Bombs Away!

After reading William Sullivan's hilarious account of the events surrounding this Japanese World War II bomb crater in Southern Oregon two years ago, I've been itching to visit the site. And at long last I got my chance. I have to admit, there aren't any stunning waterfalls or scenic viewpoints along this easy, rambling hike, but it's still worth the effort of visiting just to see where this remarkable series of events occurred and imagining Japanese planes flying overhead bombing the forests of Southern Oregon.

Directions

The drive to the trailhead is more challenging than the hike! In Brookings, drive Highway 101 to the south end of the Chetco River bridge, and turn eastward on the South Bank Road. (I didn't see any sign actually showing the name of this road, but it IS the first road heading east immediately south of the Chetco River bridge). Follow this road five miles inland, then fork right onto gravel Mt. Emily Road, and follow "Bombsite Trail" signs for 13 twisty, uphill miles to the trailhead sign. The gravel road took me about an hour to drive up--which is longer than it took me to complete the hike! You'll need a Northwest Forest Pass to park here, or risk fines if you're caught without one.

Please note that winter storms often knock down trees that block the road to the trailhead! It may be a good idea to call ahead for road conditions so you don't find yourself driving for an hour up a long, gravel road to find yourself a few miles short of the trailhead and have to turn around empty handed. It's very discouraging when that happens! =)

Clue

At the bombsite, follow the small trail behind the bench ten paces to a log. At the far, uphill end of the log is the letterbox, covered with debris.

Stamp in and please return the letterbox, well-hidden from view. In particular, make sure you can't see it from the bombsite, since there's a hole in the log that the letterbox is hidden behind, and it tends to show through there.

Hike Length: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 100 feet