Saturday, February 23, 2019 – The Siltcoos Lake trail makes a 4 mile loop through a coastal forest of Sitka Spruce, Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir to the shores of the largest freshwater lake on the Oregon coast.  It is a rolling trail but has a few steep places in it. Paddlers might want to use this opportunity to check out the Siltcoos River Trail. Bring plenty of water, lunch and dress appropriately for the weather. If it is raining this trail can be a little muddy in places, so waterproof boots are recommended. Longer Hike – While we are in the neighborhood we thought we would cross the highway and  take the Waxmyrtle trail out to the beach and back.  This is an additional 3 mile round trip. This is a National Forest Service day use area .  A $5 day use fee per vehicle or appropriate pass is required for parking at this trailhead. See the note on carpooling below. Some people may want to consolidate in Reedsport so that we can share passes. Location and Time – Meet at 10:00 at trailhead parking lot. Directions to Siltcoos Lake Trail: Travel on Highway 101 to trailhead parking on East side of highway 7 miles South of Florence near milepost marker 198. Suggested Carpool sites and departure times: • Coos Bay Visitor Center 8:45am; • Coquille Visitor Center 8:15am; • Ray’s in Bandon 8:15am; • OSU Ext.  Myrtle Point 8:00am; • Reedsport Visitor Center 9:15am, (Note–This is a good place to consolidate cars to share day use passes). • Battle Rock Park 7:35am.