Trail crew ready for action: Wyatt, Kenny, Kaya, Mhina, and Joseph
The College is moving forward with phased construction of a multi-use, pedestrian-friendly trail system through its Coos Campus and forest, alongside Upper Empire Lake. Our goal is to create a welcoming, nature-connected experience for our students and community members of all ages and abilities who love the outdoors.
In line with SWOCC’s vision to lead and inspire lifelong learning, the College partnered with Ptarmigan Ptrails LLC (PTRAILS) to design the trail network. The nationally known Port Orford-based professional trail development firm identified optimal routes tailored to the terrain. Plans include a mix of natural and improved surface trails, with options for universal access, walking paths, and mountain bike-friendly routes. The trail system will also provide training grounds for the College’s cross country team and connect students in forestry, natural resources and agroecology programs with outdoor labs right on campus.
The College is planning to phase the development as funding becomes available. The first phase of the project started in April, restoring the once-popular decades-old trails on the north side of campus connecting to the city of Coos Bay’s John Topits Park. It’s a partnership between the College, SWOCC Foundation, PTRAILS and the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board, which is funding a youth construction crew. The crew consists of SWOCC students and other youth who want to work and someday have outdoor careers.
The project came about after the College completed its 2020-30 comprehensive facilities plan. Students and community members told us they wanted to be a part of a vibrant learning ecosystem – inside and outdoors. The other benefit is the College also expects the trail system to provide additional local tourism opportunities, as people discover the natural beauty of the south coast.
Many generations of people have walked on this land and around the lakes, even before the College campus was built. With this trail system, SWOCC will ensure people are connected for many more generations to our outdoor career programs, the land, lake and forest.
