While entertaining relatives or out for a family getaway, consider adding a visit to the sand dunes just north of Florence, Oregon.
Formally known as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, it extends for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast from Florence, OR to Coos Bay, OR
I will never forget the first time my son Roger and I “discovered” the dunes. We were on our way to Coos Bay and saw the signs to the area. We were lucky. It was a gorgeous, clear day and there wasn’t another soul or a single dune buggy anywhere!
From north to south here are some of the fabulous sites at Oregon Dunes:
South Jetty Area
South Jetty area provides day use access to the beach and dunes, with separate areas for OHV use and non motorized use.
Siltcoos Area
Along the Siltcoos River are traditional campgrounds and easy trails along the river and to the beach. OHV users will find developed and dispersed camping opportunities.
Oregon Dunes Day Use
Miles from OHV recreation areas, the Day Use Area provides exceptional opportunities to explore the dynamic dunes.
Tahkenitch Area
Within easy access of Highway 101 traditional campgrounds provide lake access for boaters and dune access for hikers only.
Umpqua Dunes Area
The most impressive dunes are found and easily viewed from the access road. This area is managed primarily for OHV users; however the beach is closed to all but foot traffic. Eel Creek, separate from the OHV areas and just west of Highway 101, is the location of a popular trailhead and campground adjacent to the area’s largest and most expansive dunes.
Spinreel to Horsfall Area
Predominantly used by OHVers, this is the Dunes largest and most diverse riding area. South of the access road, areas are open only to horse back riding and hiking. At the road’s end beach viewing and access are available.
Oregon Dunes Visitor Center
855 Highway Avenue
Reedsport, Oregon 97467
TEL: (541) 271-6000; http://www.fs.usda.gov/
Email: Oregon Dunes Visitor Center
Visitor Center Hours:
Regular hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Summer (through August 30, 2014):
Monday – Saturday
8:00am – 4:30pm
