North Jetty & Heceta Beach

The Jetty to Jetty loop offers a captivating touring cycling experience along the Oregon coast, blending scenic beauty with a manageable challenge. You'll pedal past the impressive Art Deco Siuslaw River Bridge, offering stunning river views, and then immerse yourself in the vast, unique landscape of the Oregon Dunes. The route also takes you to North Jetty and Heceta Beach, where you can witness the raw power of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the shore, providing a dynamic backdrop to your ride.

This moderate 24.3-mile (39.1 km) cycling route features a gentle elevation gain of 656 feet (200 metres) and typically takes around 2 hours and 21 minutes to complete. Florence is a bike-friendly community, so you'll find marked trails and dedicated bike lanes along much of the way, making it easy to navigate. It's a great option for a half-day adventure, suitable for most touring cyclists looking for a rewarding coastal ride.

Beyond the jettiess, this loop connects with significant portions of the Oregon Coast Trail and the Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway, offering opportunities to extend your adventure. The route provides a fantastic overview of Florence's coastal charm, from its historic Old Town to the dramatic natural features of the dunes and beaches. It's a prime example of the diverse and accessible cycling available in this part of Oregon.

The North Jetty & Heceta Beach loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience along the Oregon coast, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll pedal past expansive views of Heceta Beach and witness the dramatic confluence of the Siuslaw River and the Pacific Ocean at the North Jetty. This easy 5.5-mile (8.9 km) route, with a mere 106 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly paved and can be completed in about 32 minutes, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Finding a starting point for your ride is simple, even with recent upgrades to the North Jetty parking area. This loop is an excellent option for a quick, enjoyable spin, especially if you're looking to combine natural beauty with a comfortable ride. Consider an afternoon visit; Heceta Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets, providing a memorable backdrop to your cycling adventure.

This route stands out as an easy, refreshing coastal ride in the bike-friendly community of Florence, Oregon. While it's a short and sweet option, it provides a fantastic taste of the local coastal environment. If you're seeking a longer challenge, the area also offers routes like the

This easy touring cycling route offers a charming spin through Florence, Oregon, taking you along the scenic Siuslaw River and past historic landmarks. You'll enjoy waterside views, the impressive Art Deco Siuslaw River Bridge, and the unique Exploding Whale Memorial Park, with glimpses of the vast sand dunes across the river. It's a 15.9-mile (25.6 km) loop with a gentle 354 feet (108 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a perfect, relaxed ride for all abilities.

To start your adventure, head to Historic Old Town Florence, where you'll find convenient parking. The town is well-equipped for cyclists, with bike lanes and trails guiding your way. This route is best enjoyed during pleasant weather, perhaps in the morning or late afternoon, to experience the best light and avoid peak times.

The highlight of this loop is undoubtedly Exploding Whale Memorial Park, named after the infamous 1970 incident where an 8-ton beached whale was explosively removed, creating a local legend. The park itself offers peaceful riverfront views and interpretive signage, while the historic Siuslaw River Bridge adds architectural interest to your ride. It's a route that combines natural beauty with a truly unique piece of local history.