Eel Lake Hike & Picnic

Tugman State Park. | Photo courtesy from South Coast Striders

The South Coast Striders are hosting a hike with a picnic at Eel Lake (Tugman State Park, 72549 US-101, Lakeside, OR) on Saturday, June 16, beginning at 10 a.m.

This experience can be appropriate for paddlers as well as hikers. There will be a four-mile hike out and back along the Eel Lake Trail.  This is a beautiful and fairly level trail which runs around the south edge of the lake for three miles.

The longer hike (six miles total ) will proceed at a brisker pace out to the end of the trail and back for those who want more of a workout.  Hikers can explore the lakes many inlets and maybe catch a glimpse of osprey,  eagle and deer while walking through forests of spruce, cedar, fir, and alder.

Eel Lake is also a very nice flat water paddle and has a swimming area. Pack a lunch to eat in the picnic area after the hike.

If you are a paddler, you might consider coming early (7:30  a.m.) to paddle on the lake before the wind picks up.   If you time it right you could get in a nice paddle and then go on the hike at 10.

Driving Directions:

From the Visitor Center in downtown Coos Bay drive 18 miles N. on Hwy 101 to Tugman State Park on your right (east side of the highway). Turn in and follow the signs to the day use area at Eel Lake.