Flores Lake, roughly midway between Bandon and Port Orford on the Oregon coast is one of our favorite destinations for many reasons. My older son, Ty, discovered it as a haven for kitesurfers, and has made several trips there to catch the wind with friends, and family in tow. On the lakeshore is a well-attended campground with beautiful sunsets, and beyond the lake, a break in the dunes reveals the ocean. The Pacific Coast Trail passes through here, and the access point for the New River flows from the north end of the lake.
The New River runs parallel to the ocean, separated by a narrow strip of sand. It can be accessed via the outlet at the north end of Flores Lake. A narrow channel takes you to the confluence of Floras Creek where the New River begins it’s 9 mile journey.
The New River was created in 1890 during a big storm when sand blocked the outlet from Florence Lake and forced the water through a new channel, making its way north through a habitat of estuary, forest, meadow, and wetland. The area has a long and colorful history, but today it is a wildlife sanctuary managed by the BLM as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, including protection for the endangered Snowy Plover.
Paddling the New River can feel quiet and immersive or be wind battling wild. The river can also be lonely and beautiful in its total seclusion.
After a couple of nights of camping at Flores Lake, we headed out for a night at a primitive campsite about 4 miles down the river, accessible only by boat on the river side or via the Pacific Coast Trail on the beach side.
We did some detailed GPS study in order to pinpoint the landing spot and trail to the campsites. We found our camp, just a flat space in the sand dunes, set up the tent, made dinner, watched a sweet sunset, and, thanks to good cell reception, watched a couple of episodes of Masterpiece Theatre. And in this remote and wild place, I slept deep listening to the song of the nearby ocean.
