Blacklock Point - Floras Lake Hike

Blacklock Point is one of the most beautiful spots on the coast, but few are willing to make the hike to see it. The view to the south is of Cape Blanco and the beam from the lighthouse is clearly visible. To the north is a view of the spectacular yellow cliffs (access to the beach below the cliffs is from the north end near Floras Lake and should only be hiked at low tide). The hike to Floras Lake offers access to the beach and the southern edge of Floras Lake. The Blacklock Point - Floras Lake hike is unlike many of those on the Oregon coast in that it is nearly flat and can be used by mountain bikes and equestrians. The hike starts at a small parking area near a local airport and heads to scenic viewpoints along cliffs, then north to the beaches along Floras Lake. A loop to both Blacklock Point and Floras Lake is a 10 mile (16 km) round trip. The hike to Blacklock Point is about a 4 mile (6.5 km) round trip. There are at least two unofficial camping spots ... more

Oregon Coast Trail - Bandon to Port Orford

Bandon offers hiking along the beach. For those traveling along the Oregon Coast Trail, this area offers a few special challenges. Most of the hiking is along the beach and four rivers must be crossed. Most of these rivers are impassible at high tide, or during the rainy season. High water in these rivers can stretch into early summer depending on how wet the spring has been.

Starting out a Bullards Beach State Park, which is just north of Bandon, head out to US Route 101 and cross the Coquille River on the drawbridge. This bridge is especially hazardous, as it does not have a sidewalk. After crossing the bridge, bear right and hike along the Bandon Marsh Bird Sanctuary, to 1st street through Old Town Bandon, and back along to the beach along the south jetty of the Coquille River.

After reaching the beach, it is mostly beach walking until just north of Port Orford. The next rivers are Four Mile Creek and New River and these can only be crossed at low tide. Additionally, there is no camping along the beach from March 15th to September 15.

South of New River is Floras Lake Park and camping is available. Continuing south, finding the next part of the trial is tricky. At the end of the lake, the trail leaves the beach. Missing this turn can leave the hiker trapped further south along the beach as it disappears into the cliffs. Look for a trail that is lined with logs (see photo above). There is a marker further up into the woods. It is possible to cut up into this trail further down the beach.

After entering the trail, take the first right and hike parallel to the beach. There are a few unofficial campsites in the woods.

After a couple of miles, the hiker is greeted by a view at Blacklock Point of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse to the south. Follow a trail south to the beach and cross the Sixes River at low tide. This may be the easiest of the rivers to cross.

Hike up to Cape Blanco. There is a nice State Park campground at Cape Blanco. From the cape, head down to the beach and cross the Elk River. South of Cape Blanco, enter Tseriadun State Recreation Site. The Site is on the south shore of Garrison Lake just north of Port Orford Heads - the cape further south. Hike into Port Orford via 12th street to Arizona Street to 9th onto US Route 101.

The award winning Walt Schroeder has written a mile by mile guide of the southern portion of this trail and points south. Download the PDF here.

More information is available at the visitor centers along the coast and through the Oregon State Parks website.