Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site

Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site protects a spectacular stand of old-growth Oregon myrtle trees along the Coquille River near the southern Oregon coast town of Myrtle Point. This 14-acre day-use park preserves one of the finest examples of mature myrtle forest remaining in the Pacific Northwest. The Oregon myrtle, also known as California bay laurel or pepperwood, reaches exceptional size and age in the mild, moist climate of Oregon's coastal valleys. The site features trees with massive trunks and spreading canopies that create a cathedral-like atmosphere, with some specimens estimated to be several hundred years old. The park serves as both a recreational destination and a preserve for this distinctive ecosystem, offering picnicking, walking trails, and interpretation of the cultural and natural significance of these remarkable trees.

The mature myrtle forest provides habitat for wildlife species associated with old-growth hardwood and mixed forests of coastal Oregon. Black-tailed deer browse on understory vegetation and use the forest for cover and thermal regulation. Western gray squirrels utilize the myrtle trees for nesting and foraging, though their populations have declined regionally. Roosevelt elk occasionally pass through the area, though they prefer more open habitats nearby. The forest canopy supports numerous bird species including varied thrushes, Pacific wrens, and chestnut-backed chickadees that forage among the foliage. Pileated woodpeckers excavate cavities in dead or dying trees, creating nesting opportunities later used by owls, wood ducks, and other cavity-nesting species. The Coquille River adjacent to the grove supports coho salmon, fall chinook salmon, and winter steelhead, with the forested corridor providing important shade and large woody debris that creates fish habitat. River otters and mink hunt along the waterway. The diverse forest structure supports salamanders including the clouded salamander in the canopy and roughskin newts on the forest floor.

The grove is dominated by Oregon myrtle, which reaches extraordinary dimensions in this protected site, with some trees exceeding 80 feet in height and 6 feet in diameter. The myrtle's dense, evergreen canopy creates deep shade, limiting understory development compared to conifer-dominated forests. Beneath the myrtles grow shade-tolerant species including sword fern, inside-out flower, and various mosses that carpet the forest floor. The site also contains Douglas fir, western hemlock, and bigleaf maple, creating a mixed forest structure. Red alder colonizes disturbed areas and the riparian zone along the Coquille River. The understory includes salal, Oregon grape, red huckleberry, and Pacific rhododendron. The myrtle trees produce small yellowish flowers in winter, followed by olive-like fruits that historically provided food for indigenous peoples and wildlife. Epiphytic lichens and mosses festoon tree branches, benefiting from the humid coastal climate. The ecosystem represents mature succession in the coastal forest, with old trees gradually being replaced as they die and create canopy gaps allowing regeneration.

The site occupies a river terrace along the Coquille River, formed from alluvial deposits laid down over thousands of years by flooding and sediment transport. The underlying bedrock consists of sedimentary rocks including sandstone and siltstone from the Tertiary period, part of the coastal sedimentary sequence. These rocks formed from marine sediments deposited when this area was beneath the ocean, later uplifted by tectonic forces. The fertile alluvial soils have developed through weathering of these sediments combined with organic matter from forest vegetation, creating conditions favorable for the luxuriant myrtle growth. The relatively flat terrace where the grove grows is elevated above the current river floodplain, protecting the old trees from frequent flooding while maintaining groundwater access through deep root systems. The broader region experiences gradual coastal uplift related to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, with ancient marine terraces visible at higher elevations indicating past sea level positions.

The site experiences a mild maritime climate characteristic of Oregon's coastal valleys, with warm wet winters and cool dry summers. Winter temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to mid-50s Fahrenheit, rarely experiencing hard freezes due to marine moderation. Summer temperatures are moderate, usually in the 60s to mid-70s, remaining cooler than inland valleys. Annual precipitation averages 60-70 inches, concentrated heavily from November through April when Pacific storm systems bring prolonged rain. The abundant moisture combined with mild temperatures creates ideal growing conditions for Oregon myrtle and other moisture-loving species. Summer brings the Pacific High pressure pattern, reducing rainfall to occasional light showers, though morning fog from the nearby ocean maintains humidity. Fall and spring experience transitional weather with variable conditions. The maritime climate prevents temperature extremes, creating a narrow annual temperature range that has allowed the myrtle forest to develop and persist for centuries.

