Powers lies in a secluded valley on the South Fork of the Coquille River. Several distinct themes can help shape your travel plans: camping in the county park, non-motorized use of a pond, local history, and trails featuring waterfalls, forest, or mountain meadows. This makes it easy to choose your stay based on the themes that shape your trip.
Camping and Water at Powers County Park
Powers County Park has 70 campsites: 40 RV sites and 30 sites suitable for tents. Since the number of sites can change, it is advisable to check the current count before your trip. A kayak launch serves visitors using the pond for non-motorized activities. The pond is stocked with trout, bass, catfish, and crappie. Camping, the pond, and the launch offer distinct experiences in the park; the restriction to non-motorized activities is important when using the pond.
Logging History and White Cedar Days
A steam-powered logging winch, known as a “steam donkey,” is on display at Powers County Park. It was used in logging operations in Coos County in the early 20th century. The historic Wagner House offers another connection to the region’s history: according to the State Historical Preservation Office, it is among the region’s oldest pioneer houses. A railroad museum and exhibits are located on the grounds beside the house. If you’re planning a visit, check current visitor access.
An annual event on the calendar is the White Cedar Days festival, held in Powers on Independence Day weekend. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, confirm the exact dates before you arrive.
Trails with Distinctive Character
The Coquille River Falls Trail is a 0.5-mile hike through undisturbed stands of Douglas fir, hemlock, and Port Orford cedar. The descent to the waterfalls is steep and almost always wet; conditions may vary. Take the trail’s character into account when planning and check current conditions before your visit.
On the Elk Creek Falls Trail, the two branches lead to different destinations: the left-hand trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking Elk Creek Falls. The right-hand trail continues through old-growth forest to the Big Tree picnic area. The Hanging Rock Trail #1113 is 0.25 miles long and leads from the trailhead to the Panther Ridge Trail #1253. About 95 percent of the Panther Ridge Trail lies within the Wild Rogue Wilderness; check conditions before setting out.
The Sucker Creek Trail passes through old mining areas and includes high-elevation mountain meadows with abundant wildflowers. The Sucker Creek Shelter is a three-sided shingle shelter that makes a good place to pitch a tent. These trails offer different highlights: mining history and wildflowers, a short route to the Panther Ridge Trail, or branches leading to waterfalls and old-growth forest.
Seasonal Activities, Bike Route, and Swimming Spot
Seasonal activities in Powers include winter hunting and summer hiking. The Powers-Glendale Bike Route is connected to Powers and passes through remote landscapes. The road to the National Forest is also part of the Coquille-Rogue Scenic Byway. Since route conditions may change seasonally, check them before you travel.
Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site is a secluded swimming spot on Powers Highway. There is a sandy beach on the Coquille River, where visitors can float along in the gentle current on an inner tube. Since conditions at the State Natural Site may change, check them before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Bandon, Coos Bay.
For the broader travel overview: Coos County.
