The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is one of the largest expanses of coastal sand dunes in the world, stretching 40 miles along the central-southern Oregon Coast from the town of Florence to Coos Bay. Some dunes can tower up to 500 feet above sea level and due to coastal winds and weather, the mysterious landscape is constantly changing.
A byproduct of millions of years of erosion along the coastline, this unusual environment is a mix of rolling sand dunes, misty wetlands, freshwater lakes, foggy coastal forests, tree islands and beaches. If you’re a sci-fi fan of the Dune novels and movies, then you may already know that author Frank Herbert was so intrigued by this very landscape, he was inspired to write Dune in 1965.
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Where are the Oregon Dunes?
The Oregon Dunes are located in the central and southern regions of the Oregon Coast, between the towns of Florence, Reedsport and Coos Bay, west of Highway 101. This very helpful and detailed map of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area from the US Forest Service [pdf »] shows campgrounds, hiking trails, horse trails, parking, viewpoints, picnic areas, restrooms, boat ramps, OHV areas and much more.
Cell service may be spotty or unavailable in some areas of the coast, so be sure to download the map beforehand or pick up free maps and information from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Office in Reedsport. They also sell passes and can answer any questions you may have before heading out to explore.
How to Get to the Oregon Dunes
Florence
Florence is the northernmost town near the dunes, located in Lane County on the central Oregon Coast. The most common route from Portland is to take I-5 south to Eugene, then head west on Highway 126 until you meet Highway 101 in Florence.
Reedsport
Reedsport, Winchester Bay and Gardiner are located in the central part of the Oregon Dunes in Douglas County and can be reached via Highway 101 or Highway 38 west if you are coming from I-5. Highway 38 is a particularly scenic drive along the Umpqua River.
Coos Bay
Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston are at the southernmost end of the Oregon Dunes in Coos County. From the north, follow Highway 101 down from Reedsport. If you are coming up from I-5 south, take Highway 42 west to Coos Bay.
Driving is the easiest and fastest way to get to the Oregon Dunes and see them at your own pace. For bus, train, car and camper rental information, see Transportation to the Oregon Coast.
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Distances and Driving Times to the Oregon Dunes
Portland to Florence – 170 miles, 3 hrs.
Eugene to Florence – 61 miles, 1 hr. 20 min.
Newport to Florence – 50 miles, 1 hr.
Florence to Reedsport – 22 miles, 28 min.
Reedsport to Coos Bay – 27 miles, 34 min.
Coos Bay to Florence – 50 miles, 1 hr.
Medford to Coos Bay – 165 miles, 3 hrs.
How Were the Oregon Dunes Formed?
Wind, Water and Time
The sand dunes were formed by wind and water over millions of years. Rivers and winds eroded the sedimentary rocks of the Coast Range, turning it into sand as it traveled toward the ocean. The coastal winds and waves then push the sand back inland.
Shape of the Coastline
Unlike the northern Oregon coastline with its steep rocky capes that prevent sand from moving back inland, the coastline in the Oregon Dunes area is made of marine sandstone. Known as the Coos Bay Dune Sheet, this sandstone stretches from Heceta Head to Cape Arago and its gentle slope allows the sand to get pushed back inland, accumulating and forming dunes.
Shifting Sands
Because of the wind and weather, the dunes never stay the same. Sometimes the sand smothers a coastal forest, leaving small pockets of trees called “tree islands.” Dunes can move inland at the rate of 3 to 16 feet per year and become reshaped and re-sculpted with the changing seasons.
What is the Best Way to See Sand Dunes in Oregon?
You can’t see all of the dunes from the highway, so the best places to see the Oregon Dunes will require at least a little bit of walking. The sand dunes are fun for all ages and provide a soft landing pad for all kinds of fun outdoor sports. Sandboarding, paragliding, fat tire biking, ATVs, paddling, hiking, birdwatching and camping are some popular ways to experience the dunes.
Oregon Dunes Hiking Trails
The Oregon Dunes Day Use Area right off Highway 101, just south of Dunes City, is a good starting point to experience the dunes. This area is closed off to Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and offers wheelchair accessible viewing platforms and hiking trails.
🐣 Snowy Plover nesting season is March 15 – September 15. During this time, it’s important to protect these threatened birds by following nesting season restrictions to help ensure plover chicks survive.
The Tahkenitch day use area offers hiking trails and is near a lake and campgrounds (closed to OHVs).
The John Dellenback Dunes Trail is popular amongst hikers and birdwatchers and offers expansive views of the sand dunes (no bikes).
See the pdf map » for all hiking trail locations.
🥾 Find more of the best hiking trails on the Oregon Coast
Tips for Hiking in the Oregon Dunes
- Check the weather. Pacific Northwest weather can change quickly.
- Check the website to see what passes or fees may be required.
- Bring a map and compass. Cell service may be spotty or unavailable in some areas and trail markers may not be visible if a fog rolls in.
- Always check current trail conditions and read trip reports to make sure the trail is open and has not been washed out or closed due to recent storms.
