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Florence Oregon

Florence Oregon, 2-4 days, June More Pictures | Map | GPS

Florence is at the northern end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. These dunes are about 47 miles long running from mouth of the Siuslaw River in Florence to Cape Blanco in Coos Bay. They are the largest coastal sand dunes in the U.S. The dunes reach up to 500 feet above sea level and go inland for about 2 1/2 miles. Just at midpoint in the town of Reedsport the Umpqua River flows into Winchester Bay and the Pacific ocean. The winds are constantly reshaping the dunes. The entire dunes area has a variety of ecosystems ranging from conifer tree to marshlands.

picture of oregon dunes national recreation area in florence

Traveling along US101 you will find many accessible roads leading to the dunes. Obviously, the dunes are along the coast so the typical beach activities are there. But more fun than laying out on the beach has to be the dune buggy and ATV rides up and down these rolling mounds of sand. There are plenty of state park camping facilities and private campgrounds along the 47 mile stretch that cater to dune junkies. There are sections of the beach and dunes that are off limits to off-highway vehicles and that's where we went. The dune was so steep that we walked over to get the beach that walking up and down was a total leg workout. There were less than 20 people walking and sitting on the beach and a few people were hanging around their beach fire. A quarter mile from where we parked were ATVs and dune buggys riding along the coast and running up and down the dunes.

If you don't have a quad or don't want to rent one but still want to explore the dunes there are quiet coastal forest trails for hiking. The forests consists of Sitka spruce and Douglas fir and the terrain can easily go from soft sand dunes to low lying wetlands. However, if you prefer water instead of sand than you are in luck as well. Stretching the length of the sand dunes from Florence to Coos Bay are 30 lakes, ponds and streams for kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, fishing and even sailing. And 17 of those lakes are in the Florence area. Ocean side you can go clamming, crabbing or fishing. Horseback riding is also very popular on the dunes.

picture of person walking up sand dunes from parking lot in florence oregon

Florence is a small town but because of the popular sand dunes it has everything what you will need for your trip to central Oregon. Historic Old Town Florence has revived waterfront buildings which makes for a relaxing day strolling the boutiques, art galleries and antique stores. There are coffee houses and restaurants as well. Summer fog is common along the entire coast, however temperatures remain mild throughout the year in Florence Oregon.

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