Cooper Creek Reservoir Trail

The Cooper Creek Reservoir Trail parallels the southern side of the namesake Cooper Creek Reservoir, located just outside the small town of Sutherlin, Oregon. While work is underway to build a trail around the entire reservoir, for now it can only be hiked as an out and back hike, unless you wish to combine some road walking to complete the loop around the reservoir.

The trail can be accessed from two trailheads, the main parking area at “Cooper Creek West,” or a small parking area at the far end of the reservoir just past “Cooper Creek East.”

Beginning from the main trailhead you’ll cross over the reservoir dam. This is a nice area and you’ll likely see fishermen here. The trail then dives into the forest where it stays for most of its length. A short side trail to the left will take you down to the water and to an excellent fishing hole, one that you’d likely have to yourself.

The forest begins to open up as the trail skirts around the reservoir’s largest “cove.” This clear view of the reservoir is one of the best of the entire trail. You’ll then enter back into heavily forested terrain, although just to the right of trail you’ll notice a large recently logged section of land.

The trail continues around a smaller cove and eventually comes out to a flat, marshy area at the far end of the reservoir. An intriguing site here are several trees that are carpeted in Old Man’s Beard (lichen). The trail then follows near a gravel road until it comes to the small secondary parking area. You’ll notice that the trail appears to continue onward, and you’re correct. This is the segment of trail that is currently under construction and will complete a loop around the reservoir when finished. While you can continue hiking it, be aware that you’ll have to climb up to the paved road and walk it to finish the loop.