This hike is actually a Friends of the Umpqua hike, but we will piggyback on it. It is one that hasn’t been on our schedule, and probably should be.

The hike will be a seven mile hike, starting on the Sullivan Gulch horse trail and looping through coastal forests, high ridges with coastal views, some beach walking, the Elk River, and, of course, the Cape itself.

The Friends of the Umpqua members will be leaving Roseburg at about 8:00, so we can expect them at the trailhead at 10:30. Parking is limited at the trailhead, so we should park about 1/4 mile away at a larger lot. We can meet there at 10:15, complete the signups, and then walk to the trailhead.

To get to the parking area, you will follow Highway 101 South to the turn-off for Cape Blanco (about 22 miles south of Bandon). Turn right on Cape Blanco Road, and follow that for 3.2 miles. Shortly after the ‘entering the park’ sign there is a short road on the right that takes you into a parking area. We’ll meet there.

Suggested Carpool Sites and Departure Times

• Bay Area Visitor Center–9:00
• Rays in Bandon–8:30
• Coquille Visitor Center–9:00
• Battle Rock Park Visitor Center 10:00

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.

Participants are encouraged to visit the Coos History Museum (in Coos Bay) after the 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.

Suggested carpool sites & departure times:

• Coos Bay Visitor Center—9:15,
• Coquille Visitor Center—8:45,
• Ray’s in Bandon—8:45,
• Dune Information Center in Reedsport—8:45