Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area reach 500 feet high, and stretch out as far as the eye can see. It's a pretty unique sight in a state like Oregon, and one that shouldn't be missed! What makes it even more interesting for your vacation, is that it's right on the coast so you can cool off with some water sports after walking on the hot sand.

The dunes are a favorite among ATV enthusiasts who love a chance to drive over some different terrain and there are several trails for off-road vehicles to go bouncing over the dunes. Watch where you’re going though, as all the sand dunes look the same, and you can end up going in circles or getting lost.

One more way to have fun on the sand is with a little sandboarding. It's like snowboarding, but without the snow! A great place to try this is at the private (i.e. its not part of the Recreation Area) sandboarding park. Located near Florence this park is groomed and a lot of fun, so there is no reason not to try it!

If you prefer a slower pace, stay on your feet and hike one of the main trails that lead through the dunes or the surrounding forest areas. The dunes are fun to walk because you can never tell what you're going to see over the next rise. There are unexpected "tree islands" between the dunes, as well as some marshland spots.

With the ocean right at hand, you can also spend some time splashing in the waves with some surfing, swimming or boogie-boarding. Some other water activities might include a bit of kayaking, water skiing or sailing. Besides the ocean, there are also smaller rivers and lakes around the park for you to visit, making this a fun destination for the whole family.

Quick Facts:

-- These sand dunes inspired Frank Herbert to write his ‘Dune’ series of novels.