Updated April 2, 2024
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 prime spot for outdoor recreation.
Here are some of the most popular things to do in Reedsport, Oregon, including camping, hiking, crabbing, fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing and off-roading, along with the best places to stay and eat.
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Where is Reedsport, Oregon?
Reedsport is located on the southern Oregon Coast between Florence and Coos Bay in Douglas County, about 3.5 hours driving from Portland (195 miles) and 1.5 hours from Eugene (90 miles).
From the north, take I-5 south past Cottage Grove, then take highway 38 west to Reedsport. Highway 38 follows the Umpqua River and is one of our favorite scenic drives in Oregon, especially in the fall.
Transportation to Reedsport
Driving is the most common way to get to Reedsport. For bus, train, car and camper rental information, see Transportation to the Oregon Coast.
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About Reedsport
This area is the native homeland of the Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw indigenous people. White settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s and the U.S. military forcibly removed the tribes to coastal reservations.
Reedsport began as a camp for railroad workers and was founded in the early 1900s by local landowner Warren Reed. The town’s early economy relied on commercial salmon fishing, logging and farming.
With decline of the lumber industry in the late 1990s, the large paper mill in nearby Gardiner shut down and more than 700 jobs were lost. Today, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is headquartered in Reedsport and tourism is growing in the area. The town has a population of a little over 4,000 residents.
Top Things to Do in Reedsport, Oregon
Explore the Oregon Dunes
Reedsport is the gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, one of the largest expanses of coastal sand dunes in the world, stretching 40 miles south from Florence to Coos Bay.
The shifting sands of this unusual environment inspired Frank Herbert’s novel and the movie Dune and results from millions of years of erosion along the coastline. It includes an incredibly diverse ecosystem of enormous sand dunes, wetlands, freshwater lakes, coastal forests, tree islands and beaches.
Some dunes reach heights of up to 500 feet above sea level and adventure-seekers can explore them in a variety of fun ways. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding is one of the most popular things to do in Reedsport and several local companies offer dune buggy rentals and tours.
Visitors also come for other outdoor activities like sandboarding, sledding, hiking, fishing, paddling, swimming, horseback riding, biking, wildlife viewing, birding, picnicking and camping (more on campgrounds below).
👉 See our complete guide to the Oregon Dunes
Take a Scenic Drive to See the Elk
Coming into Reedsport from the north on highway 101, you’ll cross the Umpqua River Bridge, a swing-span bridge designed by Oregon bridgemaster Conde B. McCullough.
Take the exit for route 38 east and follow the Umpqua River scenic corridor to the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area.
A year-round resident herd of 60-100 Roosevelt elk can be seen grazing nearly every day from the main viewing area. There are several pull-outs along the highway where you can stop to take photos.
Go Crabbing, Clamming or Fishing near Reedsport
West of Reedsport, Winchester Bay is a nearby unincorporated community on the Oregon Coast with a few restaurants, bait shops and many RV parks centered around Salmon Harbor.
Crabbing is one of the more popular things to do near Reedsport and local shops rent crab rings and sell licenses and bait. Head to the Winchester Bay “crab dock”, a 700-foot-long public pier where you can drop your pots.
Fishing and clamming opportunities are also abundant in the area and according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, clam populations in this area are “among the highest in the state, and they are big clams.”
Find more information on fishing, crabbing and clamming from ODFW.
Paddle the Lower Umpqua River
The lower Umpqua River estuary and adjoining Smith River provide excellent kayaking and paddling opportunities. Kayaks can launch from ramps in Winchester Bay, Reedsport and Gardiner.
Be aware of the strong tidal currents that influence both rivers, especially near the ocean and up to 30 miles inland. See South Coast Kayaking for more information.
Tour the Umpqua River Lighthouse
Near the mouth of the Umpqua River in Winchester Bay, the Umpqua River Lighthouse is still guiding ships safely into port with its distinctive red and white beams. Tours of the historic lighthouse and Coast Guard station are available year-round.
👉 Discover more lighthouses on the Oregon Coast
Head to the Beaches in Winchester Bay near Reedsport
Ziolkouski Beach Park is an interesting driftwood-lined beach area in Winchester Bay featuring two jetties that form a triangle sticking out into the ocean.
Build a driftwood fort on the beach, go rockhounding or shell hunting and watch the waves crash on either side of the jetties. It stays relatively calm in the center where Umpqua Triangle Oysters are raised.
