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Oregon's South Coast is your destination. Check out these wonderful Bay Area activities.

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86 Watch some ships roll in

There are few things as awe“ inspiring as watching a 700-foot-long ship sail in front of your eyes. But you can from many spots along the shipping channel in Coos Bay.

This deep-draft port still claims a worldwide market in wood products. While ship arrival and departure dates are hard to predict, due to ocean weather and other factors, those lucky enough to visit the South Jetty when a vessel arrives will be treated to an exciting display as towboats assist these huge vessels in crossing the bar.

Terminals that frequently attract vessels include:
¢ Roseburg Forest Products wood chip facility is located on the North Spit, just west of the Coos Bay Railroad Bridge. The dock is located across the bay from the airport.

¢ Wood chip ships sailing farther into the bay may stop at the Oregon Chip Terminal, which borders U.S. Highway 101 at the city line between the North Bend and Coos Bay.

¢ From the Coos Bay Boardwalk, people can watch barges on their way to the Georgia-Pacific docks and beyond.

Visitors might wonder how 600- to 700-foot-long vessels can turn around in the bay. It takes teamwork with captains piloting seemingly tiny towboats. There are two turning areas in the bay ” one in front of The Mill Casino-Hotel and another in the upper bay past the Coos Bay Boardwalk, though it's seldom used. During the undertaking, the towboats actually push an idle ship 180 degrees to prepare it, once loaded, to sail from the bay at high tide.

Remember, ship loading is dangerous work and docks are not public places. People hoping for close views of the magnificent vessels should not trespass. Use a camera lens or binoculars instead.

For ship schedules, those interested can call the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay at 267-7678, or look online at http://www.portofcoosbay.com/vessel.htm.

Planning a trip?

86 Watch some ships roll in

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