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Bicycling
The first part of the southern Oregon coast cycling trip - Reedsport to Coos Bay / North Bend.
Reedsport is the beginning of the bicycling trip through the Oregon South Coast. Bicyclists entering this area have either been bicycling along route 101, or, less commonly, come down through Route 38.
At the southern end of this section, the bicyclist will have to transverse the Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge. This bridge is a very pretty, offers a nice view of Coos Bay, and is just under a mile bridge in length. Unfortunately, the historic bridge is narrow and does not offer a bike path. Cyclists are required to walk across the bridge. North Bend and Coos Bay are located immediately south of the bridge and they are the largest cities along the coast. This area offers the typical challenge of city traffic to bicyclists.
Camping
When selecting a campground along this route, be forewarned that many of the campgrounds are oriented towards ATV's. Many of the ATV campgrounds are essentially parking lots which is fine for an RV, but less than ideal for a tent. ATV campgrounds can be noisy because of the engines.
Suggested campgrounds include: Umpqua River Lighthouse State Park, Bluebill Campground, Eel Creek Campground, and William M. Tugman State Park. Spinreel Campground has tent campsites but is oriented towards ATV's.
Hotels
Hotels are located in Reedsport, Winchester, and just before the Coos Bay Bridge. Coos Bay / North Bend has perhaps the largest selection of hotels along the coast.
Side Trips
The Umpqua Discovery Center is located less than a mile (1.5 km) from the Dunes Information Center and is an easy short cycle trip through town.
A bit further, is the Dean Creek Elk Viewing area. Located about 3 miles (5 km) east on Route 38, the site offers a great chance to see a herd of Elk. Usually, the best time to see them is when it is a bit cooler and they are sometimes nowhere to be seen during the middle of the day.
If you are serious about seeing the Oregon Dunes, the best way is to rent an ATV. While it is possible to hike portions of the dunes, they are so massive and difficult to walk in, that it is difficult to hike and see much of it.
Bluebill Campground
Bluebill Campground has 18 sites available for tents, cars, RVs, and trailers. Pit toilets and drinking water are available. The campground is a short distance from the beach and the Pacific Ocean / Oregon Coast in shorepine, waxmyrtle and huckleberry near Bluebill Lake. Bluebill Trail is a 1.25 mile hike around the Lake. While nearby campgrounds are oriented towards ATV activities, Bluebill Campground is located in the dunes area that is closed to motor vehicles ... more
Eel Creek Campground
Eel Creek Campground has 52 campsites for tents and RV's (no hookups). Water, flush toilets and tables are provided. Some of the campsites are located on the dunes offering a spectacular view. The campground does not allow ATV's or OHV's, so it is peaceful and serene.
The John Dellenback Trail travels through the south loop of the campground and allows an easy hike to the biggest dunes in the area with views of the Oregon Coast 2 miles away.
Eel Creek Campground is located on the west side of route 101, near Lakeside at mile marker 222. Reservations are recommended during the summer when use can be heavy.
Eel Lake is located nearby, on the east side of route 101 and it is a perfect lake for a bass boat and fishing. There are largemouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, steelhead and coho salmon (all coho must be released). There is a fully-accessible fishing dock in the day use area in nearby Tugman State Park.
Eel Creek Campground is located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area.
877-444-6777
Lakeside, OR
Umpqua Discovery Center
The Umpqua Discovery Center is an educational and cultural museum for all ages making active, innovative contributions to preserving the "Tidewater Community" experience. Interactive exhibits and programs illustrate how land, water and people have shaped each other over time.
Phone: (541) 271-4816
View Larger Map
409 Riverfront Way
Reedsport, OR
Umpqua River Lighthouse State Park
Umpqua River Lighthouse State Park campground and day use area is centered around the fresh water Lake Marie. Located less than a mile from Salmon Harbor, southwest of Winchester Bay, the campground has 20 full hookup RV sites (maximum 45 feet), and 24 tent campsites, two log cabins, and 8 yurts. Six of the yurts are deluxe and offer a restroom, kitchens, TV/VCR and beds. The Umpqua River Lighthouse State Park is located near the center of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The Umpqua River Lighthouse is nearby. Reservations are available online. Starting in January, 2012, one deluxe yurt will be pet friendly. The pet fee is $10 per night. Call 800-452-5687 for reservations. The campground is open all year.
The campground and day use area are next to Lake Marie. The lake is open to canoeing (no motors) and fishing. There is a small, sandy beach for swimmers. A one-mile nature trail circles the lake.
Winchester Bay, OR
Winchester Bay, OR
William M. Tugman State Park
William M. Tugman State Park offers 94 campsites with electric and water hookups, 16 yurts, hot showers and flush toilets. There is also a hiker / biker camp and a RV dump station. The campground is located next to Eel Lake, which offers fishing, swimming, canoeing, sailing and boating. There is a hiking trail around the south end of the lake. Visitors may see osprey, crane, eagle, deer and other forest wildlife whle strolling along the stands of spruce, cedar, fir and alder. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation are is about a mile away.
Unlike many of the parks in the area, this one is not centered on activities in the Oregon Dunes and the use of ATVs are not allowed.
William M. Tugman State Park is located next to Eel Lake and it is perfect for a bass boat and fishing. There are largemouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, steelhead and coho salmon (all coho must be released). There is a fully-accessible fishing dock and a boat ramp in the day use area.
Download a map of the park or a brochure. Reservations are available online.
