Heceta Head and Hobbit Trail Hike, March 22

South Coast Striders – Sunday, March 27, 2022. This hike will provide a few different options, depending on how much difficulty you are prepared for. All options provide great views and interesting woodland vegetation. Long Hikers – The more difficult hike will start at the Heceta Head parking area, and proceed past the old light keeper’s house to the Heceta Head lighthouse. From the lighthouse we’ll climb to a viewpoint ABOVE the lighthouse for a unique view of the light, and then over the mountain to the Hobbit Trail. We’ll take the Hobbit Trail to the beach, and then return over the same route to the parking lot. That will be a distance of about four miles over well maintained trails (though they might be muddy due to recent rains). The difficulty is in the elevation gain (over 500 feet) in both directions. For a shorter hike – Shorter hikers will start out with the long hikers and will proceed to the viewpoint above the lighthouse. This group will then return to the parking area and drive to a turnout about .9 miles North. From there you will proceed down the Hobbit trail to the beach. You will probably run into the ‘long hikers’ along this trail. Each leg of this hike is about a mile, for a total of two miles. Another Option to Lengthen the Hike – Those who wish to lengthen this hike can cross the road and hike the Valley Trail and the China Creek loop. This trail is fairly level and the loop adds about 4 miles to the hike. Both groups should probably pack a lunch (to enjoy either during or after the hikes), and dress for diverse weather conditions. Walking sticks may be helpful for those taking the long hike. Location and Time – We will meet at 9:30 at the Fred Meyer parking lot on the North side of Florence. We should gather near the gas station at the north end of the lot. That way we will have an opportunity to consolidate vehicles. There is a day use fee ($5.00) at the Heceta Head parking lot, and while the parking in other locations (the ‘turnout’ and Washburn SP) is free, the space at the turnout is limited. If you have an annual state parks pass, bring that along. From Tom Orsi: I will be unavailable to lead any hikes for most of April and May. Unless I have volunteers to lead hikes, the hikes will need to be suspended. I can still send out the information, but I need people who will take charge on the trail. Upcoming Hikes – There is a special hiking opportunity on Wednesday, March 30 at Blacklock Point. Find the information on the Coostrails Website. There may be a South Slough hike on April 3. After that, hikes will depend on volunteers to lead.