Out Our  Back Door

UPDATES Summer 2010:
     To the many locals and visitors who continue the enjoyable task of discovering the multitude of outdoor wonders of Oregon’s South Coast region, we say Welcome!
     It’s our hope that you’ll use our handy guidebooks in your explorations, and that’s why we strive to keep them as current as possible. In addition to an updated and expanded version of “Out Our Back Door, Oregon South Coast Driving Tours and Day-Hikes,” we also offer a recently-updated version of our other popular guidebook, “Oregon South Coast Canoe and Kayak Guide.”
     In revising both guidebooks, we revisited nearly all the places discussed to make sure the information and maps are still accurate. We were also fortunate to have help from some very knowledgeable people in nearby Curry County who shared information gleaned from years of hiking and paddling some of the lesser-known places.
     It’s our hope that these comprehensive guidebooks will inspire you to explore (or continue exploring) this often-overlooked corner of the Pacific Northwest.
     Despite our best efforts, though, the inevitable march of time brings changes to the outdoor recreation scene. Most are positive changes, such as new places to go or new trails to hike.
     That’s where this “Updates” page comes in. We can use it to make occasional notes on recent changes or developments. For example, the New Carissa shipwreck on Coos Bay’s North Spit (discussed on page 19 of “Out Our Back Door”) has been completely removed. Even though it was a popular tourist attraction, the state of Oregon deemed it a potential hazard, particularly since it was so close to shore. Officials were worried that people might try to board the shipwreck and get hurt. So, following a successful lawsuit against the ship owners, the state used the settlement money to have the ship removed. Even without the shipwreck to view, however, the North Spit continues to be a popular destination.
     In addition to beach walks, there’s a much-improved (and better marked) trail system for hikers and equestrians, and there are sand roads for those equipped with off-road vehicles. The trails are detailed in the book, “Out Our Back Door,” which also offers a trail map. And on the subject of shipwrecks, several older ones have become visible in the last year, thanks to big storms and shifting sands along the beaches. On the North Spit in the (former) vicinity of the New Carissa, visitors can check out the “bones” of the steam schooner George Olson, which was wrecked in 1944. Farther down the coast, near Bullards Beach State Park, are the remains of the schooner Acme, which went down in 1924.
     In other news, South Slough National Estuarine Sanctuary’s North Trail (page 21) has been completed, with the final link in the form of a footbridge that now allows hikers to make a loop connecting with other South Slough trails. Again, the new edition of “Out Our Back Door” offers information and an excellent map of all South Slough trails.
     Work continues to go slowly on the trail around Eel Lake in William Tugman State Park (page 63). Some downed trees halt most hikers’ progress about 2 miles along, but we remain hopeful that the state will continue work on this excellent and popular trail.
      Among the many popular pastimes discussed in “Out Our Back Door” is the availability of former US Forest Service fire lookout towers and other sites for overnight rentals (page 177). Unfortunately, there was a typo in the web site address for the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. But the good news is there’s a new web site that simplifies the process of reserving vacation rentals on the national forest. To look at all the rentals in the region, go to http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue-siskiyou/recreation/rentals/index.shtml. Once you’ve decided which one to rent, you’ll be directed to www.recreation.gov to fill out the correct forms. As discussed in the guidebook, this is a fantastic experience.
     In other news, interest in the outdoors has spurred a greater participation in the local hiking group called South Coast Striders, which hosts monthly hikes to all sorts of fun places. You can find a link to the group and get a schedule at www.coostrails.com.
     Finally, a word of caution about signage in the back country. Sadly, it’s getting worse. Shrinking budgets for maintenance is the official answer, but vandals, souvenir hunters and target shooters wage a relentless siege. That’s why it’s important to use the mileages and other information in the books.
     And keep your wits about you.

Mystery Map Symbols

     In the 2008 edition of “Out Our Back Door,” sharp-eyed readers may notice some strange-looking icons on five of the maps in the book. (They’re small dots or blocks, accompanied by triangle-shaped darts.) These are printer’s glitches, plain and simple. They don’t affect the accuracy of the maps in any way.

     In closing, we want to encourage questions, comments or updates. Please feel free to contact us via e-mail: westways@verizon.net. Or call Westways Press in Coos Bay at (541)269-5833
 

Here are some other helpful paddling-related links:

Wavecrest  Discoveries offers land and waterway tours.
www.wavecrestdiscoveries.com

You can often also find information at
www.coostrails.com

Contact us if you have any questions:
Westways@verizon.net

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