The Oregon Dunes
A Must-See On Oregon Vacations
Oregon Dunes State Park and Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are among the most unique features of the Oregon coast. The sand dunes in Oregon are a favorite tourist desination because of the wide variety of recreational activities available and the spectacular beauty of the dunes. Suited for outdoor adventures, peaceful camping or retreating, or just enjoying natural surroundings, a trip to the Oregon Dunes completes any vacation to the Oregon coast.
What Are The Oregon Dunes?
The Oregon dunes are a massive formation of shifting sand, often referred to as the American Sahara. They were created by extreme erosion and water evaporation over thousands of years, and stretch over 40 miles along the Oregon coast, beginning in the north with the Florence sand dunes and ending in the south at the Coos Bay dunes. The Oregon dunes are the largest coastal dunes in North America. Rising as high as 500 feet above sea level, this unusual formation is set against the backdrop of unspoiled coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From the rising sand peaks to the island-like tree formations, the dunes in Oregon are one of the most ecologically diverse environments in the United States. Combining shifting desert-type sands with coastal waters, lakes, streams and forests, the dunes are a must-see on any Oregon vacation.
Oregon Dunes Camping
There are three major sand camping areas within the Oregon Dunes. The northernmost of these is located near Florence. The main camping sites there are Driftwood II campground and Honeyman State Park. Driftwood II offers 68 OHV slots for trailers or automobiles. Honeyman boasts a close proximity to the ocean and dune access points as well as two freshwater lakes within its park borders.
Just south of Florence is a major recreational area called Winchester Bay, or Umpqua Dunes. The largest camping venue in the Winchester Bay area is Discovery Point Resort, which has over 60 RV slots with complete hookups. Discovery Point is located just below the Umpqua Lighthouse and very near the Umpqua Dunes access point.
The southernmost Oregon dunes recreational area is located adjacent to Coos Bay. The Coos Bay dunes area offers several options for camping: Spinreel OHV, Oregon Dunes KOA, Hauser Overflow OHV camp, Horsfall OHV, and Horsfall Beach OHV.
Spinreel OHV campsites are located eleven miles south of Reedsport and offer 36 auto, trailer, and tent sites.
Oregon Dunes KOA is located further from the dune access than most of the other campgrounds, but provides water, sewer, electric, and TV hookups on every campsite. It has 62 large campsites that accommodate RV's and tents and a selection of cabins available.
Hauser Overflow OHV is only used during Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend.
Horsfall OHV is located a mile and a half from North Bend. Horsfall OHV offers 70 OHV campsites.
Horsfall Beach OHV is also located a short distance from North Bend. It consists of 41 OHV, automobile, and trailer sites.
Before planning a camping trip on the Oregon coast dunes, make sure to check out the local rules and regulations, costs, seasonal availability, and amenities. Also try to make reservations if possible. Many sand campgrounds do not accept reservations from October 1st to April 30th, and many require reservations during the summer months. Plan ahead to make sure that you get the best camping site available. Check out the websites for each campground to check out the cost, availability, reservation information, amenities and other particulars.
Oregon Dune Fest
The Oregon Dune Fest is an annual event that usually takes place around the first week of August on the sand dunes in Winchester Bay. During the day, Dune Fest has exciting racing and events such as moto-cross racing, barrel racing, dune drag racing, relay racing, and many more. Children can get involved, too. A variety of activities are available during the day just for children, one of which involves a treasure hunt and dig on the dunes. At night, things heat up with concerts, dancing, and bonfires. Local DJs are invited to spin their stuff and acclaimed rock groups perform during the last night of festivities.
Oregon Dunes National Park
The Oregon Dunes National Park is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The National Recreation Area consists of the sand dunes, coastal areas, rivers, lakes, streams, and forests located in a forty-mile stretch on the Oregon coast. Dunes National Park is only a small part of the National Recreation Area established in Oregon. The Oregon Dunes National Park is a great place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, sand boarding, OHV use, and horseback riding. But the recreation area is also home to more solitary and relaxing pursuits, including bird watching or trail walking. The park is shelter to many rare birds, notably endangered shore birds, osprey, bald eagles, and egrets. The ecological diversity found in the Dunes National Park creates a perfect sanctuary for many types of wildlife. Enjoy the conveniences of the local campgrounds and Oregon coast dunes access points. Explore the natural wonder of the winding trails, and the beautiful coastal waters. Camping is also available in Dunes National Park. Campgrounds can be found that offer RV parking and hookups, showers, water hookups, traditional tent camping, cabin camping, and nontraditional camping, such as teepees and covered wagon camping.
~ David Nool
Secrets of the Oregon Dunes - How Did All That Sand Get Here, Anyway?
Did you know sand dunes can move as much as 1/2 inch per day? That they can bury entire forests and turn rivers into lakes? You'll learn about this and more in Secrets of the Oregon Dunes, a guide detailing the history and geology of the Oregon Dunes, one of the most fascinating landscapes in America. Information in this comprehensive book is presented in a non-scientific, easy-to-understand and humorous format. The book includes a short hiking guide and beautiful photographs by Ned Hickson.
Author Dina Pavlis resides on the Oregon Coast in Florence, Oregon. She is a Certified Interpretive Guide and works as a U.S. Forest Service volunteer for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. A co-author of several computer guides, Dina also has written an Oregon Dunes training guide for rangers. Dina's writing style is easy to digest, fun and informative.
easy-fun-candle-biz.com walking101.com
wicksworks.com wordwooze.net