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Oregon Dunes Overlook and Day Use
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The Oregon Dunes Day Use Area is a great place to experience the ever-changing sand dunes. Take in great views of the dunes and Pacific Ocean from wheel-chair accessible viewing platforms or hike through the dunes and coastal forest to the ocean. As one of the several areas of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area that is closed to Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs), dune explorers will find exceptional hiking from the dunes transition forest to the beach and sand.
The Oregon Dunes Loop Trail is paved for the first half-mile to a viewing area. From there the trail takes visitors down into the dunes. There are two main hiking options. The popular 2-mile round-trip out to the beach and back follows a fairly-level and hard-packed trail through the sand to the beach. Those who want a longer hike and more solitude can follow the trail to the beach then walk south along the beach for about 1.5 miles to the exit point back through the dunes. The trail follows large post markers through deep sand.
During the summer months, ranger-led talks are available most days at the Oregon Dunes Day Use Area and guided hikes are available most weekends. Jr. Ranger evening programs are also held at different locations throughout the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Be sure to check our news and events page frequently and like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for notifications of programs and events throughout the year or contact the Visitor Center for details at 541-271-3611.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 03/22/2024: Trail is open. Expect seasonal flooding and storm debris on trail during Spring months.
Due to increased vandalism and theft, day use fees can no longer be paid in cash/check at this location. Visitors can purchase a digital day pass online. If purchasing a pass in advance, a printed copy of the pass is recommended for your vehicle dashboard. If purchasing your digital pass on-site and a printed copy is not available, your license plate number will be used to confirm compliance (note: cell reception is not guaranteed at this location). We are working on a solution to securely accept payments on site again in the future. Snowy Plover restrictions in place March 15 - September 15 |
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| Operational Hours: | Day Use Only - no overnight parking or camping allowed |
| Fees: | $/5/vehicle/day |
| Open Season: | Year Round |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | Beach access limited March 15 - Sept 15 to protect Snowy Plovers |
| Closest Towns: | Florence, Oregon Dune City, Oregon |
| Water: | Potable Water |
| Restroom: | Flush Toilet |
| Passes: | Recreation Passes may be used as a form of fee payment. |
| Operated By: | Siuslaw National Forest |
| Information Center: | Oregon Dunes Visitor Center 855 Highway 101 Reedsport, Oregon 97467 541-271-6000 |
General Information
Directions:From Reedsport, OR, travel north on Highway 101 for 11 miles. The entrance to the Oregon Dunes Day Use is located on the west side of Highway 101 near mile marker 201.
General Notes:
See a map of the area to find recreation opportunities.
Parking:
There are numerous passenger vehicle parking spaces and several large pull-though spaces for travel trailers or motorhomes.
Accessibility:
The Oregon Dunes Loop Trail #1334 is a paved, wheelchair accessible trail that takes the visitor from the parking area to a upper viewing platform. Also included is a short section of paved trail that leads to picnic tables and dunes and ocean viewing areas.
Activities
Sand Play
Recreation areas with activity Sand Play: Trail traverses open dunes. Lots of sand here!Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:Accessible wooden ramp and platform offers viewing to dunes, tree island and Pacific Ocean.
| Special Feature | Dunes to Pacific Ocean |
Interpretive Areas
Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:During the summer months, join our field rangers for guided adventures at the Oregon Dunes Day Use Area.
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:There is one picnic table near the parking area and four more available along the paved trail to the west of the restrooms.
