Loamy trails, quiet beaches and fresh seafood on a 4-day road trip
Here on the Southern Oregon Coast, September and October are known as “magic months” — crisp mornings, warm afternoons, trails in perfect hero-dirt condition, and a quieter and calmer coast with a more local vibe. It’s also home to one of the Pacific Northwest’s lesser-known but entirely epic riding destinations: Whiskey Run Trails, where forest meets the ocean and singletrack meets sea breeze. Here’s how to make the most of a four-day fall adventure in Bandon to discover this fun trail system.
TRAILHEAD INFO:
Whiskey Run Trailhead Location and Amenities
- Bike repair station in place through late September
- Parking
- Toilets
- Cell phone reception is better than you’d expect in a forest
- Picnic tables, but no water or electricity
- Per county law, dogs should be on leashes. No dogs on jump/flow trails.
- No built structure, just a canopy of thousands of trees
- E-bikes are permitted
- For any rolling trail closures, visit @wildriverscoastmtb
KEY STATS:
- Number of Trails: 68
- Total distance: 38 miles / 61 km
- Total descent: 7398 ft / 2,255 meters
- Total vertical: 505 ft / 154 meters
- Highest trailhead: 587 ft / 179 meters
Day 1: Road Trip!
Cooler? Check. Layers? Check. Sunglasses, playlists, bike gear? Double check. Autumn on the coast means you might start the day in a hoodie, peel down to a t-shirt by noon, and put that hoodie back on to watch the sunset. Good tunes, catching up with friends… the drive is part of the fun. And so’s the scenery – most routes wind along angler-dream rivers, over historic bridges and through sweet coastal towns. Your destination? Oregon Coast’s prettiest port town, Bandon by the Sea. Whether you’re coming from the north or south, Whiskey Run is closer than you think.
Drives Times to Whiskey Run:
- Portland Area – 4 hrs
- Bend – 5 hrs
- Eugene – 2.5 hrs
- Medford – 3 hrs
- Crescent City – 2.5 hrs
- Redding – 5 hrs
Photo by Dylan VanWeelden
Whiskey Run sits in the heart of Coos County’s working forest, between Bandon and Coos Bay, delivering 38 miles of singletrack, flow-style trails, with views to the Pacific at the top and loamy routes framed by Doug Firs and Western Hemlocks all the way down.
Make your basecamp in Bandon-by-the-Sea. Bandon’s Old Town feels especially cozy after Labor Day, with its warm-lit shops, artisan cheese and chocolate makers, and fresh, local chowders. Check into any number of lodging options or your rental house, but be sure to arrive in time for a late afternoon ride. In September, sunset hits around 7:00 pm, turning the forest into a glowing green-and-gold wonderland. Wrap the day at Tony’s Crab Shack for fresh crab, fish tacos, and local beer, or The Wheelhouse & Crowsnest for steamer clams, steaks and seasonal salads.
Photo by Manuela Durson
Day 2: Peak Dirt and Coastal Flavor
Rise and shine! Fall mornings in Bandon start cool, with notions of salt and woodsmoke in the air. Grab a breakfast burrito and a coffee at Bandon Coffee Cafe then head to the trails. September and October promise prime conditions; a few light rains settle the summer dust and pack the soil into that dreamy, grippy texture riders live for. The variety of trails makes it perfect for pro-riders, everyday shredders, or absolute beginners (there’s even a practice course). Head back to town and visit Cranberry Sweets & More to pick up cranberry candy in every form imaginable, or a cranberry cider at Bandon Rain. Fun fact: Bandon produces 95% of Oregon’s and 5% of the nation’s cranberry crops. (Heck, why not visit a nearby cranberry farm? Or attend the Bandon Cranberry Festival, September 13 & 14). Dine at Angelo’s Italy then stroll the boardwalk at sunset where honeyed light makes the harbor boats glow like a picture postcard.
Photo by Dylan VanWeelden
Day 3: Autumn Afternoons and Sunset Picnics
By day three, you’ll know your favorite loops — so start with those before venturing onto new-to-you trails. Fall riding means fewer people, cooler temps and dappled light that makes a mid-ride pause feel cinematic.
Post-ride, treat yourself to a late lunch at the historic Wilson’s Market & Deli to experience a family-owned-since-1938 Mexican joint, or Face Rock Creamery, famous for its bold-flavored cheeses as well as ice cream. Pick up a bottle of something local, then head to the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge for tide pool discoveries (low tide is best).
Day 4: One Last Ride!
Start the day with a smoothie bowl or fresh-pressed juice at Rawsome Juices and Smoothies or coffee at Warehouse Coffee Cafe. Head off to ride, but leave time for some afternoon fun. Try a horseback ride on the beach with Bandon Stables. Wander near soaring sea stacks at Bullards Beach State Park or venture out to hike one of the trails on the New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern, where fall migratory birds fill the skies.
Fishing at Face Rock Beach in Bandon, Photo by Manuela Durson
Adore Dungeness Crab? You’re here in prime season! Love to fish? September and October are great ocean fishing months; the salmon run typically goes through the end of September. Book a bucket-list excursion with Sharky’s Charter Fishing – it’s truly a great day out (and might also fill your freezer). No time to cast a line? Stop at Bandon Fisheries Warehouse for ready-to-eat crab and other local seafood to pack in your cooler.
The air, the light, the quiet of fall on the South Coast – it all makes you feel like you’ve caught the coast at its very best. Now roll on out and dream of your next ride.
Top image by Dylan VanWeelden
