Sands of Adventure: John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead

John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead in North Bend, Oregon, offers a remarkable opportunity to cross vast coastal dunes that stretch more than two miles along the Pacific shoreline. Part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, this location features some of the largest temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. The shifting sands, framed by coastal forest and native vegetation like coastal lupine, create a landscape that is rarely seen elsewhere along the West Coast.

The trail begins through a lush forest typical of western Oregon’s landscape, gradually opening onto broad dunes where sand is the dominant feature. These dunes provide sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean’s edge and the surrounding greenery. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot the rare snowy plover and other shorebirds commonly seen in this protected habitat. The region’s geological history, shaped by wind and waves over thousands of years, is evident in the dunes’ unusual formations and size.

Visitors find the trail both challenging and rewarding—walking through soft sand makes for a slower pace but offers a playful hiking experience with opportunities to climb and slide on the dunes. The trail is well-marked, though some sections can be overgrown or muddy after heavy rain, so good footwear and preparation are recommended. Vault toilets and parking are available, though visitors should have their national park pass for access and parking. The blend of forest, dunes, and beach scenery makes John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead a distinctive and engaging destination for outdoor lovers passing through the Oregon coast.