parking lot.  That will be a distance of about four miles over well maintained trails.  The difficulty is in the elevation gain (over 500 feet) in both directions.

For a Shorter Hike

  • Shorter distance hikers who want to avoid the climb will start out with the long hikers and will proceed to the viewpoint above the lighthouse.  This group will then return to the parking area and drive to a turnout about .9 miles North.  From there you will proceed down the Hobbit trail to the beach.  You will probably run into the ‘long hikers’ along this trail.  Each leg of this hike is about a mile, for a total of two miles.

Location and Time

We will meet at 9:30 at the Fred Meyer parking lot on the North side of Florence.  We should gather near the gas station at the north end of the lot.  That way we will have an opportunity to consolidate vehicles.  There is a day use fee ($5.00) at the Heceta Head parking lot, and while the parking in other locations (the ‘turnout’ and Washburn SP) is free, the space at the turnout is limited.

Humbug Mountain, Saturday, February 26, 2022

Humbug Mountain, Saturday, February 26, 2022

Registration Form

This hike is limited to 15 people for each option, but if demand is high (and we have enough leaders) we can stagger start times. Also, there is a self-guided ‘short’ hike option described below, and some hikers may prefer that.

To volunteer to lead, send an email to hikes@coostrails.com.

Hike Description:   There will be two hikes running at the same time.

The ‘Long’ Hike

The hike itself is just over 5 miles long, but the elevation gain is significant (about 1800 ft), which makes this a difficult hike. We will hike up the East trail, which will give us good views to the South as we near the top, and then we’ll return by the West trail, which provides good views of Port Orford as we descend.

‘Short’ (Easier) Hike

Easier Hike–The ‘short’ hike isn’t really that much shorter, at just over 4 miles, but the highest elevation is only 434 feet. It follows along the old coast highway and offers good views of Humbug Mountain itself, Red Fish Rocks, and the town of Port Orford. If there isn’t a ‘leader’ for this hike, you may need to do a ‘self-guided’ hike, but there is a detailed trail guide (link below) 

Humbug short trail guideShort Trail

Hike Guidelines

  1. Hike groups will be limited to about 15 people (but we’re flexible)
  2. You will be asked to complete a registration form so that we can control the number.
  3. Hikers will be asked to maintain social distance on the trail
  4. Hikers will be asked to have face covering (like a bandana) that can be pulled up at tight spots on the trail
  5. Hikers should step off the trail to let others pass

Other Information

There are no restrooms at the trailhead. The restrooms are open at Battle Rock Park in Port Orford, so you may want to stop on the way.

Location and Time

Location and Time

We will meet at the Humbug Mountain trail head at 10:00 on Saturday, February 26.

Directions: Take the Coast Highway (101) south, past Port Orford. The trail head is about six miles south of Port Orford.

Remember to complete registration form.

Some things you can expect to see on the hike.
Walkable North Bend–January 29, 2022(Saturday, 9:30)

Walkable North Bend–January 29, 2022(Saturday, 9:30)

Registration Required. Register Here.

Also, this hike will be a ‘Weather Permitting’ hike, and my be cancelled if the weather is bad.

Description

Explore some of the many paths and trails commonly used by the folks in North Bend both past and present.

You can join local author and historian Dick Wagner on an easy to moderate 2 mile loop  from Ferry Park, along Bayview Ave and back up into town, before walking through Simpson Park, past the North Bend Visitor Center, under the McCullough Bridge, and then returning through the woods to Ferry Park.  Dick literally ‘wrote the book’ (or books) on North Bend History.

This hike should last about 2 hours.

OR

There will be a 5.5 mile loop at a little brisker pace (and less history) on the North Bend loop portion of the new Sawmill & Tribal Trail.

This walk will also start at Ferry Road Park, and head out under the McCullough Bridge, and along the Sawmill & Tribal Trail to post #12 on Pony Creek Rd then up the stairs at Lombard and along McPherson to the North Bend Boardwalk then back to Ferry Road Park.

This hike is rated difficult (due to steps) and should last 3—3.5 hours.

Register for the Walkable North Bend Hike

Location and Time

We will meet at 9:30 in the Ferry Road Park parking lot.

Directions:  Ferry Road is just South of the McCullough Bridge. If you are heading South it will be your first left. If you are heading North, it will be on the right, just past the North Bend Visitor Information Center.

