Exploring all that sand...Published: Thursday, June 4th, 2009 A visit to dune country isn't complete until you've seen the dunes from high atop the tallest sand hills in Oregon.All-terrain vehicles are the transportation of choice for exploring the dunes. Thousands of visitors arrive each year, anxious to tackle the dunes, some of which are hundreds of feet high. Acres of sandy hills and easy access to off-road areas make this one of the most popular ATV locations in the state. Complete access maps and day-use passes are available at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Visitor Center at the junction of U.S. Highway 101 and state Highway 38 in Reedsport. Some areas are open to unlimited exploration, while others allow riding only on established routes. The beaches immediately north of the Umpqua River are among the very few that allow off-road vehicle riding. Sparrow Park Road, on the north end of Gardiner, is the access point for that designated area. The two lower beach parking lots on Umpqua Beach Road in Winchester Bay offer handy staging areas with direct access to the dunes. ATVs are available to rent by the hour at Winchester Bay. Choose œquads," one- or two-seat buggies, or take a guided tour in a six-seater with Great Adventures. |
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