An Underrated Lake On Oregon's Coast Is A Secret Mecca For Hiking, Kiting, And Water Adventures

Oregon's coast is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery including rugged cliffs, incredible hiking trails, and some of the best beaches on the West Coast, all of which attract visitors to the Beaver State year-round. But while famous attractions such as Cannon Beach and Crater Lake get most of the attention, some of Oregon's best outdoor experiences lie far off the beaten path. One of these hidden gems is Floras Lake, which is a secluded coastal lake in Southwest Oregon, located in Floras Lake State Natural Area. This underrated destination is a paradise for hikers, kiteboarders, and adventure-seekers as it is home to a scenic freshwater lake that is separated from its stunning ocean backdrop by a thin sandbar. This makes Floras Lake an absolute must-visit for those seeking unspoiled nature or exciting outdoor adventure.

The Floras Lake State Natural Area is located near Langlois on the southern end of the Oregon Coast. To get there, you can either travel by air to Eugene Airport or to Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, which is around a 3.5-hour drive away. Another option is to fly into Portland but note that Floras Lake is a 4.5-hour drive from this trendy city. However, because Portland is where you can get some of the best coffee in all of America, the drive might be worth it.

There's nothing quite like hiking to a viewpoint — something that can be easily done at Floras Lake. One of the must-do hikes in the area is the Blacklock Point Trail, which is a scenic route that offers relentless beauty with mesmerizing views of the Oregon coastline and seaside cliffs. The trail is around 4 miles long and relatively flat with captivating clifftop views and abundant wildflowers in spring and summer. 

If you're interested in a longer hike, another option is the Floras Lake to Blacklock Point Loop which combines both walking on the beach with strolling through forested trails, making for a truly unique and varied experience. This trail is a bit longer at nearly 8 miles roundtrip, which can be completed in an average of 2.5 hours. This route is recommended for adventurers looking to combine the lake, ocean, and forest landscapes all in one. To make your hiking trip ideal, don't forget to bring sturdy hiking boots (such as these Shulook waterproof hiking shoes) as the trails can be quite muddy in the winter, a camera or smartphone to take stunning photos of the Blacklock Point's dramatic cliffs, and windproof layers as the coastal breezes can be quite strong.

Floras Lake is a great destination for water sports lovers as the steady coastal winds and calm surface create perfect conditions for both kitesurfing and windsurfing. For those wishing to experience either sport for the first time, Floras Lake offers a great environment for beginners with no large waves, tides, or currents. If that sounds great to you, be sure to pay Floras Lake Windsports a visit as they offer lessons and equipment rentals for every skill level, whether you're just starting out or are an experienced surfer looking to practice new tricks. The best winds are typically between May and September. Outside of this season, the weather can be cold and the wind unreliable.

There are also other water activities available such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, or even just swimming and sunbathing. Before you visit this incredible location, keep in mind that the best time to visit for swimming is in spring and summer when the water is warmer. However, the lake will always be warmer than the nearby chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean. Visiting during the fall is a great idea if you want to do some hiking because it means experiencing the beautiful fall foliage without the crowds.

Because there is so much to do in and around Floras Lake, you may want to spend a couple days in the area to fully enjoy your seaside outdoor adventures. It's possible to find budget-friendly campsites on the north side of the lake at Boice Cope County Park and Campground for as low as $15 per night. These sites also offer lake access. If you are looking for more hotel options, you should head 30 minutes north to the town of Bandon. Here, you'll find Bandon Dunes Lodge which is a scenic golf resort. Other options also include the Bandon Inn and the Table Rock Motel, a charming coastal stay with stunning ocean views. You can also find vacation rentals in the nearby towns of Langlois and Port Orford — an artsy and eclectic fishing town full of off-the-beaten-path fun.

While you're in the area, there's a few other great locations to check out and explore, such as Cape Blanco State Park, Bandon Beach, and the Oregon Coast Trail. In fact, Cape Blanco State Park is less than 20 minutes away from Floras Lake and contains Oregon's southernmost lighthouse that offers stunning ocean views. At Bandon Beach, you'll find fascinating tide pools and caves that make for great sunset photos. And last but not least, the Oregon Coast Trail is a great challenge for those looking to go on a thru-hiking adventure. To make this trip perfect, don't forget to pack binoculars (like these Occer compact binoculars) to be able to spot the incredible seabirds and marine wildlife in the area.