"umpqua dunes"

Gigantic Oregon coast dunes stretch from the town of North Bend to Florence, a stretch of 45 miles. Unfortunately, the dunes are threatened by invasive plant species. These dunes are the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America, and are the tallest sand I've seen since I visited Great Sand Dunes National Park, in Colorado. This hike (5 miles out-and-back) is my favorite in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Easy to get to and traversing ecological diversity, it's a "Don't Miss". The parking area is at John Dellenback Trailhead (fee area) off of Rt. 101. That would be 11 miles south of Reedsport, Or. From your vehicle, start to the right at the signboard and cross the bridge, ignoring a left turn. It is about a half mile hike to open dunes. At this point, pop out of the forest and shrubs and take the escalator (hee hee) to the top of the huge dune (to the left). After climbing to the top, you will see the tall trail posts marking the trail toward the Pacific Ocean. They do not have to be followed exactly, but are a good guide. The tree island in view will be traversed on the right side. A half mile past the tree island, the posts turn 90 degrees right before a shore forest, then a path left into the forest goes to the shore (at the 4th. post after turning right). It will be about 2 miles each way to the ocean from the top of the initial huge dune. You may take a little different route back to the vehicle if you like, but keep the posts in mind. You can get lost here, believe it or not. If I didn't get you there, try William Sullivan's book (ISBN 978-09677830-2X).

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"boardman park north"

One of the most scenic stretches of the Oregon Coast Trail is the area just north of Brookings, Oregon. William Sullivan (ISBN 978-09677830-2X) does a good job dividing this 12 1/2 mile length into a north and south section. I will defer to him on the southern section (5 miles one-way), as I have only done the northern section (approx. 7 1/4 miles one-way). The south end of this section begins at the Whalehead Beach Picnic Area turnoff, just south of milepost 349, on Pacific coastal highway 101. Park on your left almost immediately after turning off of the highway. The complete 12.6 mile trail is in the designated Samuel H. Boardman State Park (or St. Scenic Corridor). From the parking area, hiking north, travel through coastal forest 1 1/2 miles to Indian Sands, which is very striking landscape. Skirt the dunes here right, or away from the ocean, to find a difficult (I disagree with Sullivan's "moderate" rating here) trail uphill through forest again. There is no trail through Indian Sands due to drifting, so route-find here. You will then travel through several coves to Thomas Creek Bridge, where you must walk the highway. Next, .7 miles through the forest is China Beach, which is great. Be warned that navigation of China Beach cannot be accomplished at high tides. Then uphill again to the highway, and the final 2 1/2 miles passes a wonderful series of rock formations, including bridges and arches. If you are planning an out-and-back on the northern section of "Boardman", it will be a very full day's workout. Consider a shuttle, which would be parked at the northern terminus, Arch Rock Picnic Area.

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