Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the biggest tract of beachfront sand dunes in the United States, stretching approximately 50 miles between Florence and Coos Bay. The dunes reach heights of 500 feet and undulate inland for up to three miles before meeting coastal woods, containing strange ecosystems that support a plethora of fauna, particularly birds. The setting inspired Frank Herbert to write the epic sci-fi Dune novels.

Avoid trekking in the far northern and southern regions of the dunes, which are dominated by dune buggies and dirt motorcycles (off-highway vehicles, or OHVs). The dunes' core area is off-limits to OHVs and is allocated for animals and more pleasant human activities such as hiking and paddling. Visit Florence's Old Town area to view the town's most appealing side: a small waterfront district tucked along the gorgeous Siuslaw River, near to the Oregon Coast's most beautiful port.