Coos Bay Oregon

Oct 8, 2014
51
NA NA NA
I am thinking to trailer a mac 26 to Coos bay. Can anyone tell me how is the recreational sailing? Also, any suggestions on where to launch or slip the boat for a week or so. Thanks John
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,790
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Perhaps if you are thinking about the Oregon Coast as an adventure, not sure that Coos Bay is the optimal sailing bay. It is about 10 nm long and at the widest section 1.4 nm wide. It is an estuary, with a lot of shallow mud flats. Typical of the Oregon Coast bays.

The bay was an industrial hub during the 70's when the logging industry was in existence. A Lumber mill, and a chip mill dominated the dock that ran from Coos Bay to North Bend. Now that land has been reclaimed by an Indian Casino,

It would be a day trip and you could pretty much cover the bay from the Coquille Bar (a nasty entrance when weather is disagreeable) near Charlston (a dock and Fishing industry center) to the tidal mouth of the Coquille River. Lots of sand and decent beaches where they tried to blow up a whale and the hull of a boat. Terrific undertow along the beaches.

Interesting to visit, perhaps explore. Sailing is limited as most of the water is long and narrow serving to empty the water from a river. Lots of silt fills the bays from the winter rains which cause the waters to run brown.

If coming up from AZ, I would continue my drive up to the Puget Sound. There you could get lost on the water for a lifetime.
 
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Jul 27, 2011
5,134
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
I am thinking to trailer a mac 26 to Coos bay. Can anyone tell me how is the recreational sailing? Also, any suggestions on where to launch or slip the boat for a week or so. Thanks John
Chart shows a boat ramp at Empire (Park) on Coos Bay. But I read that it will be closed for two weeks beginning May 26, 2022.
 
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Jul 27, 2011
5,134
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
Perhaps if you are thinking about the Oregon Coast as an adventure, not sure that Coos Bay is the optimal sailing bay. It is about 10 nm long and at the widest section 1.4 nm wide. It is an estuary, with a lot of shallow mud flats. Typical of the Oregon Coast bays.

The bay was an industrial hub during the 70's when the logging industry was in existence. A Lumber mill, and a chip mill dominated the dock that ran from Coos Bay to North Bend. Now that land has been reclaimed by an Indian Casino,

It would be a day trip and you could pretty much cover the bay from the Coquille Bar (a nasty entrance when weather is disagreeable) near Charlston (a dock and Fishing industry center) to the tidal mouth of the Coquille River. Lots of sand and decent beaches where they tried to blow up a whale and the hull of a boat. Terrific undertow along the beaches.

Interesting to visit, perhaps explore. Sailing is limited as most of the water is long and narrow serving to empty the water from a river. Lots of silt fills the bays from the winter rains which cause the waters to run brown.

If coming up from AZ, I would continue my drive up to the Puget Sound. There you could get lost on the water for a lifetime.
Yeah, unless you have business there at Coos Bay as the chief reason for coming, there might be better venue options for day sailing closer or beyond, such as on Bodega Bay, CA. Boat launch at Westside Regional Park in Bodega Harbor. Very scenic area. A bit off the “beaten path.” There is transient slippage at Spud Point Marina, I believe. Might be crowded in certain summer weeks, FCFS. There’s also the Columbia River area.
 
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Johnb

.
Jan 22, 2008
1,456
Hunter 37-cutter Richmond CA
The above descriptions make my mouth water. I would like to add one more possibility. The Columbia River from the mouth up to and maybe just beyond I5 bridge.

I am in the Bay Area and have explored from Foster City to Petaluma, Sacramento, Stockton and about everywhere in between. If you came to the Bay the choices are about infinite and the sailing is good.

Now all you have to do is choose......
 
Jul 27, 2011
5,134
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
Admiral and I were up the CA coast last fall (early November) between Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg, slightly beyond. Along that stretch of coastline the town of Bodega Bay & Harbor had the most to offer the visitor. Good accommodation options (e.g., Inn at the Tides), good restaurants, nice views, and great climate in fall. IMO, likely an excellent spot for a trailer-sailor visit.
 
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Dec 25, 2000
5,908
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Hi John. Lived and worked in Coos Bay/North Bend for a few years with some recreational time on the water but never owned a boat at that time. Best bet would be to launch at the Charleston boat basin near the opening to the Coos River bar. That way you can spend a few days sailing the Coos River or cross the bar and do some ocean sailing. Must keep an eye on weather and bar conditions, which can get quite nasty, but otherwise a nice experience.

The Charleston boat basin includes a marina, boating and related services. Following the flood up river to Coos bay dock makes for a nice day sail, or overnighter, then follow the ebb back to Charleston. Spend a day or two nosing around Coos Bay with its many shops and eating establishments.

 
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Mikem

.
Dec 20, 2009
823
Hunter 466 Bremerton
Perhaps if you are thinking about the Oregon Coast as an adventure, not sure that Coos Bay is the optimal sailing bay. It is about 10 nm long and at the widest section 1.4 nm wide. It is an estuary, with a lot of shallow mud flats. Typical of the Oregon Coast bays.

The bay was an industrial hub during the 70's when the logging industry was in existence. A Lumber mill, and a chip mill dominated the dock that ran from Coos Bay to North Bend. Now that land has been reclaimed by an Indian Casino,

It would be a day trip and you could pretty much cover the bay from the Coquille Bar (a nasty entrance when weather is disagreeable) near Charlston (a dock and Fishing industry center) to the tidal mouth of the Coquille River. Lots of sand and decent beaches where they tried to blow up a whale and the hull of a boat. Terrific undertow along the beaches.

Interesting to visit, perhaps explore. Sailing is limited as most of the water is long and narrow serving to empty the water from a river. Lots of silt fills the bays from the winter rains which cause the waters to run brown.

If coming up from AZ, I would continue my drive up to the Puget Sound. There you could get lost on the water for a lifetime.
I concur completely with Jssailem. I worked in Coos Bay from 2007-2013 and will tell you it is not a place for recreational sailing. Continue north to Puget sound.
 
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