Cooper Creek Reservoir Trail

Just two miles outside of the small town of Sutherlin, Oregon, Cooper Creek Reservoir Trail is a well-groomed, forested, 3-4 mile out-and-back trail with the option of doing it as a loop. The trail begins at the main (west) boat launch and officially terminates roughly a half mile before shown on the map. A very clear and well-worn boot path continues from that point to the smaller (east) boat launch. After this, the north section of the trail continues, but is only roughed-out and flagged and there is a lot of poison oak. I personally don't run this final section, preferring to run the groomed section out and back, but I have hiked it a couple of times, so I know it can be done as a loop. Another option is to run the road between the boat launches to complete the loop. A local mountain biking group has plans to finish the final section and make this a real loop trail, but I don't know when or if work is scheduled. Yes, this trail is open to non-motorized biking. However, I rarely run into bikers and when I have, they've always yielded. I rated this trail intermediate, based on the criteria, but it's really a pretty forgiving little trail. A few steep inclines, some rocks and roots, and in the winter a couple patches of gnarly clay mud add to its charm. The trail was recently (1/22) logged out, so there are currently no fallen trees to navigate, though after a heavy rain, wind or snow these "hurdles" can be a feature, too. Recreational use of the area is heavier on weekends and in the summer. Motorized boats are permitted, so in the summer there is noise from boaters, water-skiers and jetskiers.