Directions: 5 miles North of Florence,Or on Highway 101. Turn right
on Herman Peak Road, travel 3 miles to Dry Lake Trailhead.
Trail Information: The "Horse Trails" are 16 miles of single
track forest trails in the Coast Range. The system is well maintained by both the
Forest Service and local horse riding clubs. There are maps at all of the major trail
intersections. Maps are also available at the Forest Service office in North Florence. The
trail is considered easy to moderately difficult with two small creek crossings. A two
mile uphill climb of about 500-600 feet of gain out of Berry Creek and several moderate
climbs make it an interesting run. From a historic site atop Herman Peak, the site
of a 1930's Fire Lookout, you get a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The trail has
several inner loops. The complete trail covers Old Growth Rain Forest to reforested area
of 5 to 50 years old. Numerous wildlife species including Elk, Deer, Black Bear,
Coyote and many bird varieties are present.
There are two trailheads, one at Dry Lake, the other, Horse Creek 2.4 miles NW. Both
have restrooms and camp sites but water is "for horses only". There are
also miles of gravel roads with little traffic if you want another option.
Miscellaneous Information: After a challenging run on the trail, head for
the beach and experience miles of sand dunes and flat sandy beach. Florence is the
heart of the Central Oregon Coast and offers a multitude of outdoor activities.
Hot weather is RARE, so it is a good place to train in the summer.
Jim Archer