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New River, located between Bandon and Port
Orford, parallels the ocean. This is a
wonderful paddle, best NOT DONE on
windy afternoons. The distance between
Floras Lake and Storm Ranch is slightly less
than 7 miles. New River was born during the
great flood of 1890 when the mouth of Floras
Creek moved north. Instead of flowing
directly into the sea, Floras Creek now flows
about 15 miles north before entering the Pacific
Ocean.
The New River area has been inhabited and
used by people for at least a thousand years.
Lands adjacent to New River are agricultural,
used primarily for cranberries and cattle.
Access: At Floras Lake
About 1/2 mile south of Langlois, turn west on
Floras Loop Road. Follow the signs to
Floras Lake. Launch at the boat ramp at
the north end of the lake and paddle north from
Floras Lake to New River.
Access: At Storm Ranch
About 9 miles south of Bandon near Milepost 283
turn west on Croft Lake Lane. Drive about
a mile and a half. Follow the signs to the
BLM New River Storm Ranch. At the
Interpretive Center there is a gate that is
closed March 15 to September 15 (for Snowy
Plovers). The gate is also closed after
dark.
If the gate is closed park and portage about
a mile. If the gate is open drive through.
At about the .5 mile mark turn north and drive
to the put-in at New River.
There are picnic tables and a public toilet
at the Interpretive Center.
This is coastal paddling at it's finest.
The ocean on one side...Oregon on the other.
Paddle leisurely...take your time...have no
destination other than the experience itself.
Let the sounds and smells of the ocean ooze into
your body. |
