CYCLING ON THE OREGON COAST One of the best ways to take in the magnificent landscapes of the Oregon Coast is from the seat of a bicycle. Road biking has long been a popular way to ride the entire length of the Coast thanks to the 370-mile (595.5-km) Oregon Coast Bike Route and an extensive network of bike- and hike-in campsites at state parks throughout the region. Opportunities for one-day adventures include the Three Capes Scenic Loop on the North Coast and the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway down south. Mountain biking is another favorite way to get out and play on the Oregon Coast, thanks to a growing network of trail systems for riders of all levels. Among the most popular is the Whiskey Run in Coos County, with its 32 miles (51 km) of single-track trails that zip through thick evergreen forests. On the North Coast, Klootchy Creek is one of the newest mountain biking areas in Oregon and has trails for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Sign up for the Ride the Dirt Wave events each summer for group rides at these locations and at Wilder and Big Creek trails in Newport. Adventure beckons year-round on Oregon’s rugged coastline, a 363-mile (584-km) stretch of magnificent beaches, wildly racing rivers and centuries-old forests. Natural beauty abounds with any outdoor activity. Anglers can cast in pristine rivers for spring and fall chinook or winter steelhead, while paddlers easily glide through coastal waterways to marvel at eagles, seabirds, migrating whales and other sea creatures. Single-track trails twist and turn through old-growth forest, and mist-draped golf courses with stunning ocean views entice both novices and expert golfers to tee time. Few places on earth rival the beauty and thrill found on the Oregon Coast. That sound you hear in the crashing ocean waves — it’s your sense of adventure calling. Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway Gravel biking has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, and the Oregon Coast is an exceptional place to ride. For an enthralling adventure through ancient woodlands — and past seven waterfalls — don’t miss the Honeyman ride, a 54-mile (87-km) lollipop trail that leads from Honeyman State Park in Florence out into the Siuslaw National Forest and back again. For more information, pick up a copy of Dirty Freehub’s Oregon Coast Gravel Guide, which features illustrations by Brookings artist Spencer Reynolds. Dreaming of cycling on the sand? Your best bet is to rent a fat-tire bike and get exploring. Riding alongside the mighty Pacific can be a magical experience, and most beaches on the Oregon Coast welcome nonmotorized bikes outside of the March 15 to September 15 western snowy plover nesting season. For a beautiful, beachy ride, catch a tailwind at Seven Devils State Recreation Site north of Bandon and head south along the edge of the dunes to see a jetty, a lighthouse and offshore sea stacks, stopping in Bandon’s cute downtown for refreshments. WILD RIVERS COAST ALLIANCE 15 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
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