We had a good turnout to look for Hobbits on our Hobbit Trail hike. We had 11 leave from Roseburg and were joined by 8 at the trailhead. We were shaded from the sunny day by first the Hobbit Trail, then by the Valley trail to Carl Washburn state park. We joined up for lunch on the beach, some arrived by different paths, to enjoy a sunny repast. Then down the coast to once again join the Hobbit Trail to reconquer the headland at Heceta Head and make our way back to the lighthouse. We welcomed many first timers and hope to have them join us again.
Fifteen eager hikers gathered on a cold (but dry!) morning at the courthouse. Destination: Heceta Head lighthouse and trail! Upon our arrival at the lighthouse, we were joined by 10 – 15 Striders (Coos Bay hiking club). So, well, there was a mob of us (a friendly one)!!
Leaving the parking lot, we journeyed up the half mile wooded path, passing the picturesque caretakers house, then on to the lighthouse. Then up, up along the trail, including a lot of fairly steep stairs (bun-burners for sure – ha)! Alas … the reward at the top – an awesome view of the ocean.
Continuing through a beautiful stand of Hemlock, we crossed Hwy 101 and hopped onto the Valley Trail: peaceful, lush green forest, wetlands, ponds and creek runoff. At Washburn State Park, we crossed back over Hwy 101. Just in time for lunch on the beach. Oh my, what a pretty February day! Sun AND no wind. We found the perfect log to perch … we resembled a lineup of turtles on a log in a pond. But nope, it was us basking in the sunshine!
We toodled along the beach, then up the Hobbit Trail (no hobbits sighted) where we intersected with our beginning trail. It was a little sunnier on our return trek, so that awesome view of the ocean on our way up – well might have been a bit more awesome!!
We did a tad more than 7 miles, 7.2 to be exact. With lots of up and down, this trail offers a variety of scenery for the eyes and soul. Rest assured, it’s a good one!
Only 5 of us showed up for this hike while all you fair weather namby-pambies stayed home warm and dry. But hey, at least there weren’t any gale force winds like last time! This hike was wet as a steady rain fell on our hat brims the entire day. But there is something about the hiss of a forest when it rains and the hike had that vibe. After picking our way up and over Heceta Head on a trail that was slippery and muddy, we grabbed the Hobbit Trail to the beach. Probably because of the rain (ya think?), we had the entire beach to ourselves except for one lone bald eagle on a dead tree. The return from Carl Washburn State Park was through woods dark, wet, and lovely. Because we were having so much fun, we grabbed the China Creek Trail for extra mileage and time spent in the rain. After the hike was over, we all decided we had a lot of fun and to man (and woman), we decided to feel sorry for all those stay-at-homers who missed out on this epic.
