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Informational signs at parking area and trailhead for Lost Lake, Mar. 15, 2016, by Greg Shine, BLM.

A small freshwater lake surrounded by a peaceful coastal forest, the Lost Lake unit of the New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) provides a quiet, contemplative location for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking on Oregon’s South Coast.

One of approximately 20 lakes in Oregon named Lost Lake, this one features a hiking trail with scenic lakeside views and a connection to the New River through neighboring Bandon State Natural Area.

The trail begins at the small parking lot and follows the southern and western sides of the lake through a mature coastal forest. The beginning of the trail is flat with a hard-packed surface; the western portion has steep sections with loose sand. The one-way distance to New River is approximately 1.5 miles.

Running parallel to the Pacific Ocean for nine miles, New River is separated from the ocean by only a thin foredune of sand. Many rare birds, animals, and plants depend on New River's estuary, forest, meadow, wetland, and shrub habitat for survival. Dedicated almost exclusively to Watchable Wildlife, the area remains secluded and primitive, providing nature enthusiasts with short, rustic, self-guided loop trails to view wildlife. There are four main access points to New River ACEC: Storm Ranch, Floras Lake, Lost Lake, and Fourmile Creek.

For more information, please contact:

BLM Coos Bay District Office 1300 Airport Lane North Bend, OR 97459