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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
Start out at the parking lot and the trailhead is to the left of the airport entrance (Note: The airport is in active use by private planes - do not trespass). Take the trail to the first split which is unmarked. Left is to Blacklock Point. The right leads diagonally to Floras Lake. To take the loop, head left to Blacklock Point. Prior to Blacklock Point is another split - bear left to Blacklock Point and enjoy the view. At Blacklock Point there is an unofficial camping spot. Return to the split and head north towards Floras Lake. Along the route, there is one area where the trail heads downhill to a second unofficial camping spot, crosses a creek, then back up the hill. After the creek, there is a split. Turn left to hike along the beach, or stay with the trail. If hiking along the beach, the return trail is located at the southern edge of Floras Lake. If remaining on the trail, it will run into the diagonal. Turn left to Floras Lake. At Floras Lake, return back to the diagonal towards the trail head. Prior to the trail head, the trail reaches the end of the airport runway. Do not hike on the runway, but stay along the end and the trail continues on the other side. At the split, return to the trail head.
Note that the trails are old roads and can be quite muddy during the rainy season, but are quite dry most of the summer and early fall.
It is possible to hike from Blacklock Point to Cape Blanco, but the Sixes River must be forded to do so which is possible at low tide, late in the summer during the dry season.
To get to the trail head: Drive along Route 101 to near mile post 295, north of Port Orford and south of Bandon / Langolis. Turn west on Airport Road, which is across from the high school. The parking lot is about 3 miles at the end of the public road.
Downloadable GPX file from the parking lot, west to Blacklock Point, north to Floras Lake, then returning to the parking lot. Downloadable KML file for Google Earth of this day hike.