The Coquille River valley has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples including the Coquille and other southern Oregon coastal tribes who utilized the abundant natural resources. Oregon myrtle held particular cultural significance, with the aromatic leaves used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, and the nuts consumed as food after processing to remove bitter compounds. The wood's hardness and attractive grain made it valuable for tools and carvings. Euro-American exploration of the southern Oregon coast began in the early 1800s, with permanent settlement following in mid-century. The town of Myrtle Point was established in the 1850s, named for the abundance of myrtle trees in the area. Early settlers harvested myrtle wood for commercial purposes, valuing it for furniture, paneling, and specialty items due to its beautiful golden-brown color and fine grain. The timber industry dominated the regional economy through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with most large myrtle trees harvested except in preserved locations like this grove.

The grove was preserved as a state park through recognition of its exceptional natural values and the rarity of old-growth myrtle forests following extensive logging throughout the region. The exact date of park establishment is not well documented, but it occurred during the mid-20th century expansion of Oregon's state park system. The decision to protect this stand reflected growing awareness of the need to preserve representative examples of Oregon's diverse forest ecosystems, particularly old-growth stands that had largely disappeared from private lands. The park was designated as a State Natural Site, indicating management priorities emphasizing natural preservation over intensive recreational development. Over the decades, the park has provided opportunities for visitors to experience an intact myrtle forest while serving as a gene pool for this species and a reference site for ecological research. Minimal development has maintained the grove's natural character while providing basic access and interpretation for visitors.

The primary attraction is walking among the massive old-growth Oregon myrtle trees, some of the largest and oldest specimens of this species remaining in Oregon. A short interpretive trail loops through the grove, allowing visitors to experience the distinctive character of the mature myrtle forest. Interpretive signs provide information about Oregon myrtle ecology, cultural history, and the importance of preserving old-growth ecosystems. The trail passes several particularly impressive trees with massive trunks and spreading crowns. The grove's proximity to the Coquille River provides additional scenic value, though river access is limited. Picnic facilities allow visitors to spend time enjoying the peaceful forest setting. The park is especially attractive during spring when wildflowers bloom on the forest floor, and in fall when bigleaf maples add autumn color. Photographers are drawn to the grove's dramatic light conditions created by the dense canopy. The site serves as a living museum preserving both natural and cultural heritage associated with Oregon myrtle.

Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site is located near Myrtle Point in Coos County, accessible from Highway 42 which connects Coquille to Interstate 5 via Roseburg. The site features a parking area, picnic tables, restrooms, and the interpretive trail through the myrtle grove. Facilities are basic, consistent with the natural site designation and day-use focus. There is no camping or overnight accommodation. The park is open year-round during daylight hours, with peak visitation during summer months when weather is most favorable. Spring and fall offer pleasant conditions with fewer visitors. Winter visits can be rewarding despite rain, as the evergreen myrtles remain attractive and the forest takes on a particularly lush character. The nearest community is Myrtle Point, offering basic services including lodging and restaurants. Coos Bay and Bandon on the coast are approximately 30-40 miles distant, with more extensive visitor services. The park makes an interesting stop for travelers exploring southern Oregon's interior valleys and provides a contrast to the coastal scenery found nearby.

The park's primary conservation function is protecting one of the few remaining old-growth Oregon myrtle stands, preserving genetic diversity and ecosystem functions associated with mature forests. Management emphasizes natural preservation with minimal intervention, allowing ecological processes to continue without intensive manipulation. The old trees represent irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage, having survived both indigenous use and Euro-American exploitation. Threats include invasive plant species, particularly English ivy which can climb into tree canopies and eventually kill even large trees. Sudden oak death, a pathogen that affects Oregon myrtle and other hardwoods, poses a potential threat requiring monitoring and prevention measures. Climate change may alter moisture regimes and temperature patterns, potentially affecting myrtle regeneration and forest composition over time. The park serves educational functions, helping visitors understand old-growth ecosystems and their importance. Research opportunities include studying myrtle ecology, forest succession, and wildlife use of old-growth hardwood forests. Continued protection ensures that future generations can experience these remarkable trees and the ecosystems they support.