The Wind-sculpted sand dunes of Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area are 500 feet above sea level. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is administered by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service - Oregon, in the Siuslaw National Forest under legislation passed by Congress.

Among the features of the NRA are 30 lakes for fishing, swimming and wildlife watching, 14 hiking trails through wetlands, forests and dunes, 13 campgrounds, 11 beach parking areas, nine day use areas, three off-highway riding areas, one overlook and the visitor center in Reedsport with information, interpretive exhibits and an introductory video.

Fun and Adventure
The Oregon Dunes are a unique area of windswept sand that is the result of millions of years of wind, sun, and rain erosion on the Oregon Coast. These are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. These dunes provide numerous recreational opportunities including off-road vehicle use, hiking, photography, fishing, canoeing and horseback riding, and camping. The Carter Dunes Trail and Oregon Dunes Day Use provide disabled access for forest visitors.

1. Riding
Thousands of off-highway vehicle riders come to enjoy the excitement of riding across these expansive tracks of sand. Three main off-highway vehicle riding areas have been set aside to provide riders with a variety of experiences. The largest riding area at the Oregon Dunes stretches between Spinreel Campground and Horsfall Road. A few miles north of North Bend/Coos Bay, this road leads to Horsfall dunes and a beach access. Another access is Hauser Sand Rd, which links the Horsfall dunes to the beach.

2. Water Sports
Oregon Dunes have numerous water sports facilities for you. With over 30 lakes and ponds, and numerous streams to choose from, you can enjoy sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing. Large lakes include Woahink, Siltcoos, Tahkenitch, Eel, and North and South Tenmile Lakes.

3. Hiking
Oregon Dunes is the best area to enjoy hiking to the fullest. Many trails rove through forest flourishing in Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce. Some trails wind up, over and through sand dunes offering hikers the chance to experience the natural wonder that makes this area unique. One moment you may be trekking over vast expanses of sand, only to give way to low lying wetlands or a hidden lake at the bottom of a dune.

4. Camping
There are three major sand camping areas on the Oregon dunes recreation amenities. The first is located in the north dunes called the Florence Oregon sand dunes. Just south of Florence is the second major recreational area called Winchester Bay or The Umpqua Dunes. The southernmost Oregon dunes recreational area is located at Coos Bay.

These are the few fun and adventures that you can indulge in while you are in Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area.

Tags: fun and adventure, riding, water sports