21.
John Topits Park at Empire Lakes
Not
many cities can boast a park where people can go fishing, swimming, rafting,
walking, jogging, biking and birdwatching.
Coos
Bay can and does.
John
Topits Park includes acres and acres of forest, paved trails and two lakes
teeming with fish and waterfowl. The park is located just off Newmark Avenue
near the Southwestern Oregon Community College campus.
The
upper lake parking lot offers visitors a gateway to trails, a playground and a
prime fishing spot to hook stocked rainbow trout. Those fishing tend to use a
variety of bait, from Rooster Tails to worms to flies. There are restrooms here
accessible for the disabled.
Picnic
tables are few, but there are several benches along the trail that make nice
spots to sit under the trees and watch the water, while munching lunch. Paved
trails are in good condition and good for wheelchair-riders. Those who plan long
walks or rides around the lakes should expect to encounter quite a few hills.
For
nature lovers, the lower lake trails are great for spotting red squirrels,
osprey, ducks and many other animals.
For
those who want to swim or launch a canoe or raft, the lower lake is the best
spot to park. The sandy beaches nearby are perfect for swimmers. One caution for
those with children. There are no lifeguards on duty.
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22.
All the fun of the county fair and rodeo
During late August you can get your fill of local sights and sounds at the Coos
County Fair. This year's fair theme is "Sunflowers and Summer
Showers."
The entertainment planned for this year's fair will have a variety of
acts. Beginning on Wednesday, the country band Coletrain, will perform from 4 to
8 p.m. On Thursday, Amy Clausen will have a show starting at 4 p.m. She is also
serving as the opening act for The Charlie Daniels Band, which will begin its
concert at 8:30 p.m. Friday's shows include "Wiley and the WIld West
Show" from 2 to 5 p.m.
The children's rodeo will begin at 6:15 p.m., and then the National Pro Rodeo
Association will start its rodeo at 7 p.m. On Saturday afternoon, the fair will
feature a talent contest and the children's rodeo again at 6:15 p.m. The second
day of the NPRA rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. An outdoor dance will follow,
featuring the sounds of Timberwolf.
Finally on Sunday, Julia, a bilingual entertainer, will sing in both English and
Spanish. Along with the entertainment, there will be displays and showmanship
events involving 4-H club members who have been raising animals or working on
arts and craft projects all year long. Youngsters at the Coos County Fair will
be participating in competitions involving ceramics, paintings, drawings and
fiber arts. Children in the competitions range in ages from first- to
third-grades in the 4-H Adventures program, and students in the fourth-grade
through high school who are members of a variety of 4-H clubs.
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23.
Watch the sun go down at Sunset Bay while having a seafood extravaganza
Sunsets
are often dramatic over the little sheltered sea cove at Sunset Bay State Park
near Charleston. Tables and fire pits on the north end are convenient for
picnickers who want to be near the water and still have a view of rocks, cliffs
and waves silhouetted against the glow of a westering sun.
A really nautical meal can add to the enjoyment of the nearness of the mighty Pacific. Fresh fish or oysters to barbecue, foil-wrapped potatoes and corn-on-the-cob, or ready-made fare such as shrimp salad or coleslaw could accompany a pot of clam chowder made at home and kept warm in a heavy lidded pot wrapped with towels. The work could be made easier if family and friends gather for a potluck and each brings one part of the meal. Wood is not provided, so bring your own fire materials or charcoal and grills. While the meal is being readied, youngsters can find much to do with sand, sea and sunshine before the sun sets.
More of Interest:
Bandon Mariculture U-Pick Oysters
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24.
It’s worth the pain to pedal the Powers-Glendale bike route
The
bike route linking Glendale and Powers probably hasn’t seen as much use as
officials with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management hoped when
it was completed a few years ago, but it certainly is drawing some recreational
bikers.
“It’s
very common to go up there during the week and find somebody riding a bike,”
said Robin McAlpin, the recreation coordinator for the Forest Service’s Powers
Ranger District.
The
72-mile bike route linking the two communities is a joint project by the BLM and
Forest Service. The entire route is paved and includes several improved
campsites with vault toilets and fire rings.
It
also includes some picturesque scenery.
“It’s
part of the Siskiyou Mountain Range that most people don’t have a chance to
see,” McAlpin said. “There are numerous waterfalls right along the route.”
The
bike route has been the site of a couple events called the Tour de Fronds, put
on by a Roseburg bike club and the community of Glendale. Most bikers who use
the route are on their own, taking advantage of the remote and generally quiet
setting.
“It’s
all for the scenery,” McAlpin said. “That’s what you have to be looking
for. It’s very accessible, and I think unique.”
To learn more about biking opportunities along the Powers-Glendale bike route, those interested can visit the Powers Ranger District office, located on the south end of town.
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