Everything You Need To Know About Sand Dunes of Oregon

Exploring Oregon’s Sand Dunes

The wind-sculpted sand dunes of the Oregon Coast stretch for 40 miles from the charming old town of Florence to Coos Bay. The Oregon Sand Dunes are the largest stretch of coastal sand dunes in North America.  The dunes and the little coastal town of Florence hold numerous opportunities for adventure and serenity.

We first explored Florence in a 2-D view on Google Maps and then that year we made a weekend trip out of it. It was in late August so we took our tent and went camping at one of the camp sites. It was our first time seeing such a long stretch of sand!

The second time around we visited Florence in April during our road trip through the Willamette Valley with Oregon Wine Country and Eugene Cascades and Coast. For more information about visiting Oregon’s Wine Country and Florence, Oregon, check out their websites for more great information and inspiration!

During our explorations in Florence, we stayed at Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center. The staff were all so sweet and helpful. We woke up to a beautiful view of the ocean and then explored more of this cute little town that many enjoy for its charm, dunes, ocean, fresh-water lakes, and hikes!

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Where Are The Sand Dunes And How To Get To Florence

The town of Florence is located on Oregon’s Central coast in Lane County. The best way to get here is to take the scenic route of highway 101 along the coast stopping by different coastal towns and viewpoints or you can take highway 126 from Eugene right into Florence.

Distances

Eugene to Florence- 61.3mi (1hr 20mins)

Salem to Florence- 127.5mi (2hrs 18 mins)

Portland to Florence- 171.1mi (2hrs 57mins)

Taking a weekend trip out to Florence is a perfect way to experience this part of the coast. Also, you can combine it with a roadtrip through the Willamette Valley.

For more Oregon Adventures Check Out

BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON A RAINY DAY

TOKETEE FALLS & UMPQUA HOT SPRINGS

ABIQUA FALLS


CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK


SAND DUNES OF OREGON

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What To Pack For Florence, OR

It will really depend on the season what you want to wear, but no matter what make sure to have these two things with you because it’s the Pacific Northwest. A rain jacket is great for any season because even on summer nights you might get some wind, rain or it might just get a little bit chilly. Rain boots are great for the spring and winter.

Check out a post about Our Favorite Travel Gear & Best Water Filter for Travel

Adventurous Things To Do in Florence

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Heceta Light House

Heceta Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast. It’s located just a few miles north of Florence.

Drive over and park at the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. There are picnic tables and a beautiful view of the ocean. There’s also a short trail  which leads to the lighthouse and keeper’s house which is now a bed and breakfast.

The trail is part of a 7-mile network. It’s easy-moderate in difficulty and from different viewpoints you can see the ocean and if it’s the time of year you can see sea lions and whales.

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Sea Lion Caves

Just a few miles away from the city you can find America’s largest sea cave. It is privately owned and is home to hundreds of Steller sea lions and birds. The main goal is to preserve and protect. It is open year round but you won’t always see the sea lions there so make sure to call them before you go.

During winter months you will find the lions in the cave but when spring arrives, its breeding and birthing time, so the sea lion move from the cave to the rock ledges in front of the cave and hang around there through the summer.

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Cape Perpetua

Cape Perpetua is a large headland that is located half an hour north of Florence. It’s an incredible place to enjoy the incredible views, the coastal fog, waves crashing again the jagged cliffs, and 26 miles of hiking trails.

Make sure to check out Devils Churn Scenic Overlook, Thor’s Well, and Sprouting Horn!

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Go Hiking

Sand Dunes

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park has many trails that you can hike and access to the dunes.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area also has trails you can do on.

Hobbit Trail

Hobbit Trail and China Creek Trail Loop is a 4.6 mile loop trail which is part of the Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park. It’s easy-moderate and will lead you through lush forest and the beach.

Siltcoos Lake Recreation Area

Has hiking trails and also a segment of the Oregon Coast Birding Trail.

Sweet Creek Falls

Sweet Creek Falls is a 2.2 mile out and back trail located near Mapleton, Oregon. It features four tiered-plunges that cascade from 10-30 feet. It’s family friendly and involves wooden bridge and dirt trails. There are four different trailheads. If you are up for the full hike, start at the Homestead Trailhead which will be the first one you see.

Mary’s Peak

If you have time and want to say you climbed the highest point in the Coastal Range then Mary’s Peak it is. It’ 5.2 mile out and back trail located near Philomath, OR. It’s best during April until November. During spring and summer you can find lots of beautiful wild flowers and on a clear day you will have spectacular views!

If you want more hikes check out the Best Trails in Florence, OR which are listed on AllTrails.com.

Enjoy A Fresh Water Lake

One of the unique things about this area is that not only there are sand dunes and the ocean but there are some stunning fresh water lakes that can be enjoyed. Here are some great ones to check out,
Woahink Lake, Siltcoos Lake, Mercer Lake, Cleawox Lake.

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Ride A Sand Buggy

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park is a great place for some ATV fun. You can also enjoy camping, hiking and the two fresh water lakes that are popular for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. You can sign up for an adventure with Sand Dunes Frontier or Sandland Adventures to explore the dunes by dune buggy or rent an ATV.

Horse Back Riding Through The Dunes

Trot through the dunes with C&M Stables who offer some amazing horseback excursions for people of all levels. You can choose a peaceful beach ride or a ride through the sand dunes. They also offer a sunset ride.

Go Sandboarding On The Dunes

Check out the Sandmaster Park where you can rent a sandboard to enjoy the sculpted sand dunes.

Rent A Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard and Explore the Siuslaw River

Rent a kayak, a canoe or paddle board and paddle the water trail that provides over 30 miles along the North Fork and the Siuslaw Rivers that are between Mapleton, Oregon and the Ocean.

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Explore Florence’s Old Town

Go on a self-guided walking tour of Historic Old Town which will lead you to key historic buildings. Stop into Siuslaw Coffee Roasters and enjoy the beautiful view of the Siuslaw River Bridge from the back patio area. Stop into the galleries, antique shops and the All About Olives shop for some samples. There’s also public art instalations that include sea lion states, murals, a totem ole and sculptures.

Visit the Siuslaw Pioneer Muesuem

This is a perfect continuation of Old Town. Here you can learn more about the stories of frontier families who worked in logging and fishing.

Camping in Florence

There are many areas for camping and recreation activities. Each area has campgrounds that you are able to stay at.

Jessie M. Honewyman Memorial State Park

This beautiful state park is just three miles south of the city of Florence. It’s the second largest Oregon state park campground. It offers more than 350 campsites, hiking trails, and miles of sand dunes. It’s also has two natural freshwater lakes: Cleawox, which you can go swimming in, and Woahink, which has a boat ramp. You can also rent a canoe and explore the lake.

South Jetty Area

South Jetty has a day use access to the beach and the dunes, areas for OHV

Siltcoos Area

Along the Siltcoos River are campgrounds and trails along the river and beach.
People bringing their OHV will find developed and dispersed camping.

Oregon Dunes Day Use

A beautiful hiking trail, picnic tables and lookout spots.

Tahkenitch Area

Here you will find campgrounds that have lake access for boaters and there is dune access for hikers.

Best Place To Eat At

For some awesome morning coffee and snacks head over to old town and check out Siuslaw Coffee Roasters.

Another great place for coffee is Old Town Coffee Roasters.

For breakfast check out Little Brown Hen Cafe, Mari’s Cafe, or Fresh Harvest Cafe.

For lunch or dinner have some amazing food at 1285 Restobar, Waterfront Depot Restaurant, Maple Street Grille, Homegrown Public House, Lovejoy’s, Mo’s Seafood and many more!

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Best Places To Stay At

Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center

This is a wonderful place to stay at for those who want wake up with a beautiful ocean front view! It’s a great place for families with kids. They have a play center and a big pool. There’s also an onsite restaurant so you don’t even have to leave anywhere. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, clean and you can get a room with a full kitchen or a kitchenette.

Other great places:

For a unique experience, stay at Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast. There’s no better way to expereince a lighthouse!

Wanting to experience the river? Stay at Lauren’s Place, a bed and breakfast on the Siuslaw River which offers a suite with a private bathroom. You will have beautiful views of the forest, river and garden.

