The Siuslaw National Forest is located along Oregon’s Coast Mountain from Tillamook to Coos Bay. A dense Douglas-fir forest complemented by lush, green vegetation along with miles of sand dunes is what the Siuslaw is all about. This wide range of habitats, many of them transitional, makes this a marvelous forest for wildlife.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is inset into the forest just north of Coos Bay. Oregon Dunes is the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Besides providing the finest beaches in Oregon, Oregon Dunes has 30 lakes, several hiking trails, and some of most mind-blowing ocean scenery anywhere.

Abundant rainfall and mild winters provide growing conditions for a variety of vegetation species. The Siuslaw’s temperate rain forest, coastal influence, ocean-forest interface, relatively young Douglas-fir forest, and cultural history make it unique among all other national forests.

Some of the special destinations of this place are as follow:

1. Marys Peak
At 4,097 feet, Mary’s Peak is the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range and the most prominent peak to the west of Corvallis. On a clear day the view is spectacular, stretching from the ocean to the Cascade Range. You can also see many of the Cascade peaks to the east across the Willamette Valley. There are also several areas of historical, botanical and geological interest.

2. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is famous for towering trees looming through a coastal fog, frothy surf crashing upon jagged shores and majestic headlands offering clear views for miles. Located two miles south of Yachats, this coastal wonderland - where the forest meets the sea - captivates locals and visitors alike. Fog, rain and cool year-round temperatures create the perfect home for the giant Sitka spruce tree. Sitka spruce forests only grow within three miles of the coast. Further inland, conditions are too hot and dry.

3. Sand Lake Recreation Area
The Sand Lake Recreation Area is located along Oregon’s North Coast, 15 miles southwest of Tillamook between Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. It covers 1,076 acres of open sand dunes, surrounded by forests and adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. The Sand Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The Sand Lake Recreation Area is popular with Off-Highway Vehicle enthusiasts. It offers riding on open sand dunes with access from campgrounds/day use areas that are open year round.

4. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
From Florence to Coos Bay, the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area extends for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast. Formed by the ancient forces of wind, water and time, these dunes are like no others in the world. These are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America and they hold numerous opportunities for adventure and solitude.

These are some famous destinations of Siuslaw National Forest.

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