The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (or NRA) is located on the Oregon Coast, stretching approximately 40 miles (60Â km) north from the Coos River in North Bend, to the Siuslaw River, in Florence. The NRA is part of Siuslaw National Forest and is administered by the United States Forest Service. The dunes adjoin Honeyman State Park.
The Oregon Dunes are a unique area of windswept sand that is the result of millions of years of wind and rain erosion on the Oregon Coast. These are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Some dunes tower up to 500 feet (150Â m) above sea level, providing numerous recreational opportunities including off-road vehicle use, hiking, photography, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping. The Carter Dunes Trail and Oregon Dunes Day Use provide disabled access for forest visitors.
In 1963, Congressman Robert B. Duncan introduced a bill to establish a National Park at the Oregon Dunes. It passed the Senate Interior Committee unanimously. Senator Wayne Morse opposed provisions of the bill that would have increased environmental protections by restricting property uses.
Author Frank Herbert was inspired (in part) to write the famous science fiction novel Dune based on his research about the dunes of this area.
References
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - Explore theOregon Dunes National Recreation Area, its natural wonders, and the work being done by the Forest Service at this very special place. An invitation to visit the Siuslaw National...
External links
- Official Forest Service Site
- Oregon Dunes Guide
- Coos Bay Dune Guide
- Florence Dune Guide
- Winchester Bay Dune Guide
- Coos Bay Trip Report
- Exploring the Oregon Dunes Video produced by Oregon Field Guide
