North Spit Coos Bay

Location

As you are driving south toward North Bend/Coos Bay, the McCullough bridge will come into view. Before you cross that bridge, turn right on the Trans Pacific road. There are several wide areas along this road where you can pull over and scope the bay. You will encounter a large marshy area to the west, with a diked and gated road on the south side. On the north side of the dike is a fresh water marsh, good for typical marsh birds and shorebirds. On the south side is an old pond known as the aeration ponds. This pond is excellent for waterfowl, phalaropes and swallows. Back at the road, continue south until you see the BLM boat ramp parking lot on the east side of the road. Pull in and scan the bay and check the edges of the parking lot. It is about 5-6 miles to the jetty, a very very long walk. If you can drive to the north jetty it is well worth it. Continue south to the end of the road, where there is a turn around. Bird the fence around the old fish hatchery and the manufacturing facility just to the north. The area is large and remote, so if you do drive out on the spit, be prepared and never attempt any of this area with a two wheel drive!