South Coast Shopper

62706 Hwy 101 S

P.O. Box 1440

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Out Our Back Door

Spectacle of the Salmon

09/28/2023
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PHOTO CAPTION: An angler tries her luck in a local stream.

The season's first rain was met with the usual mix of relief and anxiety. Did you get your firewood in? What about the hay, did you get it into the barn? How about that painting you wanted to do? And the garden – I hope you did something about the tomatoes. This rain will turn them mushy.
Meantime the rain accelerated what appears to be a decent salmon season. They're really coming in from the ocean now! I always get a kick out of watching the sportfishing fleet arrive. It all starts with one or two tentative guys out there testing the waters. Other guys see them. At first there's no fish. Then maybe one or two . . .and then it's on! The boat ramp parking lots fill up and the flotilla deploys . . .
If you know how to fish, I'll spare you tips and tricks and hooks and lure details, deferring to more knowledgeable sources for this season's recommendations. Local bait shops are excellent fonts of information.
The action slows. The season's short. Then it's over as quickly as it began. The waterways lay flat and unruffled. The boat ramps sit empty. By now some anglers are already thinking about what's next – steelhead!
Another seasonal treat is albacore tuna. The rewards are similar to salmon, whether fresh, vac-sealed and frozen, or brined and smoked, preferably with alder for the salmon and cherrywood for the albacore.
If you're not into angling but still want to observe the spectacle of salmon returning to spawn, a visit to one of our local hatcheries is a possible option. Best of all, some of them, such as the Millicoma Interpretive Center and Hatchery on the West Fork of the Millicoma River near Allegany, are an adventure just getting to, including a half-dozen miles on gravel. Along the way you'll experience beautiful woodlands, lots of solitude and of course the river, in which you might luck out and witness a salmon leaping. A spectacle indeed.
Getting There
From the "Y" intersection at the south end of Coos Bay, follow signs to Coos River, Allegany. Cross Isthmus Slough Bridge and bear north for just under 1 mile to a "T" intersection. Turn right (E) on Coos River Rd., following signs to Catching Slough, Allegany, and Golden and Silver Falls State Park. The road curves around the Eastside district, offering panoramas of the bay to the north. Pass busy Somar shipyards and cross Catching Slough Bridge, still heading along the river.
A couple of miles up is green-steel span of Chandler Bridge. Cross it, following signs to Allegany and Millicoma Interpretive Center. The road's on the north side of the river now, passing fields showing hints of green from recent rains. Next landmark is Doris Place Boat Ramp.
The river has forked by now, and we're following the Millicoma River. Pass Rooke Higgins Boat Ramp. After a dozen or so miles is Allegany. Turn left (NW) on West Fork Rd., following signs to Millicoma Interpretive Center. The paved road turns to gravel about 5.3 miles up; bear right.
The road has crawled up and away from the river through here, but you'll spot it again after a bit. There are a couple of pullouts where you can stop and study the water, and maybe even spot a salmon thrashing around.
The hatchery is another 3 miles, set in a storybook setting of huge trees and dense foliage, with adjacent buildings and an assortment of holding pens, enclosures, pipes, totes, buckets, and nets. Your visit might coincide with feeding or other activities by volunteers.
Next door is a former Girl Scout Camp, which has also been used through the years for functions and camping.
All in all, an interesting outing, not far "out our back door."

(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of guidebooks available at bookstores and the Coos Bay Visitor Center.)
Down a Dreamy River
Tom Baake
09/21/2023
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PHOTO CAPTION: A kayaker approaches the ramp that's part of the high-water portage along Siltcoos River.

