Best Ways to Experience the Oregon Dunes

There’s lots to love about Oregon’s Adventure Coast, but some would say that the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America, is what truly sets us apart from other travel destinations.

Whether you are seeking an off-roading adventure on a quad or ATV, a good hike, natural photo opportunities, camping, or simply seeking some peace and quiet- you will find it somewhere in the 32,186 acres of dunes, forest, streams and lakes.


“Just the massiveness of this area is worth the stop,” says a visitor on TripAdvisor. “Just going there to sit in the sand and reflect on the beauty and the music that the ocean offers. The sunsets are breathtaking and it just gives you a chance to get away from all the hustle, noise, devices and crazy that our current lives offer. What an experience.”

Even travel journalist, Rick Dancer, had this to say on ExplOregon The Back Stories:


Here are some recommended points of interest to help you get the full experience of the beautiful Oregon Dunes and build memories that last a lifetime:

WHERE TO BEGIN

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Visitor Center (in nearby Reedsport, Oregon) is a great place to begin your journey. Here you will find interpretive exhibits, maps, brochures, books, gifts and a friendly and helpful staff that can help you make the most of your visit to the Oregon Dunes. The visitor center sells recreation passes and special forest product permits such as mushrooms and firewood.

WHERE TO RENT ATVS (ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES) & OTHER RECREATIONAL GEAR

You’ll find the largest riding area at the Oregon Dunes between Spinreel Campground and Horsfall Road, just a few miles north of North Bend and Coos Bay. Here are some local businesses that have been recommended for ATV/UTV, Sand Board & Sled Rentals and tours.

Spinreel Dune Buggy & ATV Rentals - North Bend, OR

Doon Bugs - North Bend, OR

Steve’s ATV Rental- North Bend, OR

WHERE TO HIKE

Bluebill Trail- North Bayside, OR Bluebill Trail is a 1.25 mile loop and is the most southern trail in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Horsfall Beach- North Bend, OR Located along the Oregon National Recreation Area, Horsfall Beach is a haven for locals and visitors alike. Miles of open sand, flooded deflation plain wet lands, beach and inland dunes can be found here.

John Dellenback Dunes Trail- Lakeside, OR Trail begins in a conifer forest and provides vistas of fresh water lakes, wet areas within the forest and ocean waves. The trail wanders threw a spruce forest with substantial tree size and stops at the serene Threemile Lake and ends at the ocean.

WHERE TO CAMP

Horsfall Beach OHV Campground -North Bend, OR Offers direct beach and dune access. www.recreation.gov/camping

Bluebill Campground North Bend, OR Offers 18 paved campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, water, refuse receptacles and a dumpsite. Located 2.5 miles west of Highway 101 on Horsfall Dunes, www.recreation.gov/camping

Oregon Dunes KOA Kampgrounds- North Bend, OR RV’s any size. Tent sites, drinking water, convenience store, playground, ATV access to dunes, common cooking area, fire pits, herb gardens and cabins available. koa.com/campgrounds

Spinreel Campground- North Bend, OR Located south of Lakeside, Spinreel Campground offers fishing, boating, horseback riding, picnicking, Off-Highway Vehicle riding on the dunes and beach. www.fs.usda.gov

Wild Mare Horse Campground- North Bend, OR Located in the southwest corner of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, provides 12 campsites with fire pits and tables. Each camp site has a horse corral! www.recreation.gov/camping

For more tips on how to get the most out of your Oregon Dunes Adventure, please visit these resources: oregonsadventurecoast.com/untamed-dunes www.fs.usda.gov www.stateparks.com