- Be aware that hiking in soft sand can be strenuous and slow. Allow extra time for your journey.
- Traversing open sand dunes can be disorienting. If you do get confused, climb the tallest dune to get your bearings.
- Stick to established trails and pay attention to trail markers where they are available.
- Wear sturdy footwear (not flip-flops). See below for suggestions.
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection and some trail snacks. Download our free printable Hiking and Safety Checklist for a complete packing list and safety tips.
Oregon Dunes Essential Items
Be prepared to explore the sand dunes in Oregon with these useful essentials.
- Active sandals like Tevas, Keen or lightweight desert hiking boots
- Sun hat and sunscreen if visiting in warmer months
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Warm hoodie or zip-up fleece
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife
- Sling bag daypack for carrying essentials
- Refillable water bottle
- Nutrition bars or trail snacks
🥾 A quick note on footwear: Slip-ons and flip-flops will not provide enough stability for prolonged walking on soft sand and going barefoot leaves you exposed to injuries.
Sneakers will eventually fill up with sand, but they at least provide protection and support. A high-top hiking boot may do a better job of keeping sand out and provide ankle support. In warmer weather, sturdy active sandals with secure straps will allow sand to pass through and provide support.
👉 Not sure what to wear to the Oregon Coast? Get detailed packing lists for every season.
Dune Buggy and ATV Riding in the Oregon Dunes
Along the South Jetty near Florence, there are several day-use areas for accessing the dunes and beach with separate designated areas for OHVs and non-motorized use. Other OHV areas include:
- Siltcoos Beach Day Use Area
- Honeyman State Park
- Umpqua Beach and Dunes Staging Area
- Spinreel Staging Area
- Horsfall Day Use Staging Area
See the pdf map » for all OHV staging area locations.
More detailed maps of OHV areas and campgrounds are available from the US Forest Service.
🚩 If you don’t own an ATV, you can still experience the Oregon Dunes on 4-wheels! Rent a dune buggy or ATV and zip around the sand dunes in your own vehicle. Find Oregon Dunes ATV rentals
Where Can I Camp in The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area?
There are many options for camping in the Oregon Dunes from primitive campsites to RV sites with full hookups. Below is a partial list of some of the most popular campgrounds with links to reservation information.
Sand Camping in the Oregon Dunes
Sand camping refers to primitive campsites that are located directly on the sand along the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Reserve campsites through Recreation.gov.
Learn more about sand camping in the Oregon Dunes.
Camping in the Siuslaw National Forest
There are nearly 40 developed campgrounds in the entire Siuslaw National Forest, as well as dispersed camping in more remote areas. Some campgrounds near the Oregon Dunes include:
- Carter Lake Campground
- Eel Creek Campground
- Lagoon Campground
- Driftwood Campground
- Tyee Campground
- Waxmyrtle Campground
- Tahkenitch Landing Campground
- Spinreel Campground
- Horsfall Campground
- Bluebill Campground
See the pdf map » for more campgrounds and locations.
To reserve campgrounds in the Siuslaw National Forest near the Oregon Dunes, visit Recreation.gov.
Camping in Oregon State Parks near the Dunes
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park is located 3 miles south of Florence and is a popular campground for families with ATVs/OHVs and those visiting the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. If you’re not into the vehicle noise that comes with that, you might want to skip this one from May through September.
The park features two freshwater lakes surrounded by sand dunes that offer swimming, no-wake boating, paddling, sandcastle building and sunbathing. Memorial Day through Labor Day, the historic Honeyman Lodge swim area rents pedal boats, paddle boards and kayaks.
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park sits on the shores of Lake Marie near Reedsport. The campground offers tent and RV campsites, cabins and yurts for rent. A staging area for OHV access to the Oregon Dunes is 1.5 miles away and the Umpqua River Lighthouse is a half mile away.
South of Reedsport, William M. Tugman State Park offers tent and RV campsites near Eel Lake with ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, paddling or hiking.
Reserve a campsite through Oregon State Parks.
🚐 There are several privately owned RV parks and campgrounds along the Oregon Coast off Highway 101. Services and facilities can vary widely, so be sure to check reviews on Google Maps or use a trusted trip-planning app like RV Life to read unbiased reviews of campgrounds by other RVers. Try it free!
🌲 Interested in more coastal camping? Our complete guide to State Park campgrounds lists all of the coastal state parks along the entire Oregon Coast.
Paddling in the Oregon Dunes
The Dunes are dotted with several lakes, rivers and a dizzying number of little waterways to explore by kayak, canoe or boat.
The Siuslaw Estuary Water Trail offers miles of paddling opportunities along the Siuslaw River near Florence.
The Siltcoos River Canoe Trail starts in Dunes City at Siltcoos Lake and runs along the Siltcoos River to the ocean. If you don’t have a kayak, you can rent one from Siltcoos River Kayak Rentals.
