Coast Like a Local at the Oregon Coast Dunes

May 1, 2026 By Lynnee Jacks

Know before you go this summer.

This article is posted in partnership with Siuslaw National Forest. Here are all the ways you can Coast Like a Local this summer.

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The Oregon Coast Dunes are one of the most unique landscapes in the state. On the North Coast, the Sand Lake Recreation Area offers over 1,000 acres of sand dune adventure near Pacific City. Meanwhile on the Central Coast, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area stretches roughly 40 miles from Florence to Coos Bay. Both areas offer expansive dunes that blend with forested trails, wetlands, and ocean views, creating a coastal playground unlike anywhere else.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come here to ride off-highway vehicles (OHVs), hike, paddle, fish, camp, and explore.

But this landscape is more than a playground — it’s home to wildlife, sensitive plants, working forests, and coastal communities. Locals know that keeping the dunes open and healthy for future generations starts with recreating responsibly.

Here’s what that means when you visit.

Ride Smart: Permits, Equipment & Sound

If you’re bringing an OHV, a little preparation goes a long way.

Make sure your vehicle has the required OHV permit/sticker.
Helmets are required for riders under 18 — and strongly encouraged for everyone.
Safety flags are required in open riding areas and motorized trails.
Spark arresters are required to help prevent wildfires.
Obey posted sound limits.

The Forest Service offers complimentary sound testing at the Oregon Dunes office in Reedsport. Keeping machines within legal sound levels helps reduce impacts to wildlife, other visitors, and nearby communities.

For specific equipment requirements and current regulations, check directly with the U.S. Forest Service before your trip.

Stay on Designated Riding Areas

Not all dunes are open to riding.

To protect fragile habitat and reduce erosion, OHV use is limited to designated open riding areas and marked routes. Riding on vegetation, in closed areas, or outside designated routes can damage sensitive ecosystems and result in fines.

Respecting area closures helps preserve OHV access for the future.

Be Fire-aware

Summer conditions can change quickly on the coast. Fire restrictions can change throughout the season, so check for the latest updates before you head out.

Always use approved spark arresters.
Never drive on vegetation.
Leave fireworks at home when visiting public lands.
Follow all posted fire restrictions.
Secure trailer chains; dragging chains can create sparks!

The Oregon Dunes are multi-use. On any given day, you may encounter families hiking, birdwatchers, paddlers, anglers, or campers enjoying the same landscape. Keep the dunes safe for everyone by riding at safe speeds, staying on designated trails where posted, and packing out what you pack in.

Seasonal Wildlife Protections

Parts of the dunes may close seasonally to protect nesting western snowy plovers and other sensitive species. These small shorebirds rely on quiet stretches of sand for survival. Respect posted closures and fencing — they’re essential to keeping both wildlife and recreation thriving side by side.

Holiday Weekends & Special Restrictions

Peak weekends — especially around the Fourth of July — can bring special rules, capacity limits, and ticketing systems in certain areas like Sand Lake.

If you’re planning a holiday visit, be sure to check ahead for:

Know Before You Go

The Oregon Coast Dunes are a rare and remarkable place. With a little preparation and a lot of respect, we can preserve public access for generations to come.

Before you go, visit the U.S. Forest Service website for complete, up-to-date regulations, maps, permits, and safety information.