Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Area Status: Open

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.

PloverLove Graphic4Be 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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Confirm specific site on the ODNRA is open before heading out.

Beach access limited March 15 - Sept 15 to protect Snowy Plovers

All campsites in ODNRA now require a digital reservation and payment.
Open Season: Year Round
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area provides beach access, but the beaches are regulated by Oregon State Parks. Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and electric bikes (E-bikes) are NOT ALLOWED on trails designated for non-motorized use such as mountain bike or hiking trails. These are classified as self-propelled motor vehicles and are only allowed on roads or trails open to motorized vehicles. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area OHV Designated Routes
Closest Towns: Reedsport, Oregon
Florence, Oregon
Information Center: The Ranger District Office is conveniently located at the mid point of the Dunes along Highway 101 in Reedsport, Oregon and offers maps, brochures and information, bookstore, gifts and restrooms. Be sure to check our news and events page frequently and like and follow us on Facebook for notifications of programs and events throughout the year or contact the Ranger District Office for details at 541-271-6000.

General Information

Directions:

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast from Florence, OR to Coos Bay, OR. View a map of the area


General Notes:
Oregon Dunes Visitor Map

Download a map and guide to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area here

Saving the Oregon Dunes

In 2014, the Siuslaw National Forest convened a group of stakeholders concerned about the threat to the dunes ecosystem and recreational opportunities due to the rapid spread of invasive species. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative has since developed a strategy for how to restore the dunes. In 2018, in an effort to raise public awareness, the group released this strategy as a coffee-table book along with a digital version on their companion website, SaveOregonDunes.org. More information on the strategy and what the Forest Service is doing to restore this special place can be found here.

Management of the Dunes is guided by the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Management Plan (1994). In 2015 the Oregon Dunes OHV Designated Routes Project was implemented to designate a sustainable system of trails and areas for motor vehicle use. This project covers only the area designated as Management Area 10 C in the Dunes Management Plan.

Working Together

Would you like to volunteer at the Oregon Dunes Visitor Center? Find out more from our Volunteer page.


Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible sites like Lagoon or Taylor Dune Trail and Oregon Dunes Day Use open the wonders of the Oregon Dunes to all forest visitors.

Find more accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests here.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Beachcombing

Recreation areas with activity Beachcombing:

Sand Play

Recreation areas with activity Sand Play:

Mountain Biking

Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:

All developed campsites on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area require a digital reservation and payment. Visit Recreation.gov or call 877.444.6777 for more information.

Reservation required?: Y

RV Camping

Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:

Dispersed Camping

Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping:

Salt Water Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Salt Water Fishing:

Estuary Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Estuary Fishing:

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

River and Stream Fishing

Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

Horse Camping

Recreation areas with activity Horse Camping:

Horse Riding

Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:

Viewing Wildlife

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:

Viewing Plants

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:

Viewing Scenery

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:

OHV Camping

Recreation areas with activity OHV Camping:

OHV Riding and Camping
OHV Sand Camping

OHV Open Area Riding

Recreation areas with activity OHV Open Area Riding:

OHV Designated Routes

OHV Trail Riding

Recreation areas with activity OHV Trail Riding:

OHV Designated Routes

Visitor Programs

Recreation areas with activity Visitor Programs:

Activities & Events

Field Ranger Programs: During the spring and summer months, volunteer-led talks and guided hikes are available at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center.

Jr. Ranger materials are available for self-guided participation.

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 541-271-6000.

Interpretive Areas

Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:

Visitor Centers

Recreation areas with activity Visitor Centers:

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

Boating - Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:

Surfing

Recreation areas with activity Surfing:

Alerts & Warnings

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Highlights

Location

 
  Latitude : 
43.709748

  Longitude : 
-124.179068