SOUTH OREGON COAST 75 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM Descend from a bluff atop the Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor to a quiet stretch of Pacific Ocean shoreline along the 3.8-mile (6.1-km) Cape Sebastian trail. The little-trafficked trail passes through a dense forest of Sitka spruce before offering up-close views of the surf. Just outside of Brookings, park at Alfred A. Loeb State Park for the River View Trail, a mostly flat path that passes through a forest of myrtlewood, before syncing up with the Redwood Nature Trail — which heads through a grove of redwoods that range from 300 to 800 years old. Together the trails total 3.3 miles (5.3 km). WATER FUN There are five federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the southernmost part of the Oregon Coast, all within 60 miles (97 km) of each other — as well as lakes and sloughs — making the South Coast a paradise for paddlers of all stripes. Start with a low-key paddle in Eel Lake at William M. Tugman State Park near Winchester Bay. After putting in from a new accessible kayak launch, you might spy eagles, ospreys and other animals nearby as you enjoy the peaceful lake. Just outside Coos Bay, the 4,800acre (1,942.5-ha) South Slough Reserve welcomes paddlers with tidal and freshwater wetlands, riparian forests, and other habitats that host majestic great blue herons and bald eagles. Local outfitter South Coast Tours leads tours around South Slough Reserve, as well as ocean and inland paddling at several destinations along the South Coast. Steady winds in summer and fall make the freshwater Floras Lake — located a dune’s length from the Pacific Ocean near Langlois — a choice windsurfing and kiteboarding destination on the South Coast. Floras Lake Windsports provides lessons and gear rentals, as well as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Pistol River State Park, south of Gold Beach, is another windsurfing hot spot. ARTS & CULTURE PUBLIC ART Although Reedsport is best known as a gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the city also has an artistic edge. Dotted along the main street, you’ll see expertly carved sculptures of sea creatures and more made from coastal evergreen logs. Deemed the West Coast capital of chain-saw carving, the town fills with professional carvers every Father’s Day weekend in June to compete at the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship. In downtown Coos Bay, you’ll find the only artistic tribute to an Oregon athlete on the Coast’s art trail. Three vibrant murals honor the grit and spirit of international long-distance running icon Steve Prefontaine. For art that makes a difference, check out Cosmo the Tufted Puffin at Coquille Point and Finnian the Tiger Rockfish at the Port of Bandon. Both were created
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