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Where to go Hiking near
Coos Bay - Charleston
Hiking changes dramatically north and south of Coos Bay.
In the dunes, there are three day-hiking trails: The John Dellenback Trail, Bluebill Lake Trail, and the North Split Hike.
To the south, the shoreline changes dramatically as cliffs rise and the dunes disappear. The most scenic hiking is west of Charleston, through Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks. This is not technically part of the Coast Trail
Oregon Coast Trail - Coos Bay to Bandon
On completing the hike across the Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge, over the bay, the hiker will be entering into the largest area of the coast, the North Bend - Coos Bay metropolitan area. This is a great chance for the hiker to stock up on supplies, and perhaps relax in a local hotel before continuing on the trip. If you are hoping to camp for the night, you will need ... more
The John Dellenback Trail
The John Dellenback Trail is a 5-mile round trip hike, starting at route 101, that climbs the dunes to the sea. The elevation climbs from 100 to 1500 feet. The hike starts out easy enough, with a short trip that travels through the edge of Eel Creek Campground. Then the challenge begins as the "trail" crosses the wide open dunes where the markings are just a few well spaced wooden posts. Hikers need to be careful to keep the posts in mind in order to find their way back to the trailhead. It is best hiked earlier in the morning before the winds pick up.
The trailhead is located near Lakeside, just south of mile marker 222 on Route 101 in the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
North Split Hike - Coos Bay
The North Split Hike is a four mile trail across the dunes, then along the Pacific Ocean. The trail is open to ATV's and four-wheel drive vehicles except during Snowy Plover season (which is usually March 15 to September 15). The wreck of the New Carissa was a major attraction to the area, but it was removed in 2008. But even without the attraction of the wreck, the hike or drive reveals the beauty of the Oregon Dunes and the Pacific Ocean.
To get there, turn west off of Route 101 at the Horsfall Dunes and Beach road sign at Jordan Cove Road. After crossing the train tracks, veer left on the Trans Pacific Lane. Continue about 4 miles to the parking area on the right.
The North Split Hike is just north of Coos Bay.
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Bluebill Lake Trail
Bluebill Lake Trail is an easy 1 & 1/4 mile hike around Bluebill Lake. The forty-acre lake is dry much of the year, but the hike offers ample opportunities to view wetland habitat. The hike is located next to Bluebill Campground.
Directions: From Coos Bay / North Bend, proceed north on route 101 for 1.5 miles. From Reedsport, proceed south for 22 miles. Turn west at the Horsfall Dunes and Beach road sign at Jordan Cove Road and proceed 1 mile, turning right on Transpacific Highway. Travel 100 feet, turning right on Horsfall Beach Road. Travel 1 & 1/2 miles down Horsfall Beach Road to a left turn.
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Sunset Bay State Park
Sunset Bay State Park offers extensive picnic and overnight camping. Located in one of the most scenic areas of the coast, this park features wide sandy beaches and ocean views. Tide pooling at low tide reveals the secrets of the Pacific Ocean.
Sunset Bay State Park is connected to the nearby Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks by a series of hiking trails. The trails travel along the pristine coastal forests and towering cliffs offering ocean views and sights of the Cape Arago Lighthouse.
The park offers 29 full hookup, 34 electrical, 66 tent (maximum site 47 feet); 8 yurts; group tent (2 areas), and a hiker/biker camp.
For information only, call Sunset Bay State Park at (541) 888-4902 or (800) 551-6949. To make reservations, call 1-800-452-5687.
Winchester Trail System
The Winchester Trail System was originally envisioned as a 30 mile system of trails for use by hikers, equestrians and off road ATV's. However, today, the system is limited to 17 miles and is used mostly by mountain bikers and Class III ATVs (off road motorcycles). The trails are dirt with lots of ruts, roots and the terrain is steep, making it perfect for those up to the challenge. The trails are now maintained by volunteers but the signage is not up to date. A still useful, but somewhat out of date trail map is available for download.
This is an active logging area, so look out for trail closures. The gravel roads are not to be used for recreation, except for short distances to connect to the trails.
The trail head is located 12 miles (19 km) south of Coos Bay on US Route 101 at mile marker 251. There is not a parking lot, so park off the side of the road in the gravel just prior to an uphill with a passing lane.
