Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a nature reserve and dunes formation along the Pacific coast in the state of Oregon.The sand formations stretch along the coastline and create a landscape where open beaches meet forested hills.

The federal government placed this area under protection in 1972 and assigned management to the US Forest Service.Before that, the coastline had been inhabited and used by indigenous communities for centuries.

The name Siuslaw comes from the language of an original people and today marks a region strongly associated with sandy expanses.Visitors walking through open areas can spot traces of present-day animal species and witness the transition from grassland to water.

Access is available from several parking areas along the coastal highway, with some sections reserved for vehicles and others for hikers.Visitors should watch for sand that can cover paths during windy conditions and bring appropriate clothing for changing weather.

The region holds small freshwater lakes between the dunes, formed from rainwater and surrounded by vegetation.These bodies of water provide habitat for amphibians and insects rarely found elsewhere near the coast.

Location: Oregon

Operator: United States Forest Service

Website: https://fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recreation/recarea/?recid=42465

GPS coordinates: 43.72420,-124.17700

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:55