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John Topits Park/ Empire Lakes
4.5 ★★★★★ 154 Google reviews · Running trail in Coos Bay, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from John Topits Park/ Empire Lakes' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic park featuring a playground, multiple lakes and trails, plus stocked fish.
What runners say about John Topits Park/ Empire Lakes
“A beautiful little park that brings the beauty of the wilderness right into town.”
“With two serene lakes, it's a haven for fishing enthusiasts.”
“Easy walking beautiful hidden gem.”
John Topits Park/Empire Lakes is an absolute gem in the community! With two serene lakes, it's a haven for fishing enthusiasts. The park's well-maintained trails are perfect for walking, jogging, or running, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
Before heading to Walmart for some shopping, I stopped by this place to walk the dogs. It’s conveniently located just across the street from Walmart, and the trail is incredibly well maintained. If I’d had a bit more time, I would’ve walked the entire course—but with a tight schedule, I only explored part of it.
There are many things to do here. Beautiful forest great little walk around. They have a playground for kids. I've seen many people with kayaks on the lake. People fishing. Very green ran into a few slugs and blackberries! I will come to this park more often.
Fun trails. Easy walking beautiful hidden gem. Walk around upper empire, middle empire and lower empire. The paths are all paved. Fun
Trail conditions & character
“A beautiful little park that brings the beauty of the wilderness right into town.”
“Before heading to Walmart for some shopping, I stopped by this place to walk the dogs.”
“With two serene lakes, it's a haven for fishing enthusiasts.”
Plan your run at John Topits Park/ Empire Lakes
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecoosbayor.gov
- Phone(541) 269-8912
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Coos Bay
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Sunset Bay State Park
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