VIRTUAL TOUR OF UPPER LANE COUNTY
The Secret Hobbit Trail - Just N. of Florence
It's so named because of the eerie tunnel-like earthen walls that surround you at certain points upon your descent - and it's a secret.
About two miles from Washburne, you'll find an easy-to-miss parking lot on the east side of the highway, with signs pointing to different trails, including the Hobbit Trail.
Wander down the path through thick trees and earthen walls and emerge on this more-than-slightly mystical beach. Odd and beautiful structures are often found, in the form of rock piles, rock gardens, sculptures in the sand, rune-like constructions made of stones, or artistic scrawlings on the cliffs. It's as if this place is occupied by gnomes who scurry away from their constructions upon the approach of any human being.
It's often visited by creative-types from Eugene who leave their distinctive mark.
There’s a breathtaking trail from the trailhead that meanders a little over a mile through forestland and the occasional stunning viewpoint, eventually twisting and switching back periodically to wind up in back of the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
On the east side of the highway is another trail connecting up to the China Creek trail after one mile. Here, you pass more natural wonders along the way. Keep along the path named “Valley Trail.”