North Spit Hike

North Spit at Coos Bay. | Photo by Greg Shine, BLM

The South Coast Striders invite the public to join them on a hike to Coos Bay's North Spit. This, of course, is the intended location of the proposed Jordan Cove LNG export terminal that Oregon Shores has been fighting for the past decade, giving this outdoor excursion and unusual political relevance.  Plan to meet at 10 a.m. at the BLM Boat Ramp (97420 Trans Pacific Ln, Coos Bay). Bring lunch and plenty of water. Don't forget your sunscreen or other sun protection, and walking sticks are recommended.

This North Spit is the southernmost end of a series of sand dunes extending along the Oregon coastline from Florence to Coos Bay. The ever-changing habitat is home to a wide variety of mammals and birds, including some threatened and endangered species. Strolling along the beach, visitors may glimpse an osprey diving for fish or whales spouting offshore. 

There are lots of trails out on the North Spit.  On this hike the Striders will walk a little less than five miles out along the spit, through coastal forests, with views of the bay, until reaching a pair of bunkers overlooking the bay.

The return will be along the shoreline, which provides good views of North Bend. Be aware that there will be plenty of loose sand on this walk, so you need to be prepared for that.

This hike is rated as moderate to difficult (because of loose sand...there's very little elevation gain). Plan on 3-3.5 hours to complete the trip.

Directions – From North Bend, drive north across the McCullough Bridge. Turn left (west) at the Horsfall Dune Beach sign. Follow the TransPacific Parkway 4 miles to the BLM boat ramp.

Suggested Carpool Sites and Departure times:

• Coquille Visitor Center—9:00 a.m.,
• Ray’s in Bandon—9:00 a.m.,
• Dunes Information Center in Reedsport—9:10 a.m.,
• Battle Rock Park Visitor Center—8:15 a.m.