The Oregon State Parks & Recreation Commission today accepted a donation of nearly $40,000 from Oregon Parks Forever for the construction of three more hike/bike pods in state parks along the Oregon coast. The pods will be installed at three of the following five locations*, as OPRD determines the highest priority and feasibility: Beverly Beach in Newport, Beachside in Waldport, Honeyman in Florence, Sunset Bay in Coos Bay or Humbug Mountain in Port Orford.
This brings to nine the number of bike pods that Oregon Parks Forever has arranged to fund. The initial six are located in hiker/biker camps at Fort Stevens, Devil’s Lake, Cape Blanco, Harris Beach, Cape Lookout, Bullards Beach and Nehalem Bay. Installation of the three additional bike pods is scheduled to be complete by the Spring of 2022.
The goal is to ultimately have these bike pods in 11 of the coastal parks. The pods offer lockers with plugs, allowing users to store food and gear, and charge cell phones and GPS devices safely while they explore the park or surrounding areas. These shelters will enable hikers on the Oregon Coast Trail and cyclists on the Oregon Coast Bikeway to stop at hiker/biker camping areas in state parks to lock bikes, gear, and food; charge electronic devices like cell phones and GPS devices; repair bikes; and fill tires and water bottles. The hike/bike campsites also have bike fix-it stands, water sources, picnic tables, fire rings and places to lock bikes safely. Locks for the lockers are not provided, so guests are encouraged to bring their own locks.
The first six locations have been very popular with guests, and enhanced the reputation of Oregon State Parks for hikers and bikers along the Oregon Coast. These nine bike pods have been funded by Oregon Parks Forever through grants from the Juan Young Trust, REI and the Oregon Tourism Commission.
Oregon Parks Forever installed the initial hike/bike pod at Champoeg State Heritage Area, south of Wilsonville.
See some of the already installed hiker-biker shelters at https://www.orparksforever.org/about-us/current-initiatives/hiker-biker-amenities/
- The parks department subsequently selected Beverly Beach in Newport, Honeyman in Florence, and Sunset Bay in Coos Bay. as the locations for these three hike-bike pods.