Bandon Dunes’ sublime walking trail is as good as the golf

September 5, 2019

Bandon Dunes has more than golf. Walk this trail and find out.

Courtesy of Bandon Dunes

Among other things, Bandon Dunes extols the joy of walking, which is requisite on all five of its stunning courses. Still, even veterans of the sprawling Oregon-coast resort — which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year — might be surprised to learn that it also sports a foursome of walking trails.

At Bandon, it’s hard to pull oneself away from the golf, we know. But there is a must-walk here that has no place for clubs, balls, spikes or motor-mouthed caddies. Head east from The Lodge, wend your way through the woods and around Chrome Lake, and behold: The Labyrinth, Bandon’s totally unexpected but magical maze.

Chartres' maze dates back to the 13th century. The Bandon Labyrinth, 42-feet wide, was carved into the woods a little over a decade ago.

Courtesy of John McAlley

Talk about thoughtful routing: This travertine marble path is intended for “walking meditation,” and if you have the sensation of being in church as you amble through it, there’s a good reason. The maze is a precise replica of one you’ll find on the floor of the magnificent Chartres Cathedral, not far from Paris.

The Labyrinth was built as a tribute, memorializing Howard McKee, a founder of Bandon Dunes and a friend of the resort’s owner, Mike Keiser. Forget that missed birdie putt and consider contemplating, at least for a moment, the beautiful ties that bind.

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