McCullough Bridge

Hall Lake/Dellenback Dunes Winter Yardanging, Sunday, January 16, 2022

Hall Lake/Dellenback Dunes Winter Yardanging, Sunday, January 16, 2022

See information below about Coos County Odyssey 2022

Sign up requested for the Hall Lake hike. Sign up HERE

Winter Weather and the wind make for some very cool looking sand sculptures geologist refer to as “Yardangs”. You can take a 3 mile moderate to difficult trip up onto the dunes between Hall Lake and the ocean at a slow pace to enjoy the sandy artwork. We are talking slow and steady – easy does it. Hiking sticks make this a much more enjoyable trip. This trip should last about 2-2.5 hours.

or

If there is interest, and a leader, you can head on out toward the beach and return to Hall Lake for a 6 – 7 mile round trip. Rated difficult. The route may vary, depending on conditions.

Walking sticks and sturdy shoes will help make the walk more enjoyable for you.

Dress for the weather, bring water, and pack a lunch if you plan on the longer hike.

Both hikes leave from the Hall Lake Day use area at 10:00 on Sunday, January 16.

Sign up HERE

Driving Directions: Hall Lake is about 10 miles south of Reedsport and 17 miles north of Coos Bay on the west side of hwy. Take Hwy 101 to Wildwood Drive (opposite Tugman State Park entrance) and turn left into day-use area at Hall Lake.

Sign up for the Coos County Odyssey 2022 Virtual Challenge

Make your hiking activities count, while supporting the Coos County Health & Wellness WIC program. The event is already started, but you can sign up and report on the activities you’ve already completed. You have four months to walk 218 miles or earn miles while completing other activities. Click on the photo below for more information:

Coos County Odyssey 2022

Sign Up For Coos County Odyssey 2022

Sign Up For Coos County Odyssey 2022

Will You Resolve to Get More Exercise in 2022?

Coos Odyssey is a perfect way to keep track of your exercise achievements in the new year. You can follow your progress on a virtual map as you log miles based on your activities. For example:

  • Log a mile for every mile hiked
  • Log a mile for 30 minutes of Yoga
  • Log a mile for 30 minutes of gardening (as long as you keep working)
  • Two laps around Mingus Park earns 1.2 miles
  • Sunset Bay to Cape Arago and back earns 8.5 miles
  • A 60 minute paddle on Eel Lake earns 2 miles
  • …and so on
Sign Up for Coos County Odyssey 2022

There is a ‘Team’ for South Coast Striders. Choose that team when you sign up (or, if you want, create your own team made up of colleagues, friends, or families).

Coos County Odyssey 2022

Coos County Odyssey 2022

“Race” around Coos County, Oregon in this virtual odyssey that will take the participants through some of the most unique locations in the county.

Participants can exercise in a number of different ways (walk, hike, run, bike, paddle, yoga, pickleball, golf, ski…) to earn miles on the virtual platform.

You report the miles you walk, or take the equivalent credit for other exercise activities, and your progress will take you along the map below. You will receive virtual badges at each location.

Some Key Information About the Challenge

  • It’s a ‘Virtual’ event. You don’t actually travel the route. You walk or hike wherever you want and credit those miles to advance on the route.
  • It’s more than walking. Almost any physical activity can earn you credit. In many cases, 30 minutes of sustained activity earns you a mile.
  • During the sign-up process you have the option to join or form a team. Teams encourage each other to complete the challenge.
  • It isn’t a race. Everyone who completes the challenge will be a winner.
  • This event is open to anyone, anywhere. Because it’s virtual you might earn miles by paddling in the Everglades, or walking the streets of a European city.

You can form teams and compete with and motivate your friends and family to start the year off right, achieving your fitness goals, while helping families get access to nutritious food and professional advice on nutrition. 

Sign up for Coos County Odyssey

The Coos County Friends of Public Health are hosting this event and all proceeds will go to the local Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Special Supplemental Nutrition program benefiting expecting mothers and children. 

Bastendorff Bog Hike–Friday, November 26

Bastendorff Bog Hike–Friday, November 26

Note: Registration Required. Register HERE

Bastendorff Bog trail hike out and back, with some additional hiking in the area.

Make sure you read the hike guidelines below.

The hike will start in the Sunset Bay Day Use area.  We’ll hike from there, cross Cape Arago Hwy, go through the campground, and follow the bog trail out to Yoakam Point, which will provide an excellent view of Cape Arago Lighthouse (above), and Bastendorff Beach, as well as our iconic coastal rock formations.   We will all then return to the starting point, and those wanting a longer hike can continue, self guided, hiking along the coast to Shore Acres and back.  You’ll see some great ocean views and very interesting trees along the way.

Be prepared for any weather conditions, which at this time of year probably means sun, but also some wind. Moderate, ~ 4-5 mostly flat miles.

New Hike Guidelines

  1. Hike groups will be limited to about 15 people.
  2. You will be asked to complete a registration form so that we can control the number.
  3. Hikers will be asked to maintain social distance on the trail
  4. Hikers should step off the trail to let others pass

Register Here

Location and Time

Meet 10:00 am at day use parking lot, near volley ball courts and restrooms at south end of Sunset Bay. 

