Viewing Scenery

Viewing Scenery Areas

• Florence to Coos Bay

  The landscape changes south of Florence, although the most dramatic change, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, is often hidden from view.

  The 47-mile long and one-mile wide sandbox has areas designated for bird watching and dune riding. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, more than 31,000 acres, offers a place for everyone. You can camp, arrange a tour, take an exhilarating off-highway vehicle ride, walk along tranquil lakes, forest trails and beaches, and much more.

  Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a destination site, drawing people from around the Northwest and across the country. Highway 38 offers connections to the southern Willamette Valley and the city of Eugene, or on to Roseburg via Highway 138.

• Kentucky Falls Trail #1376
• North Fork Smith Trail #1351
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

  The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a special place. One of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, the stark, mist-shrouded views of dunes, forests, and ocean in such close proximity to one another are rare and hauntingly beautiful. Many plants and animals, including some found in few other places, call this area home. In 1972, Congress designated this 31,500-acre portion of the Siuslaw National Forest as a National Recreation Area in recognition of its unique values. Learn more about the geology of the dunes here.

  Adventure and solitude await! Among the tree islands, open dunes, wetlands, and beaches you will find Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding (experience it with Google Trekker), hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, birding, camping, picnicking, sand play - the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has it all.

  Be a Friend to Snowy Plovers! Share the Beach March 15 – September 15

  During snowy plover nesting season (March 15 - September 15) we coordinate with Oregon State parks and beachgoers to protect these threatened birds during a very sensitive time. By following nesting season restrictions and sharing the beach, you can help ensure plover chicks survive to adulthood.

  Dunes areas from north to south

  • South Jetty: South Jetty provides day use access to beach and dunes, with separate areas for OHV and non motorized use.
  • Siltcoos: Along the Siltcoos River are traditional campgrounds and easy trails along the river and to the beach. OHV users will find developed and dispersed camping opportunities.
  • Oregon Dunes Day Use: Miles from OHV recreation, this area provides exceptional opportunities to explore the dunes on foot.
  • Tahkenitch: With easy access off Hwy 101, traditional campgrounds provide lake access for boaters and dune access for hikers only.
• Oregon Dunes Overlook and Day Use

  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.

• Oregon Dunes Loop Trail #1334
• Siltcoos Area

  

  Along the Siltcoos River are two traditional campgrounds.

  Stagecoach Trailhead provides access to several trails, including the accessible Lagoon trail and the longer Waxmyrtle trail, which meanders through the coastal shore pine forests and along the river to the beach.

  OHV users will find a direct sand access campground as well as dispersed OHV Sand Camping available by permit. Please see OHV Rules for Riding before heading out.

  For information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests, visithttp://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/accessiblerecreation

• Lagoon Loop Trail #1330
• South Jetty Area

  

  South Jetty area provides day use access to the beach and dunes, with separate areas for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and non-motorized use.

  Walkers and hikers can enjoy miles of open beach and explore dune formations above the Siltcoos River.

  OHV enthusiasts will find two developed staging areas and access to a dozen dispersed sand campsites available by permit. Please see OHV Rules for Riding before heading out.

• Spinreel to Horsfall Area

  

  Predominantly used by off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, this is the Oregon Dunes' largest and most diverse riding area. South of Horsfall Beach Road, areas are open only to horse back riding and hiking. Horsfall Beach Road leads to both motorized and non-motorized opportunities.  At the road’s end, beach viewing and access are available.

  Horsfall Beach Campground provides OHV camping, day use and parking for beach access.  Bull Run OHV Staging Area and Old Bark Road OHV Staging Area provide direct sand access, as well.  Spinreel, located at the northernmost end of the Horsfall OHV riding area, has direct sand access and designated OHV Sand Camping sites as well as an OHV campground and day use staging area.

  Designated OHV routes lead riders through coastal forests and open dunes to the beach. OHV beach riding areas are located south of the Tenmile OHV Trail beach access point.

  

  Wild Mare Campground, day use and trail, Bluebill Campground and trail and Sandtracks Day Use are all located within non-motorized areas. Wild Mare Campground, day use and trail are managed for equestrian use.

  A wheelchair-accessible viewing platform at Horsfall Beach Day Use provides a 360 degree view of the dunes, beach and ocean.

• Bluebill Trail #1331
• Umpqua Dunes Area

  

  The Umpqua Dunes area provides something for everyone!