At 3,160 acres, Siltcoos Lake is largest of the many freshwater lakes in the Oregon Dunes that tretch from just north of the Coos Bay area to a couple of miles north of Florence.
In addition to being a popular destination for anglers, sailboaters like Siltcoos Lake because it's large enough to get into some decent sailing and tacking.
What's not so well known is its three-mile outlet to the sea, Siltcoos River, the first officially designated canoe and kayak trail on the South Coast. It's also navigable for a mile or so with conventional small motorized boats.
There are a couple of places along the way to put in or take out kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards (SUP), and it's possible to paddle all the way to the ocean. Or to put it more aptly, to be transported gently down this dreamy river as it slips through forests, jungly overgrowth, tall dunes, and a wide estuary that open into the sea.
The current is steady but gentle, with no rapids or whitewater – nor tidal influence -- but save some energy for the paddle back upstream. There are sandy spots or quiet eddies where you can stop paddling and rest for a bit, and perhaps glimpse of some wildlife.
So pick out one of these golden autumn days and pack up your kayaks for a memorable trip down one of the gems of the region – beautiful Siltcoos River.
Getting There
Dunes City and the community of Westlake are 6 miles south of Florence on US 101 (or 15 miles north of Reedsport on US 101). Take the Siltcoos Lake/Westlake area exit of f US 101 and follow Pacific Ave. to a Lane County Parks Dept. boat ramp at the edge of Siltcoos Lake. (If you haven't brought your own vessel, there's a rental place along Pacific Ave., with direct access to the river.)
If launching from the lake, continue east on Pacific Ave. to the just-mentioned Lane County boat ramp. A day-use fee is required. An interpretive sign has a map and more information. From the boat ramp, paddle south 0.5 mile past docks and marinas to the river entrance, marked by a small sign.
The river slips under a bridge and goes by docks and homes. Around a few bends is US Forest Service Tyee campground, and in a few more turns is the US 101 bridge that crosses Siltcoos River.
The river flows silently westward, with only a minimal amount of paddling needed, mostly to steer.
About halfway along an impound dam maintains lake levels in summer. It's open now to allow fish passage, but when it's closed, paddlers use an adjacent portage ramp.
The riverbank is lined for much of the way with tall old trees. Some inevitably fall down across the river, but passages are soon cut through by anglers and boaters.
A silent approach might reward you with wildlife sightings, such as playful river otters.
With the sound and smell of the Pacific Ocean growing stronger, the river passes USFS
Lodgepole Day-Use area, (another potential put in/take out), with restrooms and picnic tables. A bit beyond are USFS Driftwood, Waxmyrtle and Lagoon campgrounds, with the river making a few more mighty meanders before entering the wide estuary. Use caution at the mouth of the river, because there are cross-currents and occasional clashes of small incoming and outgoing waves.
Areas of the beach are roped off to protect nesting snowy plover from March 15 to Sept. 15, but since we're in the "beach open" time of year, that isn't an issue, and you're free to get out and roam around. Don't be surprised to see basking sealions or seals. Stay well away from them.
And when it's time to go, get ready to enjoy this mellow river expedition all over again!

(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is co-author of "Oregon South Coast Canoe, Kayak and SUP Guide," available at book stores and the Coos Bay Visitor Center.)
'Wellness Trail' Offers A Relaxing Respite
Tom Baake
09/14/2023
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PHOTO CAPTION: A hiker admires some of the tall trees on the Bay Area Hospital Employee Wellness Trail.

Even built-up and busy cities like Coos Bay and North Bend have pockets of wild woodlands that are open for public access. A good example is Bay Area Hospital's Employee Wellness Trail, which is available for free public use. It's literally just steps away from streets and parking lots, yet transports you immediately into another world – a world of ferns and colorful foliage and towering timber, with a small seasonal creek running through itl.
Well-built and routinely-maintained trails ramble up and down a couple of small ravines and traverse a nice forested plateau, making a couple of potential loops. At a total of less than 1 mile, the trail system isn't long, but it has enough ups and downs to make a nice workout. Some people jog it; that'll get the old heart pumping, sure enough.
Others add it into a walking regimen that takes in adjacent city streets and sidewalks, and since you can also access the trail from the parking lot at North Bend Medical Center (about which more in a moment), there are all sorts of longer loop possibilities. If nothing else, even if you just step onto it for a few dozen feet, the trail offers a brief getaway from more serious events at the surrounding facilities, should you need a break.
Getting There
The main trailhead is just south of the Bay Area Hospital (BAH) Cancer Center parking lot. A sign identifies the BAH Employee Wellness Trail and requests you use the trail only during daylight hours and in the company of another person.
The trail negotiates the first of many hand-hewn steps that will be encountered. As noted, the immersion into forest is instantaneous. But the footing is firm and the way ahead full of promise as the trail threads a route down through a classic mix of coastal forest foliage – swordfern, salal, huckleberry, salmonberry and rhododendron, among other flora.
Impressive from the get-go are the towering trees, ranging from stately fir to thick hemlock and rough-barked spruce, with a few cedars here and there. Even the alders get into the game, and will soon begin to let loose their spent leaves.
Alas, here too is one of the plant kingdom's most onerous representatives, the troublesome English ivy, undoubtedly a refugee from nearby home landscaping. Fortunately, a lot of native forestland remains intact.
Once on the trail, there are no further directional signs, so I'll provide a suggested turn-by-turn route. After you've become familiar with the trail system, you can have fun figuring out other loops and routes.
0.00 mi – BAH trailhead.
0.02 mi – "T" intersection, turn right (W). The trail negotiates a series of hand-hewn steps as it eases downhill. At the bottom is a currently-dried-out wetland. Also more steps.
0.13 mi – After leveling out at bottom of ravine, doubles back toward E. and climbs gently, encountering more steps.
0.23 mi – Emerges on NE corner of (lower) employee parking lot at North Bend Medical Center. Trail swings left (NE) and goes downhill, including more steps, passing some of the largest trees.
0.26 mi – Bottom of ravine, trail crosses wooden footbridge and immediately swings left (W), then right and heads uphill.
0.29 mi – "Y" intersection. (A left (NW) turn goes back to the parking lot in 0.14 mi.) Go right (NE) as the trail eases uphill and then swings W, leveling out in a nice plateau of tall trees. Stop amidst the more open part of this copse and turn a full 360-degrees around – it's all trees!
0.50 mi – "T" intersection, go right (W). After a brief uphill, the trail heads down more steps.
0.57 mi – Bottom of ravine. Water rushes more robustly in winter but right now it's another gentle grotto. Cross wooden bridge and head up more steps.
0.59 mi – "T" intersection with original intersection. Turn right to return to parking area.
0.61 mi – BAH parking area.
As mentioned, once you've done it a few times you can vary the routes. They're fun in every season, even with all the steps!

