Ossagon Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

If you're seeking an alternative way to access Gold Bluffs Beach, this a great option. Runners will begin heading west from Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, where there is a marked trailhead. From the road, the trail will disappear into lush undergrowth rather quickly. This is a second growth forest, so runners will be shaded by slightly smaller trees, and there will be fewer gaps in the canopy. Though lacking the grandeur of some of the trails featuring towering Redwoods, this route has its own reward.

Soon enough, the route will descend steeply as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean and the beach. Though steep, this section is relatively short, and soon enough the quiet of the forest will give way to the pleasant burble of Ossagon Creek. The trail will cross the stream, and then follow its waters past a quiet backcountry camping spot. From there, it's a short and flat jaunt to the trail's end. As you approach a serene beach, the forest will thin, and you'll finish this route in a more open, though still green, environment. Eventually, the trail ends at an intersection with the Coastal Trail: South, and nothing but the sand will separate you from the crashing surf.

Take special note of the wildlife on this trail, as it is common for elk to frequent the area.

Roosevelt Elk, the largest subspecies of elk in North America, are some of the most majestic wildlife that you'll have an opportunity to observe on this trail. Keep in mind that full grown bulls can approach 1,000 lbs, and cows are still upwards of 600. These are powerful creatures, so keep your distance.