General
The town of Florence, Oregon is located along the Siuslaw river at
the junction of Highway 101 and Oregon 126. The northern section of the
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area open to vehicles is referred to
as "Florence" due to it's proximity to this tourist town. Although the
map shows an area approximately 5.5 miles long by 1 mile wide, much of
it is not available for off-highway vehicle use. On the west, large
areas are covered with European beach grass. On the east, much has been
closed due to noise complaints. The dunes in this area, in general, are
larger than at Coos Bay but smaller than at Winchester Bay. An
interesting feature of this dune section are five large "tree islands".
These islands are remnants of older forests that have been surrounded
by the dunes. They serve as good landmarks to find your way under foggy
or dark conditions. Running parallel to the beach along the west side
is a mile long stretch of smooth, wet sand. It is often referred to as
"the drag strip". This area of the Oregon coast is in Lane county and
nearly due west of Eugene, a town noted for environmental activism.
Coincidentally, you will find more restrictions and less camping
opportunities for off-road recreationalists than several years ago. The
dunes are open for riding from 6 AM to 10:00 PM. Here is a map of the area. |
Beach
The beach along this section is open to vehicles year round. |
Getting there
From Eugene, Oregon, take Highway 126 west. At Mapleton, Highway 36
joins up. Continue west to Florence where 126 meets Highway 101. Go
south through town and across the bridge over the Siuslaw river. Exit
to the right on South Jetty road for South Jetty day-use and Goose
Pasture day-use parking lots.
About 6 miles south of Florence is the Siltcoos Beach
Access road.
Near the end of this road is the Driftwood II OHV campground, which has
direct sand access.
|
Campgrounds and access - Forest Service
The bad news is that there is only one developed Forest Service
campground
with dune access in the area.
Driftwood II. Features include 69 sites 35-40 ft.
in
length. Water and flush toilets are available. The sites are marked on
the paved parking lot. Around the perimeter are fire pits, picnic
tables, and areas for tents.
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping
right out in the
sand. Regulations require you to be at least 200' from the
roadway.
You can't park cars along the roadway (nor can your visitors).
Sand
camping permits are required. They also cover the day-use
fees.
Check with the ODNRA offices for special rules on major holiday
weekends.
|
Other public Camping
Honeyman
Sate Park. (milepost 193) This is one of
the most
popular and scenic state parks along the Oregon coast. Features include
68 full hook-up sites, 75 electric sites, 238 tent sites, RV dump
station, swimming and picnic areas and hiking trails. During the winter
months, one of the camping loops is opened to off road vehicle campers
and a trail leading to the dunes is opened up. Call the park at (1-800-551-6949)-
for more information. |
Some Links: Sandland adventures
|
|
