William M. Tugman

William M. Tugman State Park occupies 560 forested acres along Eel Lake on Oregon's southern coast, named for the Oregon Journal editor who championed state park development throughout his career. The park offers camping, fishing, and swimming in a tranquil setting away from the busier coastal attractions, with old-growth Sitka spruce providing a cathedral-like atmosphere.

Eel Lake supports populations of yellow perch, largemouth bass, and brown bullhead, while its shores attract great blue herons, kingfishers, and ospreys. Black-tailed deer browse the forest edges at dawn and dusk. Roosevelt elk occasionally wander through the campground. The surrounding forests shelter varied thrushes, winter wrens, and Pacific giant salamanders.

Magnificent old-growth Sitka spruce towers above the campground, with some trees exceeding 200 feet in height. Western red cedar, shore pine, and Douglas fir fill the forest canopy. Dense understory vegetation includes salal, evergreen huckleberry, and rhododendron. The lakeside marshes support cattails, sedges, and willows. Unique coastal bog communities occur nearby.

Eel Lake occupies a coastal lowland between ancient sand dunes and the Coast Range foothills. The lake formed as rising sea levels following the last ice age flooded river valleys and created the Oregon Dunes complex. Marine terraces and old dune ridges shape the surrounding topography. The Coos Bay area's coal-bearing sedimentary rocks underlie the region.

The mild marine climate brings 60-70 inches of annual precipitation, with rain falling primarily between October and May. Summer temperatures reach the 60s and low 70s F, while winters remain mild with lows in the 40s. Coastal fog frequently blankets the lake during summer mornings. The lake's sheltered location provides calmer conditions than the exposed coastline.

Coos and Siuslaw peoples lived along these coastal lakes for thousands of years, utilizing the abundant fish and wildlife resources. European-American settlers arrived in the 1850s, establishing logging and fishing operations. William M. Tugman edited the Oregon Journal newspaper and advocated for state parks throughout his career. The park honors his conservation legacy.

Oregon established the park in 1964, naming it for the influential newspaper editor who died in 1961. The park preserves one of the southern Oregon coast's finest old-growth Sitka spruce forests. Campground development carefully worked around the ancient trees, allowing visitors to sleep beneath centuries-old giants. Recent improvements have upgraded facilities while maintaining the forest's integrity.

A hiking trail loops through old-growth spruce forest, offering peaceful walks beneath towering trees. The lake provides excellent fishing for warm-water species, with a boat ramp accommodating small craft. A swimming area features a roped beach during summer months. Kayaking and canoeing on the calm lake waters remain popular activities.

Located 8 miles south of Reedsport along Highway 101, the park offers 94 campsites with electrical hookups amid old-growth forest. Day-use areas provide picnic facilities, a swimming beach, and lake access. Boat rentals are available during summer. The park operates year-round, though some facilities close seasonally. Nearby attractions include the Oregon Dunes and Umpqua Lighthouse.

The park protects one of the coast's most accessible old-growth Sitka spruce stands. Forest management focuses on maintaining the ancient trees' health while controlling invasive plants. Water quality monitoring ensures Eel Lake remains healthy for recreation and wildlife. The park participates in regional salmon habitat restoration efforts in connected waterways.