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Southern Oregon Coast Hiking Trails
You will discover that Gold Beach, Oregon is a hiker's paradise offering dozens
of scenic hiking trails through the beautiful southern Oregon coast,
rivers, and wilderness areas. The scenery - whether sandy beach, rocky
outcroppings, green meadows teaming with flowers, old growth or
redwoods, clear lakes, rushing rivers, rainforest, or rugged river
canyons - is awe inspiring and uniquely Southern Oregon.
With many hikes to choose from ranging from easiest to more difficult,
short or miles long - you're sure to find one that suits you! Trail
guides and maps for the Coast Trail, Rogue and Illinois River trails
and others are available at the Gold Beach Visitors Center which is
just a short distance from Turtle Rock Resort, and also at the Gold
Beach Ranger District Office.
One of the most enjoyable and easily accessible hikes in Gold Beach is
simply walking on the beach, and the RV sites and vacation cottages at
Turtle Rock Resort are just steps from miles of sandy Oregon
beach complete with craggy outcroppings, unique driftwood, marine life
and fabulous views.
While we've listed several local favorite Gold Beach-area hikes below,
you'll find information about many more at the web site of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Frances Shrader Old Growth Trail
This trail is an excellent outdoor learning experience and has some of
the Northwest's largest hardwoods and stately old growth Douglas fir
trees on the one-mile loop trail. The virgin forest here is dense, lush
and green. Several of the old trees show fire scars from flames which
burned the area many years ago, but the trees' thick bark protected
them from serious harm. In all, more than 22 species of trees, plants,
and shrubs can be seen along this trail. The trail has a gentle slope
suitable for all ages with two benches and two picnic tables tucked
along it's length.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
1,100 Feet
Length:
1.5 Miles One Way
Difficulty:
Easiest
Directions:
From Gold Beach take Jerry's Flat Road (County road 595,
which turns into Forest Service road 33) east to Lobster Creek. Turn
right on Forest Service road 090 for 2 miles to the trailhead on the
left side of the road.
Myrtle Tree Trail
This very short trail of 1/4-mile leads one through a beautiful myrtle
grove that is believed to contain the oldest and largest myrtle tree
known to exist on Earth. This tree is 88 feet tall, 42 feet in
circumference at the base, and has a canopy that spreads 70 feet.
Experts estimate that the upper branches are about 200 years old, the
trunk is about 400 years old, and the root system age is unknown. The
trunk of this tree is hollowed out from repeated fires over the
centuries. Red alder, big-leaf maple, tanoak, and Douglas-fir are also
found in the surounding forest.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
200 Feet
Length:
.25 Miles One Way
Difficulty:
Easiest to More Difficult
Directions:
From Gold Beach, take Jerry's Flat Road (County Road 595,
turns into Forest Service Road 33) east to Lobster Creek Bridge,
approximately 10 miles. Turn left on Forest Service road 3310, cross
the bridge over the Lower Rogue Wild and Scenic River and take the
first right on Silver Creek Road, Forest Service road 3533. Proceed
0.25 miles to the trailhead and park at a small turnout on the right.
Illinois River Trail
One of the best hikes in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest!
Spectacular wildflowers, old-growth trees, rugged and steep river
canyons and a wide variety of wildlife are just a few of the natural
treasures you'll find on the Illinois River Trail. Fishing can be quite
good at times, especially in late fall or early winter.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
200 Feet to 3,747 Feet
Length:
28 Miles One Way (shorter hikes possible)
Difficulty:
Easiest to Most Difficult
Directions:
From Gold Beach, take Jerry's Flat Road (County road 595
which turns into Forest Service road 33) up river almost to Agness.
Turn right on Oak Flat Road (County road 450) just after cross the
bridge over the Illinois Wild and Scenic River and follow to trailhead
(left side) on the backside of Oak Flat.
Lower Rogue River Trail
The trail offers a scenic trek through one of Oregon's majestic rain
forests. Wildlife is abundant. Possible animal sightings include, black
bear, deer, and raccoons. The grade is gentle along most of the trail,
with a few moderate slopes. The trail crosses a series of creeks,
including a scenic waterfall at Auberry Creek. It also goes through
Adams Prairie, site of an old Curry County homestead and school.