Driving Directions:  From Hwy 101 in downtown Coos Bay follow the signs 12.3 miles through Charleston to Sunset Bay State Park.  Park in the day use parking lot.

Sweet Creek Falls Hike, Oct. 30

Sweet Creek Falls Hike, Oct. 30

Saturday, October 30, 2021

This hike is limited to about 15 people. Because there are multiple hikes, we may (if there are enough leaders) break into groups.

Registration Required. Register here

The Hikes: The Sweet Creek/Beaver Creek area offers hikers a smorgasbord mountain stream and waterfalls experience. There will be 4 different hikes all of which are out and back on the same trail and rated moderate.

The first will be a 1/2 mile trip to view Beaver Creek Falls.

The second will be a 1.2 mile hike to a different viewpoint of Beaver Creek Falls.

The third hike will be 1.6 miles to Sweet Creek Falls.

The final and best hike of the day will be a 1.6 mile hike along Sweet Creek on a trail that meanders along the water and actually travels right over the creek on a railed catwalks that is bolted to the side of the canyon.

Altogether, you will hike 4.9 miles for the day.

If you want to take it a little easier you can cut out the third hike and take a break while the rest of the group goes on this section. Since the hikes are all “out and back” you can cut any of the hikes short and return to the parking area if you are getting tired. Plan on 4 hours for all the hikes—starting for home around 2pm.

sweet creek 4

Location and Time

Meet at Dune Information Center in Reedsport at 9:00. We will caravan from there.

Directions: From Coos Bay Visitor Center in downtown Coos Bay travel 26.6 miles N on Hwy 101. Visitor center is on left directly opposite the turnoff for Hwy 38. We will leave from the Dune Information Center at 9:00 and reach the Sweet Creek Falls trail head at 10:30. Some gravel roads and deep pot holes are on our route but we will go easy.

Registration Required. Register here

Dellenback Dunes Trail, Saturday, October 16

Dellenback Dunes Trail, Saturday, October 16

This hike is limited to about 15 people.

Requires Registration–Registration Form

The dunes can be incredible at any time of the year, but they are easier to hike after some rain, so I hope we get some by the time we do this hike.

This will be a hike from the trailhead to the beach and back (about 5 miles). It mainly takes us across the dunes, then through a forested area, and then to the beach. We can spend a little time on the beach before returning the way we came.

In the past, part of the group has hiked south on the beach and then along ten mile creek, looping back to the main trail. If someone volunteers to lead that hike (which is about 9 miles). we will offer that as an option. Email hikes@coostrails.com if you wish to volunteer.

Requires Registration–Registration Form

Location and Time

We will meet at the Dellenback Dunes Trail head at 10:00.

Directions:  From Coos Bay Visitor Center, travel north on Hwy. 101 – 15.4 miles to John Dellenback Dunes Trail on left next. Note that there is a $5.00 day use fee unless you have a recreation pass. They can be purchased online at this link. There may not be a way to purchase it at the trailhead itself.

Tahkenitch Dunes Hike, September 26 (Sunday)

Tahkenitch Dunes Hike, September 26 (Sunday)

Requires Registration. Sign up here.

Both a short and a long hike will be offered.

Experience the amazing diversity of the Oregon coast range on either of these two hikes.

You can travel out along the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail as it winds through the woods to where Tahkenitch Creek empties onto the beach and return along the same trail for a 3.5 mile trip out and back.  Participants will return to the parking area on their own.  This hike should last 2.5—3 hours.

or

Take a longer more vigorous hike–a 6 mile loop combining the Tahkenitch Dune trail and the Threemile Lake trail.  We will all hike together on the Tahkenitch Dune Trail to the beach then hike north along the beach then back through the dunes past the beautiful and remote Threemile lake then through a mature and mossy Spruce forest then back to the parking lot.

The long  hike is rated difficult (mainly due to sand) and should last 4 hours.

Bring lunch, plenty of water and dress in layers for hot and sunny to cold, foggy and windy weather.

Location and Time

Meet at 9:30 at the Day Use Parking Lot

Directions:  8 miles North of Reedsport on your left , Mile post marker 204 on Hwy 101.

This is a Forest Service day  use area.  A $5 day use fee per vehicle or appropriate pass is required for parking at this trailhead. You can purchase a pass online HERE.

Hike Guidelines

  1. Hike groups will be limited to about 15 people.
  2. You will be asked to complete a registration form so that we can control the number.
  3. Hikers will be asked to maintain social distance on the trail
  4. Hikers will be asked to have face covering (like a bandana) that can be pulled up at tight spots on the trail
  5. Hikers should step off the trail to let others pass