  Hikers will find areas to explore the dunes, walk the beach, and view the ocean. An easy walk from the Umpqua #2 and #3 OHV staging areas brings you to a stretch of beach closed to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. You can also explore the area's largest and most expansive dunes at nearby John Dellenback Trail and Eel Creek Campground.

  OHV enthusiasts will find two large day use staging areas, reservable sand camping sites, and nearby OHV facilities managed by Douglas County Parks. Please see OHV Rules for Riding before heading out.

• Hall & Schuttpelz Lake Trail #1357
• John Dellenback Dunes Trail #1339
• Umpqua Beach Viewing Platform - Trail #1399
• Sweet Creek Falls Trail #1319
• Marys Peak to Pacific Scenic Byway
• Newport to Florence

  The central section of the Siuslaw National Forest finds the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Highway 101) moving closer to the Pacific Ocean providing outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean and plenty of publicly owned beaches to explore.

  Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, located between Newport and Florence, offers the Forest visitor a chance to wander through old-growth Sitka Spruce, experience crashing surf, investigate tide pools, whale watch or take a guided hike.

  Check out a haunted lighthouse keeper’s home at Heceta Head. Try boating, fishing, hiking to waterfalls, berry picking and more.

  Inland are more recreational opportunities, including Marys Peak, in the Coast Range. Highways 20, 34 and 126 offer connections to the mid and southern Willamette Valley and the cities of Corvallis and Eugene.

• Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

  
   

  Towering 800 feet over the Pacific Ocean, the Cape Perpetua headland is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. From this high point, enjoy views of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and the rugged and rocky shore where visitors can witness the power of the ocean as it meets the coastal temperate rainforest.

  Cape Perpetua Scenic Area encompasses 2,700 acres of coastal habitat and was set aside for its exceptional ecological characteristics. A 26-mile trail system offers many opportunities to experience this lush and diverse temperate rainforest.

  People have been part of this landscape for at least 6,000 years and Cape Perpetua bears evidence of this rich history. Archaeological sites provide hints into village life of the Native American Alsea people, who called this area Halaqaik. When British explorer James Cook saw the headland in 1778, he named it for Saint Perpetua. Many of the trails we find here today were first constructed by a unit of the Civilian Conservation Corps as President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to provide work for young men during the Great Depression. Their camp occupied the area where the visitor center is today.

  Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is open seven days a week most of the year, with reduced hours in the winter. Visitor Center staff and exhibits will guide you to the cultural and natural history of the area. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions and help plan your visit.

  The area offers lots of great activities and adventures for families, including a mobile app to help explore the coastal forest, junior ranger programs, and more. Ranger-led programs and guided walks are available throughout the year, including winter and spring whale watch events. Be sure to check our news and events page frequently and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for event information and updates, or contact the Visitor Center for details at 541-547-3289.

  Download a trail guide here.
  
  Área Esenica de Cape Perpetua folleto en español aquí

  

  Come explore

  Tidepools, churns and spouting horns

  Coastal forests and ocean views

  Historical richness

  Visitor Center

  Would you like to share the wonders of Cape Perpetua with visitors? Volunteer at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center! Find out more from our volunteer page.

• Cape Cove Trail #1364.1
• Cape Cove Trailhead
• Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
• Captain Cook Trail #1364.2
• Devils Churn Day Use
• Discovery Loop Trail #1387
• Oregon Coast Trail #1308
• Saint Perpetua National Recreation Trail #1306
• Trail of the Restless Waters #136
• Whispering Spruce Trail #1305
• Heceta Lighthouse Trail #1370
• Lily Lake Trail #1397
• Marys Peak

  

  Marys Peak, at 4,097 feet, is the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range and the most prominent peak to the west of Corvallis. On a clear day, from Marys Peak Day Use at the top of the peak, you can see both the Pacific Ocean to the west and many of the Cascade peaks to the east across the Willamette Valley.

  Hiking options include Meadowedge Trail, East Ridge Trail, North Ridge Trail, Summit Trail, and Tie Trail. When there's snow, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and other non-motorized winter recreation are available, although the road to the day use area is not maintained for winter travel and caution is advised. Download a trail guide here. Área Marys Peak folleto en español aquí.

