Finding Fish Tacos on the Southern Oregon Coast
I’ve fantasized about a motorcycle ride over the Oregon Wagon Road for quite some time. It was a prefect day to test out my 2014 Kawasaki KLR 650 New Edition. Old ‘wagon roads’ go through beautiful and historic areas of pioneer America. Riding a wagon road is experiencing history as it might have been for the true pioneers of 1800’s America. Oregon became a state in 1858, and already by 1860 the first roads were being planned and built. Not for cars or pleasure rides, they were wagon roads created to connect an untamed land to the best available resources and people.
I just love riding around the back roads. The many covered brides, mountains, canyons and ever-changing waterways are treasures to be discovered. Moto enthusiasts love secluded twisty roads that traverse across beautiful vistas and landscapes. Is there a better way to connect two passions?
Oregon is a wonderful place to find yourself when you’re on a motorcycle! Summer days can last well into the night, but by Fall… the days are getting shorter, the clouds are threatening rain, and the leaves are scattered on the ground. This is the time of year when you head out and ride in earnest. Lucky you! You’re treated to wonderful country rides, with calmly flowing rivers, and beautiful fall colors surrounding you. My ride on the Coos Bay Wagon Road meanders around the East fork of the Coquille river. I head eastbound from Coos Bay, on the Pacific Coast Highway, to Roseburg Oregon, which is strategically situated on Interstate 5. The Wagon Road sits just north of modern Oregon Hwy 42 which is itself a fun ride on any street bike. You can complete this ride as a loop back to the coast for a full day of riding. For me, I’ll continue riding in the valley.
60 miles of history…
Coos Bay sits right on the Southern Oregon Coast. The famed Hwy 101 provides many local and regional activities. The Cranberry farms of Bandon are tranquil, and Bandon Dunes’ world class golf courses are just a chip shot away.
Bandon cranberry farms fall harvest
I love to see it when the old downtown areas are revitalized and exciting. And that’s been happening around Coos Bay/North Bend for quite a few years now. Restaurants are busy, parks are clean and there’s a buzz happening that is contagious. The waterfront is especially nice in the daytime, and Native-American casinos are always fun at night. Try Sharkbite’s Seafood Café for their fish taco specialty.
From Coos Bay, cross the Coos River at Bunker Hill (The sign says Coos River Allegany). That’s the bridge at the south end of town that takes you toward the Eastside. After you cross the bridge, take a quick right onto Olive Barber Rd. and head south. It’s twisty fun for 2 miles where you’ll turn left onto the Old Wagon Road.
You can’t miss the sign… Turn left and just keep going…
You will decompress over the next 5 miles. Relax while you take yourself back into a world that has been enjoyed for over 150 years! It’s those sights and smells, the old barn, the hillside or valley views. This is prime motorcycle riding! You know it because you’re having those fleeting thoughts and feelings that only come while riding a motorcycle. MotoForever!
The original wagon road is mostly paved now
Even the dirt parts are well kept
There are T junctions, and road offshoots, but remember, you’re always going eastbound and continue on toward Fairview, Dora, and Sitkum. Follow the signs and ultimately over the hill and on to Lookingglass; where you end up just 10 miles west of Roseburg.
Fairview school along the “main” highway called the Coos Bay Wagon Road!
