The Bombsite Trail is within an area that is the site of one of four Japanese bombs dropped by airplane on the continental United States during W.W.II. The bomb was an incendiary type that was intended to start a forest fire. However, due to damp weather at that time, the fire did not do very much damage. A brochure about this trail is available from the Chetco Ranger District. A interpretive display at the end of the trail marks the location. There are no camps or water along the way. Hikers will find some redwood trees at the start of the trail, which are within the Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area.
A State Historical Marker is located at the north end of the Chetco River Bridge on just off Highway 101 (junction of Hwy. 101 and Northbank Chetco River Road), next to the Botanical Garden. The marker was erected in 1994 to commemorate the unique story behind the bomb site.
A Self-Guided Forest Ecology Tour brochure that highlights points of interest along the drive to the trailhead is available at the District Office.
Directions: From Brookings, Travel east on County Road 808 (South Bank Road) to Forest Service Road 1205 (Mt. Emily Road). The trail is located off road 1205 after spur road 260.
The Bombsite Trail is one mile long and the site of one of four Japanese bombs dropped by airplane on the continental United States during W.W.II.
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Click here to edit!This area is the site of one of four Japanese bombs dropped by airplane on the continental United States during WWII. The bomb was an incendiary type that was intended to start a forest fire. However, due to damp weather at that time, the fire did not do very much damage. A brochure about this trail is available from the Chetco Ranger District. A interpretive display at the end of the trail marks the location. There are no camps or water along the way. You will find some redwood trees at the start of the trail, which are within the Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area.
DirectionsFrom Highway 101 take County Road 808 (South Bank Road) to Forest Service Road 1205 (Mt. Emily Road). The trail is located off road 1205 after spur road 260.
HighlightsOne of the four bombs the Japanese dropped on the continental United States during WWII landed in this area. The damp weather minimized any fire damage to the woods. There are some redwood trees at the beginning of the trail.