DamTour 2012:    

 

marker 5 ~ Tarheel Creek Dam ~ Oregon ~  234 mi from PDX - 385 mi Sea-Tac.

Tarheel Creek Dam is located on the Oregon coast just 6 miles out of North Bend Oregon. It is also 6 miles from Coos Bay near the entrance to the bay from the Pacific Ocean. The dam is 500 feet up a dirt road named Pigeon Point Road off of Cape Arago Highway.

This year we wanted to add some interest and a bit of a challenge for the riders. Like last year, some extra photos are required to get the trophy, but this year, it is for a different reason. It started with an idea for a great ride/route at one of our Washington dam, so decided to do one in Oregon as well. When we not only found a dam on the coast (something we like to find to spread things out) we ran across Seven Devils Road. This we couldn't resist, do in part to the name, but mostly because of a great motorcycle road.

However when Steve previewed this dam we discovered that part of the great twisty road, called 'Old Seven Devils', was miles of dirt and gravel, so we changed things up a bit more. The two extra required photo spots to be sent in with your dam photo are at the beautiful Coquille River Lighthouse, and the ocean-side Seven Devils State Park. Get to these points anyway you want... but we have included the links for a route both totally paved and one to take advantage of the Old 7-Devils Road. This gives you a dual-sport option for those seeking a great gravel ride. These are just suggestions and possible routes... plan your own ride.

So remember three photos are required if going for the trophy. One of the dam, one of the lighthouse and one of the park sign... with your bike in them. :-) (see photos at the right sidebar)

Paved route option, and unpaved route option.

    GPS:   43.359150°N - 124.302640°W    or    43° 21' 32.94" N - 124° 18' 9.50" W

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View Tarheel Creek Dam OR # 5 in a larger map

A note about the area by Ken Hattan:
Visiting North Bend, Coos Bay and Bandon while picking up Tarheel Dam should be fun and interesting. If you decide to eat in Coos Bay, try the Pourhouse behind the Toyota dealership on N. Bayshore Dr. After picking up Tarheel Dam on the west side of Coos Bay near Charleston, take the fun twisty Seven (7) Devils Road to Bandon. This road usually has very little traffic and can be done at your own pace. Take a quick stop at Seven Devils State Rec. Site, which will take right down to the beach, then for a little bit of interest, take a side trip through Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Turn left at the stop sign on to Randolph Rd. This is a World Class Golf Resort that has 4 of the top 25 golf courses in the United States. The only one like it in the World. People come from all over the world to play these four courses. You might like to stay the night, but expect to pay in the $300 range and up to $1800 for 4 bedroom cottages. The food is good, and a hamburger at McKee's Pub is well worth the visit. If you spend the night, go to the Inn as it has the most single and double queens with the coolest beer and wine bar/library that overlooks the 18th hole on the Bandon Dunes course. Spend the evening visiting the different restaurants and bars, or take a ½ mile walk up to the Labyrinths.

Whether you stay the night, eat at one of the 4 restaurants or just ride through, it should be relaxing and interesting. At the intersection of Randolph Road and Round Lake Dr. there is a DAM. It is the dam that creates Chrome Lake, which is to the right of the road. There is also another DAM on the left side of the road that creates another lake, still called Chrome Lake (I think). Of course these are tiny dams but just the same dams.

If you decide to go on into Bandon after stopping at the Bandon Lighthouse, also called the Coquille River Lighthouse in Bullards Beach State Park, you will also find lots of good places to eat. My first choice is Alloro Wine Bar and Restaurant just off Hwy 101, at the arch. Around the corner is the Wheelhouse noted for it seafood. To see Bandon you need to get off Hwy 101 and take the Beach Loop Rd. This will take you past Bandon Ocean Wayside and a fantastic view of Face Rock and the beach. Often you will see people on horses riding up and down the beach here. From here it is a short ride back to Hwy 101. If you are coming from the South, look for Beach Loop Rd and turn left.

Have a nice visit to one of my favorite coastal areas.

Ken Hattan