New River in Oregon

Trip Overview

New River is just that, a new river. Formed during a storm in 1890, New River runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean shoreline from Floras Creek to north of Four Mile Creek in Coos County on the southern Oregon coast. Now 9 miles long, New River is a quiet body of water, home to many coastal bird species including the Snowy Plover, Merganser, Raven, Egret, Osprey, and visiting ducks and geese. The River is a salmon spawning creek and smolt can be seen jumping during the summer. Harbor Seal may be found at the outlet of New River into the Pacific Ocean. The river is relatively narrow and can be shallow in places during the summer. The river provides easy access to dunes of the Pacific Ocean.

While visiting the southern Oregon coast, additional excellent flat water paddling is available on the Coquille and Rogue Rivers. Typically rough surf and strong winds limits the opportunities for ocean kayaking. There is good ocean access at the dock in Port Orford during calm weather.

Adventure Kayak (www.adventurekayak.com) in Bandon can provide equipment and suggestions to the visiting paddler.

Accommodations:

There is a nice county camp ground at Floras Lake. There is also an excellent, though windblown, state campground at Cape Blanco to the south. A KOA is in nearby Denmark. Bandon also offers a variety of motels and accomodations.

Fees:

Day use fees at the county park may be needed. No fees at the Croft Lake Lane access.

Directions:

New River is west of Highway 101 south of Bandon, Oregon. From Bandon, drive south to Croft Lake Lane. Follow Croft Lake Lane west to the New River ACEC. This access is only available September 15 to March 15. Further south, Floras Lake county park provides access to New River through the outfall from Floras Lake. This access is available all year.

Launches:

The easiest trips are to put-in and take-out at the same location. From March 15 to September 15, when the Croft Lake Lane access is closed, Floras Lake is the only suitable access.

Contact:

This web site describe the New River ACEC: hlms.bandon.k12.or.us/New_River/INDEX.HTM