
Chris Johnson leads a pack of runners on the Tahkenitch trail
Florence Trail Runs
Sutton Trails – The closest trail network to town is a few minutes north. “That Sutton Trail System is great for a solid 4-8 mile loop run on rolling hills through shore pine and rhododendron forest, with a little bit of sandy trail thrown in,” states Long. “There are really beautiful trails along Sutton Creek,” claims Johnson.

The biodiversity of the coastal forests is amazing around Florence
Cape Mountain – Another 10 minutes north of Florence are the Cape Mountain trail network and Heceta Head/Washburne State Park trail network that is mostly forested with some amazing ocean views.
Oregon Dunes – South of Florence lies the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area. “My favorite trails there are the Tahkenitch area trails, which we use for the Siuslaw Dunes 50K and 25K,” says Long. “They’re all incredible trails where you can really spend all day going anywhere from 5-20+ miles if you wanted to connect them all.”
Kentucky Falls – Located on the North Fork of the Smith River and Kentucky Creek in the Siuslaw National Forest, Kentucky Falls is a challenging way to get a long run amongst the trees, fauna, and creeks of the forest.
Florence Trail Races
Siuslaw Dunes 25k and 50k – “Fun and challenging are two very accurate descriptors of the event! When planning this one, we very intentionally wanted an early-season timeframe so people could come race without the “A” race pressure and just run a low key but organized race in a diverse, beautiful area of the Oregon Coast with friends,” exclaims Long. “The dunes are obviously the most challenging aspect of the course, but the challenge is the reason we all pursue these adventures after all! The event is dog-friendly and the setting at Honeyman State Park is just so, so exciting and fun– a very reminiscent place for many people…because who doesn’t have childhood memories of camping, swimming and playing on the dunes at Honeyman as a kid?”

The day-use area on Cleawox Lake in Honeyman State Park is the start and finish of the Siuslaw Dunes Trail Race
Cape Mountain 25k & 50k– A trail race from Daybreak Racing using the Cape Mountain trails.
Oregon Coast Trail Series – Two of the races in the Daybreak series are in the Florence area. The 8.1-mile run at Heceta Head just north of Florence and the 8.4-mile run at Sunset Bay State Park near Coos Bay.
Oregon Coast 20 mile and 5ok – Just up Highway 101 in Yachats, this classic race from Rainshadow Running uses the beach and trails of Cape Perpetua.
Perpetua Fat Ass – Ardor Adventures hosts this fun run and potluck. Pick from 50K, 30K, 20K & 10K distances.
Sunset Bay Trail Runs – 1/2 Marathon, 15K, 4-Mile trail runs located south of Florence in Sunset Bay State Park near Coos Bay.

Running on the dunes is a different type of challenge than traditional trail running.
Florence Area Trail Running Groups
Florence is a small community but has some groups of active runners. There’s a Facebook group called Runners Of Florence that has many group runs throughout the year. Run Hub out of Eugene will also schedule trail runs in Florence.
South Coast Running Club is based out of Coos Bay just south of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and hosts a weekly run around the area.
Coffee
River Roasters – This local coffee place is located right next to the Siuslaw River Bridge on Bay Street in Old Town Florence. River Roasters does its own roasting and has been a mainstay of Florence locals and visitors for a long time.
Old Town Coffee Roasters – A quaint coffee roaster also located in Old Town.
Ocean Grinds Coffee – Located on Highway 101, Ocean Grinds serves organic, fair-trade espresso. and food options like biscuits & gravy and breakfast burritos.
Brewpubs/Restaurants
Darlings Marina Resort – Get a drink at the onsite craft pub with a great view of the lake. “They have great beers and salads,” says Johnson. “Darlings is a great place to relax after a run in Oregon Dunes .”
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