Difference between revisions of "Coffenbury Lake Loop Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
(Delete bad links) |
(replace bad link) |
||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
=== More Links === | === More Links === | ||
* [http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_179.php Fort Stevens State Park (Oregon State Parks)] | * [http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_179.php Fort Stevens State Park (Oregon State Parks)] | ||
| − | * [ | + | * [https://www.nps.gov/places/fort-stevens.htm Fort Stevens (National Park Service)] |
* [http://aol.research.pdx.edu/lakes/17080006006562 Coffenbury Lake (Clatsop) (Atlas of Oregon Lakes)] | * [http://aol.research.pdx.edu/lakes/17080006006562 Coffenbury Lake (Clatsop) (Atlas of Oregon Lakes)] | ||
* [http://www.seasideor.com/item.asp?iid=113&pid=76 Fishing at Coffenbury Lake (Seaside, Oregon)] | * [http://www.seasideor.com/item.asp?iid=113&pid=76 Fishing at Coffenbury Lake (Seaside, Oregon)] | ||
Revision as of 18:41, 16 January 2018
- Start point: Coffenbury Lake Trailhead
- End point: Coffenbury Lake
- Trail log:
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 35 feet
- High Point: 30 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: All year
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Around the day-use area; more crowded in the summer
Contents |
Hike Description
Coffenbury Lake, part of Fort Stevens State Park, is one of many shallow interdune lakes on the Clatsop Plains, a sandy and now vegetated expanse formed by deposition from the Columbia River. Even though there are no inflowing or outflowing streams, the water level fluctuates as much as six feet with changes in the water table. The short loop hike is very close to the park's campground and is recommended for families with smaller children. There is even a summer swimming area! For those with time and energy, Coffenbury Lake can also be visited as part of the Fort Stevens Loop Hike.
Walk below the restrooms and through the picnic area. Head right along the shore and a small sandy beach to pick up the footpath leading up the alder-lined west shore of the lake. The path rises under Sitka spruce with evergreen huckleberry, sword fern, salal and holly in the undergrowth. Then the trail drops and keeps along a shoreline shaded by cedars and shore pines. Reach some larger spruces and the marshy south end of the lake.
At a trail junction, go left on a vegetated causeway with more wetland on the right (Spur trails here connect with the private trails of OMSI's Camp Kiwanilong). The trail runs close to the eastern shore now. Look for waterfowl, including flotillas of buffleheads. You're also likely to see mallards and cormorants. Pass through a grassy picnic area and keep to the shore to pick up the trail again. In spring, you might enjoy the odd sight of steelhead wallowing in the shallows: these are surplus hatchery fish that have been released here. Eventually, reach the Coffenbury Lake Trailhead and your vehicle.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Sky Island Graphics: Oregon Coast Area Trails
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- $5 day-use fee
- Dogs on leash
- Picnic area, restrooms, campground, swimming area, fishing, boats permitted
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Coffenbury Lake Loop Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Coffenbury Lake Loop Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Oregon: The Creaky Knees Guide by Seabury Blair, Jr.
- Best Short Hikes in Northwest Oregon by Rhonda & George Ostertag
- 120 Hikes on the Oregon Coast by Bonnie Henderson
- Day Hiking: Oregon Coast by Bonnie Henderson
- 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast and the Coast Range by William L. Sullivan
- Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide by Rhonda & George Ostertag
- Canine Oregon by Lizann Dunegan
- Oregon State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide by Jan Bannan
More Links
- Fort Stevens State Park (Oregon State Parks)
- Fort Stevens (National Park Service)
- Coffenbury Lake (Clatsop) (Atlas of Oregon Lakes)
- Fishing at Coffenbury Lake (Seaside, Oregon)
Contributors
- bobcat (creator)