Page Updated: August 7, 2023
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Coast - North Bend OR
At over 30,000 acres sectioned into 4 areas, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - which partly inspired Frank Hebert’s sci-fi series Dune - is home to the some of the largest temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. The dunes are sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and 40 mile stretch of coastal lakes, rivers and marshes from Florence to the Coos Bay Causeway. Mist often shrouds the wind-swept dunes helping creating one of the most unique adrenaline-inducing playgrounds in the United States.
fs.usda.gov
There are a number of ways to experience Oregon Dunes. Along with camping, biking, and fishing; horseback tours skirt the dunes and also enjoy the open beach.
Highly favored hiking options include 4 moderate miles on the Oregon Dunes Loop Trail as well as the 6 mile Tahkenitch Dunes Trail.
Sandboarding is popular. And paddlers can explore the dunes on a water course.
And OHV thrill-seekers have three designated areas throughout the rec area.
We chose an OHV tour with Spinreel Dune Buggy and ATV Rental and had an absolute blast! We picked the “We Guide-You Drive” tour and were provided with excellent equipment and great guides that led us into the rec area, down the beach, and to the South OHV Riding Area.
The ride down the beach is as cool as you think it is. And experiencing the steep drops as we rode the dunes was exhilarating! Kind of like a roller coaster ride, but better!
One of the most memorable excursions of our journey, the only tweak we’d make on our next OHV dune ride would be having full face shields -especially, if we’re following friends or a tour. Following is like free exfoliation for your face!
scenes from Oregon Dunes
-b&b
Simpson Reef Overlook
Crater Lake Zipline
