Serene Sands and Coastal Waters: Honeyman State Park

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, located near Florence on Oregon’s scenic coast, offers a rare combination of towering coastal sand dunes and calm freshwater lakes. Spanning over 500 acres, this state park is one of the Northwest’s premier outdoor spots where dense forest meets expansive sands and tranquil waters. The Oregon Dunes here are among the largest temperate coastal sand dunes on the planet, creating a striking backdrop of shifting sands that draw visitors for hiking, sandboarding, and off-road vehicle adventures.

Within the park, two crystal-clear lakes, Cleawox and Woahink, provide peaceful settings for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Woahink Lake is especially noted for its clarity and is a popular diving destination with a submerged course marked by underwater attractions. The park’s landscape includes coastal forest vegetation, large dunes, and freshwater habitat, supporting varied wildlife such as migratory birds, rabbits, and chipmunks.

The park honors Jessie M. Honeyman, a key advocate for Oregon state parks, who helped shape public access to Oregon’s natural spaces during the early 20th century. Today, the park’s combination of soft sand dunes, quiet lakes, and diverse vegetation makes it an outstanding outdoor retreat on the Oregon Coast.

Visitors appreciate the mix of active recreation with peaceful natural beauty. The campground areas offer well-maintained sites with privacy provided by vegetation, while day use areas provide opportunities for sand sports and lake activities. Whether spending time at the splash-friendly dunes or paddling on still waters, Honeyman Memorial State Park delivers unique coastal and forest experiences within a single destination.