(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of guidebooks available at bookstores and the Coos Bay Visitor Center.
Stand-up Paddling Keeps Winning Over New Fans
Tom Baake
09/07/2023
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PHOTO CAPTION: The three popular paddling water sports are represented in this photo – canoe, kayak and stand-up paddling. In the background is McCullough Bridge near North Bend.

As co-authors of the guidebook, "Oregon South Coast Canoe, Kayak and Stand-up Paddle Guide," Ron Wardman and I are often asked which kind of watercraft we prefer. I still enjoy the tried and true sit-inside type of kayak, while Ron was pretty much an instant convert to stand -up paddleboards.
"The first time I saw one was when I was snorkeling in Hawaii," recalls Wardman. "I saw what looked like a guy walking on water. Naturally I wanted to find out more."
SUP, as the fledgling sport was called, was just starting a meteoric rise that has yet to show any sign of cresting. It's now so popular, in fact, that in many places there are more people doing stand-up paddling than traditional surfing.
Indeed, according to the market research firm Gitnux, "The stand-up paddleboard industry is booming, with the global market estimated to be worth $2.6 billion in 2023. In 2020, more than 22 million Americans participated in paddle sports and retail sales for stand -up paddleboards grew by 21.6%."
Not that you need statistics to see how popular SUPs have become. Just about every vacation spot with water now features SUP board rentals – from glamorous Hawaiian locations to familiar places here on the South Coast. Yes, you can even buy or rent a SUP in downtown Coos Bay, so you know this sport has arrived.
There are many different styles of SUP boards, with various widths, lengths and thicknesses.
There are foam core and fiberglass models as well as pricier carbon-fiber types. As with so many things, you get what you pay for. Prices start at about $600 though there are cheaper versions, while the high end easily reaches $1600.
Also popular are inflatable models that are easier to haul around. For that reason, they're popular with women SUPers. The Gitnux research finds the inflatable stand-up paddleboard segment accounted for 75% of the total stand-up paddleboard market share that same year.
In light of the many SUP board choices, people are encouraged to try out different types before making a purchase.
A paddle like an oversized canoe oar com pletes the basic package, with some paddlers adding an ankle leash like those used by surfers.
The Oregon Marine Board and US Coast Guard requires that SUP boarders must have personal flotation devices (PFDs) when outside a surf or swimming zone – such as out on the bay. As with kayaking, PFDs must be worn at all times by paddlers under 16, while older paddlers are only "required to carry" one. Some SUP boarders opt for a belt-pack PFD inflated by pulling a short lanyard.
Many of the common-sense rules of kayaking apply to SUP boarders. "It's based on your own abilities," says guidebook author Wardman. "You have to know your limitations and respect those of others you might be paddling with."
As for garb, many SUPers wear a wetsuit or half-suit in the bay and in places where there's wake from other marine traffic and thus more chances for drenchings or dunkings. On lakes and rivers, you can usually get away with just wearing shorts and t-shirts, depending on the ambient temperature.
Most SUP boarders agree there's far less of a learning curve than when getting the hang of
surfing. "You go from sitting to standing almost immediately," says Wardman. "It's pretty easy to paddle, and much easier than surfing."
SUP boarders can take their boards "anyplace you can get a kayak," and that includes whitewater. Another fast-growing sub-category is fishing from SUPs. Some boarders equip their rigs with ice chests, which also serve as a seat on which they can take a break from the standing position.
You can even buy a kit to motorize a SUP board. A bit extreme, but it illustrates the discoveries yet to come in this relatively new sport. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll be out there SUPing (if you're not already)!

(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of local guidebooks available at bookstores and the Coos Bay Visitor Center.)