What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Ford's Pond Path
Enjoy a peaceful stroll around a beautiful pond just outside of Sutherlin. The parking lot is paved and offers new ADA-accessible picnic tables. You'll also find several benches overlooking the water. This trail is pet-friendly, stroller-friendly, and popular with birders.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fern Woods Loop
This out-of-the-way path is perfect for hikers and horseback riders. Wear waterproof boots after it rains to avoid the mud. Cows are often wandering the hills and meadows nearby.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
The Umpqua River is home to salmon, perch, striped bass, and sturgeon. Those looking for a challenge can head north up the river to try out the Smith Ferry Rapids and Sawyer Rapids. Cooper Creek Reservoir is another great spot for seasonal fishing, picnicking, and boating. The warm waters here provide the perfect breeding grounds for panfish and largemouth bass.
Wildlife Viewing
Eastern Oregon is a haven for pronghorn, bighorn sheep, wolves, coyotes, lynxes, squirrels, and rattlesnakes. Some of the most common birds include screech owls, spotted owls, sage grouse, ravens, various waterfowl, chukar, grosbeaks, chickadees, and thrushes. If you get close enough to the coast, you could spot blue whales, humpback whales, sea otters, or elephant seals.
Picnicking
Tyee Campground has a reservable picnic pavilion with six large tables and a serving counter. There's also a convenient sink, barbecue grill, and electrical outlets. Head east to the Loon Lake Recreation Site to take advantage of its paved roads, flush toilets, and fire rings. This popular area is great for fishing, swimming, boating, and watersports. The 260-acre Loon Lake isn't far from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area where you're encouraged to picnic, ride ATVs, play in the sand, and watch the wildlife.
ATVing
Guarantee an action-packed camping experience by bringing along your ATV or off-roading vehicle to Tyee Campground. Explore the Coos Bay Wagon OHV Road or the Umpqua River to Siuslaw River OHV Route. All ATV drivers in Oregon must have an off-road permit, which is also required for vehicles like Jeeps and motorbikes. On BLM lands, riders should wear protective helmets and comply with all posted signage. The use of tall attached flags is recommended to ensure safety and visibility.