South Slough Trails Hike, Saturday, April 3, March 31

Note: Registration Required. We will meet at the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve Interpretive Center parking lot at 9:30 AM. Then our hike leaders will take us on a series of trails through the reserve, including the Middle Creek trail, the Hidden Creek Trail, the Tunnel Trail, and the Sloughside trail. Short hikers can return to the Interpretive Center via the Railroad Trail and the Middle Creek Trail. Those wanting a longer hike can take the North Creek Trail back to the Interpretive Center. Please note that there are no dogs allowed on the North Creek Trail, so if you are bringing your pet, you may be limited to a shorter hike. NOTE: On the day of the hike, I may opt to reverse the route, starting down the North Creek Trail. Hikers wanting to explore more may want to complete the day with some hikes on the South Reserve Trails. The restrooms at the Interpretive Center have been closed on the weekends. New Hike Guidelines: Hike groups will be limited to 15 people. You will be asked to complete a registration form so that we can control the number. Hikers will be asked to maintain social distance (as much as 10-12 feet) on the trail. Hikers will be asked to have face covering (like a bandana) that can be pulled up at tight spots on the trail. Hikers should step off the trail to let others pass. Volunteers needed to help lead hikes! The 15 person limit will be strictly adhered to unless I have a volunteer to lead part of the group. If you want to volunteer, send an email to hikes@coostrails.com The hike isn’t difficult to lead, and I can take anyone who volunteers on a ‘pre-hike’ between now and the hike date. We mainly need to break into smaller groups because of locations where we tend to gather. In this case, the second group might reverse the direction of the first group. Location and Time: We will meet at the interpretive center parking lot at 9:30 AM on Saturday, April 3. Driving Directions: From the North–From Hwy 101 in downtown Coos Bay follow the signs about 9 miles to Charleston. Shortly after the Charleston drawbridge, take a left on Seven Devils Road. Follow Seven Devils for 4.1 miles to the Interpretive Center. From Bandon (and South): Follow 101 North to West Beaver Hill Road (9 miles North of Bandon). Turn left on W. Beaver Hill, toward Charleston. Follow W. Beaver Hill for 6.1 miles until it becomes Seven Devils Road. Follow Seven Devils for 2.2 miles to the Interpretive Center. From Coquille: Take 42W toward Coos Bay for 4.5 miles to N. Bank Road. Take a left on N. Bank and follow it 4.3 miles to W. Beaver Hill Road. W. Beaver Hill Rd. will cross 101 (with a right turn followed quickly by a left turn) in 2.5 miles. Follow W. Beaver Hill road 6.1 miles until it becomes Seven Devils. Follow Seven Devils for 2.2 more miles to the Interpretive Center.