LOON LAKE RECREATION SITE

Loon Lake Recreation Site is situated in the Coast Mountain Range in southwestern Oregon. Douglas-fir, western hemlock, red alder, and bigleaf maple trees forest this beautiful site and offer an abundance of shade. The forest understory features a host of native plants including rhododendron, salal, salmon berry, thimble berry, vine maple, trailing blackberry, and several fern species. A diverse variety of bird life, from the seldom seen Marbled Murrelet and Spotted Owl, to the ever-present Steller's Jay and Osprey, frequent this area. Signs of larger animals, such as raccoon, bear, elk, deer, and bobcat are evident. Loon Lake is part of the Umpqua River watershed that drains water from the Coast Range to the Pacific Ocean. Formed by a landslide of large sandstone blocks and boulders, Loon Lake is a naturally dammed lake that covers 260 acres, is 2 miles long, and 190' deep.

Recreation: Loon Lake is a family-oriented recreation site, treasured by locals for generations. The site offers a myriad of recreational opportunities, including camping, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and waterplay. Visitors can also enjoy relaxing on the warm, sandy beach. Other popular activities at Loon Lake include picnicking, hiking, birding, horseshoe tossing, and barbecuing. Campsites have paved parking pads and ample shade from old growth trees. The day use area boasts picnic tables, barbecue grills, swim area, fishing dock, and boat launch. A short, 1/4 mile trail to a waterfall on Elliott State Forest land begins at the south end of the day use area and takes hikers through a quiet and serene segment of old growth forest.

Nearby: The Oregon Coast Range offers a myriad of exciting recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, scenic driving, tidepooling, expansive beaches, and wildlife viewing. BLM's Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area , also managed by the Coos Bay District Office, is a short drive from Loon Lake and offers visitors the chance to see one of Oregon's largest mammal, Roosevelt Elk, up close. Loon Lake is less than an hour from charming Winchester Bay on the Pacific Ocean. The town of Reedsport is just 20 miles away and lies near the confluence of three rivers, including the scenic Umpqua and Smith rivers. Reedsport is the gateway town to the vast Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where visitors enjoy hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, camping, picnicking, sand play, beach access, and OHV riding.