John Dellenback Dunes Trail

Siuslaw National Forest 

Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Distance: 2.7 miles (one way to the beach)
Elevation Gain: 100-500 feet
Best time to go: All year 

About this Hike 

The trail begins at Eel Creek Campground, where you pass through a conifer forest with some rhododendrons growing fifteen feet tall. This part of the trail is forested, but you are actually passing across an overgrown dune. Keep in mind that the sandy sections of the trail may take longer than anticipated as you pass over the soft dunes. Sections of the trail might be unmarked as shifting sands can cover and obscured the marker posts. Look for beachgrass, dwarf lupins and pines along this trail until you eventually reach the beach. 

If you don't want to hike all the way to the beach, just enjoy exploring in the open sand as far as you like, but try not to get lost!

Getting There

From Reedsport, take Highway 101 south for 10.5 miles and the trailhead will be on the west side of the highway near mile marker 222.