Envisions 60-mile hiking path to sea

A national organization that promotes recreational trails has recognized the chairman of the Corvallis to the Sea Trail Partnership with the 2008 Trail Advocacy Award for Oregon.

Gary Chapman was honored this week by American Trails, a nonprofit based in Redding, Calif., for his work to establish a path linking Corvallis with the Pacific. One trail advocate from each state was recognized during the group's National Trails Symposium in Little Rock, Ark.

"It's a group award," Chapman said, reflecting the efforts of all the partnership volunteers. He also gave credit to the various landowners that have agreed to let the route cross their property. In addition to private individuals, those include Starker Forests, the city of Corvallis and Pacific Forest Trust.

As currently envisioned, the 60-mile route would follow a paved bike path from Corvallis to Philomath, then go up Old Peak Road to Marys Peak. From there the path would cross the Coast Range on county roads, logging roads, decommissioned Forest Service roads and newly built trail segments.

Exactly where it would wind up is still unclear. A route to Ona Beach already is approved, but there are no campgrounds or other overnight accommodations there, Chapman said. The preferred terminus is South Beach, which has camping facilities and is adjacent to Newport, with its many amenities.

"We're still trying to make the last five, six, seven miles of the west end to be more user-friendly, get the route off well-traveled roads," Chapman said.

"Coming out at South Beach is a nicer destination," he added. "You can have your choice of motels, eat in a restaurant. You can kind of relax, say 'We made it.'"

To make the alternate route work, Chapman and other partnership members will have to go through additional negotiations with landowners. Chapman said he'll try to ramp those up after the first of the year.

Bennett Hall can be reached at 758-9529 or bennett.hall@lee.net.