Two popular freshwater lakes, Cleawox Lake and Woahink Lake, are accessible from Jessie M. Honeyman State Park. Also Carter Lake, Tenmile Lake and Tenmile Creek, Tahkenitch Lake, Eel Lake, Horsfall Lake and many other lakes can be found in the area. See the pdf map » for lake locations.
Sandboarding in the Oregon Dunes
Sand Master Park in Florence is the “World’s First Sandboarding Park” offering board rentals and sales, sand sleds, lessons and private, sculpted sand dunes to surf.
Do I Need a Pass for the Oregon Dunes?
The Digital Recreation Day Pass costs $5 and covers U.S. Forest Service fee sites in the Siuslaw National Forest. Overnight camping passes are provided by each individual campground and usually include day use with your camping fee. Annual passes and interagency passes are also available, as well as special passes for seniors, ADA access and military veterans.
🚩 You must have a permit to operate an OHV in Oregon. Get a permit here
Places to Stay Near the Oregon Dunes
Hotels in Florence
At the north end of the Oregon Dunes, Florence is surrounded by natural beauty with rolling sand dunes, serene beaches, freshwater lakes, meandering rivers and a national forest at its doorstep. There’s also a charming Old Town district to explore with shops and restaurants.
🌊 Best Oceanfront Hotel in Florence: Driftwood Shores Resort is a large oceanfront resort on Heceta Beach in Florence, Oregon. Ocean-facing rooms with balconies are available and the property is pet and family-friendly.
👍 Rating: 10/10 Exceptional “The location is incredible! I love that the resort is quiet and right on the beach.”
👉 Read more about the best places to stay in Florence, including where to eat and and other fun things to do during your visit. More about Florence
Hotels in Reedsport
Reedsport sits at the confluence of the Umpqua and Smith Rivers about 5 miles inland from Winchester Bay on the Oregon Coast. Its proximity to freshwater lakes and streams, sand dunes, ocean and national forest make it a perfect launch pad for outdoor recreation.
💲 Best Value Reedsport Hotel: The Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites of Reedsport features an indoor pool and spa tub and a free to-go breakfast each morning. The hotel is family friendly but does not allow pets.
👍 Rating: 10/10 Excellent “New, clean motel with a different hot breakfast every day. Good value for money. Quiet.”
Lakeside is a small community on North Tenmile Lake south of Reedsport. The Lakeshore Lodge offers dining on-site, dune access, lake access and a lounge with live music. The lodge is family friendly and dogs are welcome. There are also a few casual restaurants in Lakeside for hungry dune adventurers.
👍 Rating: 10/10 Excellent “Very clean rooms, quick check-in. Walkable to stores. Access to dunes from hotel.”
👉 Find more of the best hotels, restaurants, events and things to do in the “Gateway to the Dunes.” More about Reedsport
Hotels in Coos Bay
Oregon’s largest deep-draft port and most populated coastal city, the Coos Bay area in the southern region of the coast offers an abundance of outdoor recreation including hiking, wildlife watching, sand dunes and gorgeous, uncrowded beaches.
🎲 The Mill Casino Hotel sits on the bayfront in Coos Bay-North Bend and offers waterfront views, tower suites and spacious lodge rooms. The casino resort hotel is one of the most popular options for lodging in Coos Bay and welcomes pets and families. There is an RV park on-site at the Mill Casino as well.
👍 Rating: 10/10 Excellent “We will definitely stay again and would highly recommend to friends and family. We enjoyed the breakfast very much and the service was excellent.”
Find more places to stay and eat and more fun things to do on “Oregon’s Adventure Coast,” also known as Oregon’s Bay Area. More about Coos Bay
Search for your travel dates to see the latest deals on Oregon Coast hotels and vacation rentals in Florence, Reedsport or Coos Bay and book your dates in advance for the best options.
Where to Eat near the Oregon Dunes
🍴 Find restaurants and places to eat on the entire Oregon Coast by region and city from north to south in our Oregon Coast Restaurant Guide.
At the north end of the Oregon Dunes, Florence has several restaurants to choose from. Also see Reedsport-Winchester Bay for restaurants near the central dunes and Coos Bay-North Bend for places to eat near the southern dunes.
Annual Events Near the Oregon Dunes
Looking for more fun things to do in the Oregon Dunes? Here are some upcoming 2024 events to help you plan your trip.
March 7-10 South Coast Clambake Music Festival, Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston
May 11-19 Florence Rhododendron Festival, Florence
May 25-26 BBQ, Blues & Brews, Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston
June 13-16 Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championships, Reedsport
July 4th in Florence
July 4th in Coos Bay
July 30-Aug 4 DuneFest, Winchester Bay
Aug 2-4 Annual Food Truck Off, Coos Bay-North Bend
Sep 13-14 Rods n’ Rhodies Car Show, Florence
👉 For more details, see events on the Oregon Coast
You might also be interested in:
- More ideas for outdoor recreation on the Oregon Coast
- The Best Oregon Coast Campgrounds
- The Best Day Hikes on the Oregon Coast
