The Oregon Dunes are a uniquely magical place. One of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, its tree islands, open dunes, coastal wetlands, and ocean beaches create a landscape like no other.
Many plants and animals call this area home. It’s an amazing place for wildlife viewing and birding.
People come from all over the world to explore this natural wonder. There is always more to experience on foot, on horseback, by kayak or canoe, by bike, or by Off Highway Vehicle (OHV).
Stewarding the Dunes
Whether you’re here to camp, surf, fish, hike, paddle, or ride, it’s important to be a good neighbor to everyone enjoying the dunes, as well as the creatures who call this ecosystem home.
The Oregon Dunes are home to over 400 wildlife species, from the western snowy plover, a shore bird that lays eggs in open sand, to bald eagles and osprey, to the coastal marten, a carnivore in the weasel family. The unique habitat is also home to a wide variety of plant life, from sand verbena to shore pine.
It’s important to care for this special place and preserve it for enjoyment by future generations. Respect area closures, stay on trail, pack out trash, and consider participating in restoration projects. Pay attention to seasonal beach closures for snowy plover nesting, in place March 15 to September 15.
Adventure safely
The Oregon Dunes is a perfect place for outdoor recreation, both non-motorized and motorized. For OHV riders, there are a few guidelines to remember to keep your experience safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Check your equipment. Get your engine checked before the season starts to make sure it’s tuned up and working properly. Make sure you have the required spark arrester as part of your muffler system. Plan ahead and have helmets, safety flags, Oregon state vehicle tags, lights, fire extinguishers, and other needed safety supplies with you.
Observe sound and noise limits. Sound from OHV engines can disturb other recreationists, adjacent landowners, and wildlife. Exposure to excessive noise can also damage hearing over time.
You can be a good steward and a good neighbor by knowing the volume of your vehicle, knowing the sound limit for your riding area, and respecting other sound-related rules such as night riding curfews and closure areas.
If you’d like to find out the decibel level of your OHV, the Oregon Dunes staff offers complimentary sound tests. Simply flag down a Forest Service employee, or call the Oregon Dunes Visitor Center at 541-271-6000 to inquire about opportunities for a sound test.
Pay attention to designated routes and riding areas. Download or familiarize yourself with maps ahead of your trip. Don’t cut through vegetation or create your own trail.
Drink responsibly. Possession of alcohol is prohibited in OHV riding areas outside of developed sites. Don’t drink and ride.
The Accessible Dunes
The Oregon Dunes are for everyone, including visitors with disabilities. 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.
Learn more about accessible Siuslaw National Forest sites and check out their accessible adventure videos.
Plan Your Visit
It’s important to plan your visit before you arrive at the Oregon Dunes. Be prepared before you get here by making campsite reservations, knowing the rules of the dunes, and checking current closures and conditions.
Once you’ve arrived, stop by the Oregon Dunes visitors center in Reedsport for interpretive exhibits, maps, brochures, books and gifts, and a friendly and helpful staff that can help you make the most of your visit to the Oregon Dunes. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area office sells recreation passes and special forest product permits such as mushrooms and firewood.
While you’re here, make sure to check out the shops, restaurants, and lodging options in the Oregon Dunes gateway towns of Florence, Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Lakeside, North Bend, Coos Bay, and Charleston.
Learn more
The U.S. Forest Service manages the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area as part of the Siuslaw National Forest. Adjacent sand dunes areas managed by other state, county, and local jurisdictions.
Know who’s managing the area you are recreating in, and learn more: