Umpqua Dunes

Umpqua Dunes

  • Easy (to start of dunes)
  • 1-mile loop
  • 50 feet elevation gain


  • Difficult (to ocean)
  • 5.4 miles round trip
  • 100 feet elevation gain

The biggest dunes in Oregon stretch west of Eel Creek Campground in a vast seafront Sahara. No off-road vehicles disturb the immense quiet here. Although the hike from Eel Creek to the beach begins and ends on marked paths, most of the route crosses a stark, trackless dunescape of wind-rippled sand.

Start by driving Highway 101 south …

If you still have lots of energy, you can head left …

Other Options

If you’re trekking the Oregon Coast Trail south from Reedsport, walk …


This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast & Coast Range.