About Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area beckons you to its warm and inviting sand dunes.

Formed by the ancient forces of wind, water and time, these dunes are like no others in North America, and extend for 40 miles along the Oregon coast between Florence and Coos Bay. Wind sculpted dunes tower almost 500 feet above the ocean shore and blend with rivers, lakes and temperate rainforests to create a remarkably diverse ecosystem.

Enjoy hiking through forests and dunes, riding an off -highway vehicle through a landscape of sand, or watching a sunset from a scenic beach. How about picnicking, camping, boating or fi shing on one of the 30 lakes or rivers? Perhaps you’re a birder, beachcomber, berry or mushroom gatherer, or looking for accessibility? Th ere are many opportunities to enjoy this special area.

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.

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Visitor Center in Reedsport, Oregon offers interpretive exhibits, maps, brochures, books and gifts. Their friendly and helpful staff that can help you make the most of your visit to the Oregon Dunes.

Sharing the Beach with the Western Snowy Plover: The Western Snowy Plover needs dry, open sand along the beach to survive. As the European beachgrass invades the open sand, it reduces nesting areas and provides homes for predators. This bird is now threatened with extinction.

From March 15-September 15 please observe all posted regulations No dogs, vehicles, bicycles, kites, or drones are allowed on plover beaches. Walk on wet, hard-packed sand only.

Reviews & Ratings

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.6/5 TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on 336 reviews

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  • TripAdvisor Rating
    July 19, 2025
    italnrn

    A blast at the dunes

    We went to the Dunes in Florence and rode ATVs at a company called Torex, just outside of Florence. It was great fun and the whole staff was so helpful and kind. Highly recommend

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    October 7, 2024
    EvaT1574

    Strange and wonderful

    We drove on Highway 101 and after crossing two bridges over Coos Bay we suddenly spotted huge dunes between and behind woods. It was quite strange view as we it looked like when the desert is expanding and swallowing woods and land. But simultaneously it was some-how wonderful.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    September 26, 2024
    kahru

    Dunes are great not the dune buggies or bikes

    Very exciting the only downside is that the dunes are coverd with people racing Dune Buggys motorbikes all detracting from the awesome dunes Worth a visit

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    August 16, 2023
    kyendley

    Oregon Dunes Hike

    We stopped at the Oregon Dunes Overlook and did the hike to the beach. It took us about 30 mins to get to the beach. It is definitely worth doing!! Stunning sandy beach and amazing ocean views await!!

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    July 11, 2023
    weareoutthisdoor

    Some sections open to dogs too

    There are many wonderful spots to hit along this long recreation area. During the summer parts are closed for bird rehabilitation. There's a great map that shows what is open to what activity and when. We found a dog-friendly, off-leash section at Siltcoos Beach near Florence which had a large parking lot big enough to turn around RVs and trailers (there is an OHV trail heading north). There are no services at the beach parking but there's a lot in the towns.

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