Vegetation along the trail is rich and varied. Old growth Douglas fir
over 500 years old can be seen, as well as dozens of varieties
of wildflowers.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
300 Feet
Length:
12.8 Miles
Difficulty:
Easiest to More Difficult
Directions: West
Trailhead: From Gold Beach take Jerry's Flat Road (County road 595,
which becomes Forest Service road 33) approximately 10 miles to the
Lobster Creek Bridge. Cross the bridge and take the first right on
Forest Service road 3533. Continue to Forest Service road 340 and follow
signs to the trailhead. East Trailhead: from Gold Beach take Jerry's
Flat Road (County road 595, which becomes Forest Service road 33) to
Agness. Turn west on the old Agness Road (County road 375) and drive
past the old Agness Post Office to the trailhead at the Community
Building.
Pine Grove Trail
Climbs five miles, from 600 feet to 2,700 feet elevation. Follows the
divide between the Lower Rogue Wild and Scenic River and Fox
Creek/Lawson Creek. There is a pine grove midway along the trail that
offers a pretty view of old growth in a meadow setting. This is fairly
easy trail with good views of the Illinois Wild and Scenic River canyon.
It is recommended to start your hike from the upper south end, following
the trail down to the north end on the Illinois Wild and Scenic
River.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
2,700 Feet at start
Length:
7 Miles
Difficulty:
Easiest to More Difficult
Directions:
From Gold Beach take Jerry's Flat Road (County road 595, Forest Service
road 33) up river about 27 miles to the Illinois River bridge. Trail
access directly off road. South - Take Jerry's Flat Road east about 3
miles past Quosatana Campground to the junction of Forest Service road
3318. Follow to spur road 120 and trailhead.
Southard Lake Trail
This short easy trail leads to a small clear lake. The lake is
approximately 0.5 acre with an average depth of 3 feet. The lake is a
good location for a picnic, affording the peace and quiet of a forest
setting. Opportunities include botanical observation, day hiking,
wildlife observation, berry picking and solitude.
Season:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Elevation: 2,400 Feet
Length: .5 Mile
Difficulty: Easiest
Directions: From Gold Beach, take
Jerry's Flat Road (County road 595, which becomes Forest Service road 33)
approximately 10 miles to Lobster Creek. Stay on Forest Service road 33
approximately 39.3 miles to Forest Service road 3340 (Sawtooth Foster Road).
Follow Forest Service road 3340 about 1.3 miles to the trailhead.
Upper Rogue River Trail
There are many picturesque vistas including churning whitewater flowing
through rock gorges with nearly vertical walls, towering cliffs and
majestic stands of large Douglas-Fir and Cedar. The Rogue River supports
an interesting and diversified wildlife population including black bear,
river otter, deer, raccoon, osprey, bald eagle and rattlesnake. Expect
to see numerous rafting parties on the river and camping on the sandy
beaches. Below Blossom Bar, jet boats are allowed for the private and
commercial lodges, fishing and for tour boats.
Season: Year Round
Elevation: Varies, parallel to the river
Length: 42 miles
Difficulty: Easiest
Directions: From Gold Beach: Take Jerry's Flat Road (County road 595,
which becomes Forest Service road 33) about 30 miles through Agness.
Turn right onto the Illahe Road (County road 373), continue past Illahe Campground, and Foster Bar to a
sharp right turn for the access road to Big Bend.
Oregon Redwoods Trail 1106
See majestic old-growth Redwood in the Chetco Ranger District which
represent the only coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) found in the
Pacific Northwest Region, located at the limit of their northern range.
This trail is designated "barrier free", and is wheelchair-accessible
with a wide travel way, acceptable grades and crushed aggregate tread
surfacing. A short wooden deck provides access to the inside of a hollowed redwood tree.
Season: Year Round
Elevation: 1,020 Feet
Length: .8 Miles One Way (complete loop)
Difficulty: Easiest for hikers, More Difficult to Most Difficult for wheelchairs
Directions: The trail is located about 11 miles southeast of Brookings,
Oregon. From Highway 101 take County road 896, (Winchuck Road), to
Forest Service road 1101. The trailhead is located at the end of the 1101 road.
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