Play a Round of Golf
Reedsport Golf Course (formerly Forest Hills Country Club) is a nine-hole course open to the public year-round with a pro shop, restaurant and bar. There is also a fairly challenging 9-hole disc golf course in Reedsport’s Bicentennial Park.
Learn About the Region
For a rainy-day activity in Reedsport, spend the day at the Umpqua Discovery Center. Learn about the local native tribes and pioneers through exhibits depicting early life in the area. A viewing deck behind the center offers views of the Umpqua River and bridge.
See the Chainsaw Sculptures
Every June since 2000, the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championships are held next to the Umpqua Discovery Center on Father’s Day. Chainsaw-wielding sculptors come from all over the world to carve works of art out of wood and compete for the blue ribbon.
👉 Interested in more events like this? See Events & Festivals for annual events on the Oregon Coast.
Places to Stay in Reedsport, Oregon
See the latest prices and deals on Reedsport hotels by choosing your travel dates.
Campgrounds and RV Parks Near Reedsport, Oregon
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park sits on the shores of Lake Marie near Reedsport, OR. 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.
🌲 Find more camping details in our guide to the best Oregon Coast campgrounds.
🚐 There are several privately owned RV parks located in and around Reedsport and Winchester Bay. 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!
Restaurants and Dining in Reedsport, Oregon
There are several restaurants near Reedsport, some with views of the Umpqua River and Winchester Bay on the Oregon Coast. Fresh fish and seafood are staple menu items, as well as burgers and homestyle American standards.
Harbor Light Restaurant in Reedsport serves fresh seafood, clam chowder, fish n’ chips, house-smoked meats and homemade desserts.
For waterfront views, try the Big Fish Café or The Schooner Inn Café on the Umpqua River in Reedsport. Also, Crabby’s Bar and Grill is located at Salmon Harbor in Winchester Bay on the coast and there are a few other restaurant options in the harbor as well.
Jackson’s Coffeehouse Café off Highway 101 in Reedsport serves hearty breakfasts including omelets, burritos, benedicts and combo plates plus homemade desserts and baked goods.
🍩 Don’t forget to stock up on donuts and other sweets from Sugar Shack Bakery in Reedsport, home of the Big Foot Maple Bar (it’s BIG).
Two Shy Brewing in downtown Reedsport, OR, features a large variety of their own locally brewed beers and takeout pizza from a local shop (does not serve food).
The Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail connects visitors to the local cuisine of the Southern Oregon Coast, including Reedsport. There are 39 stops to explore at your own pace, including bakeries, restaurants, farms, markets, breweries, distilleries and seafood stands.
You may also be interested in:
🍴 The best restaurants on the Oregon Coast by city and region
🍺 Local breweries on the Oregon Coast
Weather in Reedsport, Oregon
The weather in Reedsport is generally cool (50s-60s F) and damp with frequent rain throughout the year, with the exception of July and August. Temperatures rarely get too hot in summer with highs in the 60s-70s. Lows dip down into the 30s in winter but snow is rare. Spring and Autumn are a mix of sunny and rainy days.
When is the best time to visit the Oregon Coast? Learn more about Oregon Coast weather and decide what works best for you.
The beaches are usually breezy and cool so it’s a good idea to wear layers and bring rain gear. Find out more about what to wear to the Oregon Coast and get free packing lists to help you prepare for your trip.
Tide Charts for Reedsport and the Oregon Coast
There are two low tides and two high tides every day on Oregon’s coast. Low tide is the time for beachcombing, clamming, tide pools and cave exploration.
For your safety, be aware of the tide schedule before boating or heading out to beaches and always keep an eye on the water level. Use extreme caution in rocky areas near the water, where sneaker waves can (and do) strike.
🌊 Check tide tables or ask at state park offices, local visitor information centers, stores or hotels for a free tide table booklet.
Because of the dunes, there aren’t many rocky areas for tide pools near Reedsport, but our tide pools guide will help you find the best tide pool spots on the Oregon Coast nearby.
Annual Events and Festivals in Reedsport, Oregon
Looking for more fun things to do in Reedsport? Here are the major events held annually to help you plan your trip.
June – Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championships in Reedsport, Oregon
July – Dune Fest, Winchester Bay, Oregon
For more details and events near Reedsport, see Travel Southern Oregon Coast.
👉 Our calendar lists more major annual Events & Festivals
Taking a road trip? From Reedsport, drive 30 minutes north to Florence, or 35 minutes south to Coos Bay to continue exploring Oregon Coast towns.
