Oregon Drift

Photo by Steve McCassland - Dense temperate rain forest canopies creates a soft trail of fir needles and moss to hike on. This trail leads to Chrome Lake.

By Amy Moss Strong

Bandon Dunes isn’t just for tourists, and it isn’t just about golf.

‘Our biggest challenge is making sure everyone understands this is a public facility,” said Assistant General Manager Michael Carbiener. ‘We invite people to come out and explore.”

Non-golfers can find plenty to do on the resort’s expansive acreage.

‘We have a lookout with panoramic views of the resort and miles of trails that include paths through old growth, beach trails and all kinds of transitions with views of the courses,” Carbiener said.

The resort’s newest addition is the Labyrinth, built as a tribute to Howard McKee. A land use and urban design expert, McKee was one of Bandon Dunes owner Mike Keiser’s most trusted advisers in designing and developing the resort. McKee died in 2007 after a long battle with cancer.

The Labyrinth, located behind the Chrome Lake units, is designed as an area of contemplation and reflection.

‘It’s very spiritual,” Carbiener said.

Photo by Steve McCassland - The Labyrinth is a tribute to Howard McKee. Park at the main lodge and take the path to Chrome Lake for a contemplative visit.

To get to the Labyrinth, park at the resort’s main area near the lodge. Then follow the path to the Chrome Lake units for about a quarter-mile.

Guests and the public also are welcome at all seven of Bandon Dunes’ diverse restaurants, where choices range from elegant to casual. In the lodge, The Gallery restaurant offers fine Pacific Northwest cuisine. Next door is the Tufted Puffin Lounge, serving a full menu and drinks.

Downstairs, the Bunker Bar offers a light menu to complement a game of pool. It’s also one of Oregon’s few certified cigar bars.

Immediately north of the lodge is McKee’s Pub. Its Scottish-style setting is a suitable venue for traditional pub fare, local microbrews and classic single-malt scotches.

Trails End at the Bandon Trails clubhouse offers casual dining. The Pacific Grill in the new Pacific Dunes clubhouse is a casual spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with stunning views of golf and the ocean. Also in the clubhouse is a new library lounge with high-definition TV.

Shopping options include four retail outlets. The Pavilion, which also serves as the Bandon Dunes pro shop; the Lodge shop in the main lodge, which includes Brighton jewelry, handbags and women’s accessories; and shops at the Bandon Trails clubhouse and the Pacific Dunes clubhouse.

Photo by Steve McCassland - Dining outside is an option at some of the seven dining locations.

For golfers who don’t want to play an entire 18 holes, the practice facility is open to the public for a minimal day-use fee of $10. That includes all-day access to Shorty’s, a 9-hole, par 3 course. Day-use passes are available at the Bandon Dunes pro shop.

For free maps of the trails system and more information about the resort, call 541-347-4380, or visit the Web site at www.bandondunesgolf.com.

‘We want everyone to feel welcome here,” Carbiener said.