Is it your first time using Airbnb? Get $55 towards your next stay with airbnb.com

Booking through Booking.com? Get $25 off your next stay with booking.com

Booking.com

Things To Know About Florence

In Washington and in Oregon, most national forest recreation sites require you to pay a day use fee. If you are camping then that counts as your pass for the day.

Passes that they honor are-

National Forest Day Pass ($5), National Forest Annual Pass ($30), Interagency Annual Passes (Free-$80), 5 day and Annual Oregon Pacific Coast Passport ($10/5 days or $35 /year

If you don’t have any of these passes you can just purchase one on the spot. A day use pass is $5.

Sample Itinerary To Experience Florence, Oregon

1 Day Itinerary for Florence, Oregon

Day 1– A taste of the Oregon Sand Dunes

Depending on where you are coming from you can start by enjoying the dunes at Jessie M. Honewyman Memorial State Park. Where you just go hike, enjoy the fresh water lakes or go on a dune buggy adventure, it will really give you a taste of Oregon’s sand dunes.

After a morning of adventure, drive over to Florence’s Old Town for lunch at one of the local restaurants and stop in to Siuslaw Coffee Roasters for a afternoon pick me up.

You can end your one day getaway by driving up north along highway 101 and stop by the Sea Lion Caves (make sure to go before 5pm). Keep driving and stop to hike up to Heceta Lighthouse and take in the beautiful views. If you still have time you can do a longer hike that continues from Heceta Lighthouse or do the Hobbit Trail.

If you don’t want to hike and don’t mind driving north a little bit more, enjoy a beautiful sunset from Cape Perpetua.

3 Days Itinerary For Florence, Oregon

Day 1– Admire Florence’s Old Town

Depending on where you are coming from and what time you arrive in Florence, OR. Take some time to admire Florence’s Old Town. You can do a self-guided tour and stroll along the streets stopping into galleries, antique shops and stores. Make sure to stop into Siuslaw Coffee Roasters for a cute of coffee or tea and enjoy their back patio area and the awesome view of the Siuslaw River Bridge.

If you enjoy museums and have time, check out the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum.

Day 2- Explore the Coast Line

Stop into town and enjoy a filling breakfast at Little Brown Hen Cafe or Mari’s Cafe. Drive up north along highway 101 and make your first stop at the Sea Lion Caves. After that keep driving and make a stop to hike up to Heceta Lighthouse. If you are up for it you can do a longer hike that continues from Heceta Lighthouse or do the Hobbit Trail and China Creek Trail Loop.

If you still have time and don’t mind driving north a little bit more, enjoy a beautiful sunset from Cape Perpetua. Make sure to check out Devils Churn Scenic Overlook, Thor’s Well, and Sprouting Horn in that area as well!

For lunch, you can pack your own lunch or stop by Yachats at the Yachats Brewing + Farmstore.

Day 3- A Taste of the Oregon Sand Dunes

Start the day by enjoying the dunes at Jessie M. Honewyman Memorial State Park. Here you can go hike, enjoy the fresh water lakes or go on a dune buggy adventure, it will really give you a taste of Oregon’s sand dunes. If you’ve always wanted to go horse back riding, take an excursion with C&M Stables which offer riding adventures for all levels!

For more sand dune exploration, drive down to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and take in the vastness of the dunes and watch the sunset. There are hiking trails here as well.

If you’re heading back to Eugene, Salem or Portland and still have time, stop along the way to hike Sweet Creek Falls. It’s a 2.2 mile out and back trail located near Mapleton, Oregon (highway 126)

Exploring The Oregon Coast

We hope this has been helpful in planning a trip to Florence, OR. It’s one of our favorite places on the Oregon coast and there’s so much to do around this area.

If you visit, let us know by tagging us in your pictures on Instagram #thatoneadventurecouple #idratherplayoutside!

Have you been to Florence, OR before and have something to add or share? Let us know in the comments below.

More posts about the Oregon Coast, (coming soon)

That One Adventure Couple

A big thank you goes out to Oregon Wine Country and Eugene Cascades and Coast for setting up this amazing roadtrip through the Willamette Valley! All thoughts and opinions are our own. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, we may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you and allows us to keep serving you with great content.

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