  Marys Peak has been designated a Scenic Botanical Area because of its rich, unique scenery and plants. The open meadows offer a range of wildflowers throughout the spring and summer. Wildflower displays in the meadow and rock gardens change throughout the late spring and summer months. The rich rolling meadows of Marys Peak are fringed by a unique Noble fir forest. Learn more about the vegetation and plant communities found on Marys Peak from the Oregon Native Plant Society here.

  In 2015, the Siuslaw National Forest began a meadow restoration project on Marys Peak. Through carefully planned tree removal, native planting, and other management activities, we are working to restore scenic views and historic meadows. We are also coordinating with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) as they develop a proposal to upgrade their communications equipment on Marys Peak. To learn more about the BPA project click here.

   

• Summit Trail #1388
• Pawn Trailhead
• Sutton Trails #1321

  Enjoy hiking these trails surrounded by a coastal forest with numerous berries, beautiful rhododendrons and areas of open sand dunes.
  
  The trail system also includes the Holman Vista Trail and the Darlingtonia Trail which takes you through a bog of the carnivorous Darlingtonia plant!

• Holman Vista Trail #1326
• Tillicum Beach Campground

  Tillicum Beach Campground is popular for many reasons, but the number one is that most of the 61 campsites have beachfront views. The campground offers several single-family campsites, a few of which have both electric and water hookups. Sites with hookups are not on the waterfront. Due to the campground's popularity, it's a good idea to make reservations in advance. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided but there are no showers.

  Surfing, swimming and playing in the sand are the campground's most popular activities. The campground offers an ideal location for whale watching. Cape Perpetua is 6 miles south, where visitors can wander through old-growth Sitka spruce, experience the crashing surf, investigate tide pools, whale watch or take a guided hike.

• Tillicum Beach Day Use
• Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
• Tillamook to Newport

  A visitor to the Siuslaw National Forest traveling from Tillamook to Newport will find farmland, rolling hills,  sand dunes at Sand Lake Recreation Area, and by choosing the Three Cape Scenic Loop, gorgeous headlands with fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.

  Moving inland, the Forest is lush, wet and green. Visitors can hike, camp, picnic or ride their off-highway vehicle. Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, transports travelers from Tillamook to Newport with connecting routes of Highways 22 and 18 to Portland and Salem.

• Cascade Head Scenic Research Area

  Two closure orders exist in the Cascade Head area: (1) Forest Road 1861 due to 2021 landslides until further notice and (2) a natural resource-related seasonal closure Jan. 1-July 15. See current conditions below and map for more information.

  The 9,670 acre Cascade Head Scenic-Research Area was established by President Ford on December 22, 1974 “to provide present and future generations with the use and enjoyment of certain ocean headlands, rivers, streams, estuaries, and forested areas, to insure the protection and encourage the study of significant areas for research and scientific purposes, and to promote a more sensitive relationship between man and his adjacent environment."

  The first non-wilderness land in the United States to be designated by Congress to ensure protection of its scenic, ecological, and scientific values, Cascade Head laid the groundwork for future Congressionally designated scenic areas, such as Mono Basin and the Columbia River Gorge.

  The area encompasses a variety of public and private land uses, including undeveloped meadows and estuaries, agricultural fields, and rural development. The Forest Service works with landowners within Cascade Head to ensure land uses remain unchanged and the qualities that inspired its designation are retained for future generations. Following its designation, the combined area of the Cascade Head Experimental Forest and Scenic-Research Area was recognized as a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.

  This spectacular coastal headland provides critical habitat for native prairie grasses, rare wildflowers and the Oregon silverspot butterfly. Researchers have studied fast growing Sitka spruce and western hemlock forests here for many years. The Salmon River estuary is an integral part of the Cascade Head Scenic-Research Area. This estuary provides recreational, research, educational, scenic and estuarine resources, which have national significance. The designation established a long-term goal of restoring the Salmon River estuary and its associated wetlands to a natural estuarine system.

  Watch "Grant’s Getaways" featuring Cascade Head and Hebo Lake Campground

• Cascade Head Picnic Area
• Hart's Cove Trail #1303
• Drift Creek Falls Trail #1378
• Mt. Hebo Area

  The Mt. Hebo Area provides visitors with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal valleys, interpretive information, camping, hiking, horse back riding and fishing.

  The Mt. Hebo Area is host to the Oregon silverspot butterfly, a sensitive species that lives in  the meadows of Mt. Hebo. 

• South Lake Dispersed Area
• Niagara Falls Trail #1379