Crater Lake and Scenic Oregon Coast Tour
Day 1 Reedsport to Bandon
Highlights:
Oregon Coast, sand dunes, Winchester Bay, Charleston, Cape Arago, Coquille and Umpqua River Lighthouses, Port of Bandon
Route Details:
On our first cycling day of the Crater Lake and Oregon Coast Bicycle Tour we ride out of Reedsport southbound following the Oregon Coast Bike Route to Winchester Bay, taking a quick detour off Highway 101 to Salmon Harbor, the historic Umpqua Lighthouse, and our first good view of the Pacific Ocean. Returning to 101 we cruise to the end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, past forested inland lakes, and over Coos Bay into the town of North Bend. We take the bypass route here for a stellar detour out to the port of Charleston and onward along the coastal bluffs to Cape Arago. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you witness powerful ocean waves smash against rock stacks and sheer seaside cliffs. On a calm day, a keen eye may spot a whale and almost certainly observe seals and sea lions on Simpson Reef. Retracing our route a few miles, we turn onto Seven Devils Road. The Devils are littlepeaks we must crest en route. The numbers are conveniently painted on the pavement at the summit of each, lest we forget. A short stint back on 101 brings us into the charming port town of Bandon at the mouth of the Coquille River and the north entrance to the Wild Rivers Coast. We ride through downtown and out to Beach Loop Road overlooking one of the most spectacular beaches on the coast. Rock monoliths jutting from the ocean floor dominate the horizon. Check into the Best Western Inn at Face Rock and walk down to the expansive beach. Look for seals, puffins, starfish, and urchins as you wade in the surf. Tonight we venture into downtown Bandon for Italian inspired coastal cuisine at Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant.
