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Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - North

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. 

Adventure and solitude await! Among the tree islands, open dunes, wetlands, and beaches you will find Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding, 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.

General Information

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 52 results

Breach OHV Trail

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Breach OHV Trail is 0.5 miles long and is loose sand. It begins in open sand near Driftwood II OHV Campground and ends at the beach. The trail is open to all off-road vehicle classes, and…

Carter Dunes Trail #1384

Picnicking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
At the interface of the trees and sand, hikers can follow the blue-striped trail post that mark the way over the sand, through the deflation plain and end at the beach. From winter through early…

Carter Dunes Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking
This is the trailhead for the Carter Dunes Trail #1384 and is located in Carter Lake Campground.

Carter Lake Campground

Site Open
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Water Activities
Carter Lake Campground is a family favorite in the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area. Part of the campground is located on the dunes where children love to play in the sand, and the other half is located…

Carter Lake Day Use

Site Open
Picnicking
Carter Lake Day Use is located in the Carter Lake Campground which is located next to Carter Lake in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Campsites are nestled among Shore Pine, Sitka Spruce…

Chapman's OHV Trail

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Chapman's OHV Trail is 0.7 miles long and is loose sand. It begins on the sand flats in the Siltcoos riding area and ends at the beach. The trail is open to all vehicle classes and provides OHV…

Chief Tsiltcoos Trail #1359

Picnicking Hiking
This trail can be hiked as a loop or as a destination trail to the Driftwood II Campground. The trail winds up and down through a coastal evergreen forest. A viewing bench is located at a spot that…

Clam Bed OHV Trail

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Clam Bed OHV Trail is 1.0 miles long and is loose sand. It begins at the beach, 1.15 miles south from the end of Sparrow Park Road and ends near the Umpqua River. The trail is open to all…

Coast Guard North OHV Trail

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Coast Guard North OHV Trail is 5.5 miles long and is loose sand. It begins at South Jetty OHV Trail and ends at Siltcoos Beach Day-Use. This north-south trail is open to all vehicle classes and…

Driftwood II Campground

Site Open
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking
Surrounded by shore pine, waxmyrtle, huckleberry and salal, Driftwood is a designated off-road vehicle riding campground that offers direct sand access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.…

Last updated August 18, 2025