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If you do only one thing when driving down the Oregon Coast then make it a sand dunes tour. It was one of the coolest experiences of the whole trip and even now, almost a month later, I’m still thinking about how much fun it was.
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the largest area of coastal sand dunes in North America stretching from Florence, Oregon, where we were staying down south to Coos Bay. They developed as a result of of millions of years of wind and rain erosion. Dunes are as tall as 500 m above sea level and the dunes are constantly shifting and moving around depending on the wind.
A couple of my coworkers had recommended that we go for a tour of the sand dunes opposed to actually renting ATVs to drive around. Yes, renting our own would mean more freedom and it would be so thrilling to drive our own, however what if you get stuck? Or worst, got lost? I never thought about it until they pointed it out. Going with someone else who knew the terrain and how to maneuver in the sand would make it so easy. They’re able to take you over the sand dunes at the right speed and right angle so that it’s fun and all I had to do was sit back and relax.
Our vehicle of choice.
Driving out for the first time onto the sand dunes was stunning. Stretched out before you for as far as you can see is sand, sand and more sand. Dotting along the landscape are small islands of trees and rock breaking up the stretches of sand. I can see driving around in the dunes being incredibly disorienting. I was trying to figure out where we were the whole time during the tour, but it was impossible. Everything looked identical.
The weather was a bit strange though. Inland, in the waiting area, it was bright and sunny and really hot. When we drove a little into the Sand Dunes National Park to wait for our tour, it got cloudy. Once we got out into the sand dunes a bit of sun came out, but for the most part it was overcast.
Sand sand everywhere.
Essentially the whole tour was like being on an amusement park ride for an hour. You’re out in the open, going up and down these massive nature made hills. Wind and hair in your face. I was initially a bit apprehensive about how intense the ride would be. In reality, there were only a couple of stomach in throat moments. I actually wished there were a few more. They were just too much fun!
We spent the majority of our time on the sand dunes, but then our guide also took us to a flatter area and let the buggy loose. It’s incredible how fast it can go. Without the protection of a windshield the wind is nipping at your cheeks and nose and it was so cold. The tour was more than just driving around in the buggy though. Every so often, our guide would stop the buggy and tell us a little about the surroundings and what we were looking at. He happily helped us take photos and answered any questions we had. What an awesome job! You get to drive around the sand dunes all day.
He also took us to the beach that runs along the park. While the dunes proper were a bit overcast, there were breaks in the cloud which made for great shots of sand against the blue sky, but along the beach it was foggy and you could barely see a couple feet ahead of the buggy. This coastal Oregon weather still continues to mystify me.
Be prepared for sand to get everywhere. I would recommend wearing a zip up hoodie and zipping it all the way up. Put your hood up for extra protection and avoid getting a whole lot of sand in your hair. They offered helmets to those 18 and under but I wonder if that would be a good solution to preventing sand getting everywhere in your scalp. Otherwise, tuck in everything and pull up your pants to avoid sand getting inside.
All this said, regardless of how zipped up and covered you are, you will get sand everywhere. For the rest of the day, I was discovering bites of sand all over the place. The worst was the ears. I was so thrilled to finally be able to shower that night!
Don’t we look super styling with our goggles?
When you’re zooming around, its exhilarating. Whenever there are sudden turns or stops it may be your instinct to open your mouth and want to scream, but this is the last thing you want to do. All you’re going to achieve is a mouth full of sand. Believe me. I know this from experience. The first time it happened, it was utterly shocking and so so disgusting. I spent the rest of the tour with my mouth firmly shut, resisting the urge to open it even slightly for fear of sand.
Thanks Dan! You were a fab guide!
In the end I’m glad we decided to book a tour instead of just renting. I had a blast with our tour guide. He provided information and history on the park. We didn’t get lost and had a lot of fun getting driven around. Despite the poor weather, I had a blast. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Here is a video that a friend of mine shot using her GoPro:
the need for speed from Candie Tanaka on Vimeo.
Have you ever been on a sand dune tour? Did you like it?
All photos with people in them courtesy of my travel buddy Irving. Check him out on Twitter!
Good To Know
Dress warmly. Even in the summer it’s going to be really really cold. Layers are so important.
They tell you that if you want to bring cameras with you to make sure that they’re stored in a zipped pocket. I put my phone in my jeans pocket and I was fine. I probably could have held onto it too as long as you’re not likely to get too excited and accidentally drop it.
We booked with Sandland Adventures, but there are plenty of other tour companies. Our tour guide was great. Our sandrail tour was $55 per person for an hour. There is also an option for riding a giant buggy if you’re not interested in going super fast and whipping around the dunes. Reservations are recommended especially if you don’t have much flexibility in your schedule. You need to arrive early to sign all your paperwork, but their system is seamless. They also have a lot of random activities at their meeting area like bumper boats which were a lot of fun.
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Wow, that looks like a lot of fun. I have never road an ATV on sand dunes but Ethan used to own a Jeep Wrangler and in 4-wheel drive that thing could really go over dunes at the beach or in the desert – miss that Jeep:)
Oh wow! That sounds like a lot of fun actually.
This looks so fun to do! What a great experience! We didn’t make it up the Oregon coast but I have heard of these sand dune rides. The tour looks like the way to go. Thanks for all the tips because my first instinct would be to open my mouth to let out a scream in those intense moments.
Hopefully you guys get up the coast the next time you’re in Oregon! I think your kids would love this.
Wow, sounds like a very nice experience in an amazing landscape! except for the sand in the mouth 🙂 I can imagine how difficult it is to drive on the dunes, I once walked the dunes in the desert and it wasn’t easy!
This looks like a total blast, but I’m not sure I could deal with sand in my teeth! Way to be adventurous, though!
After the initial surprise I was much more diligent about keeping my mouth shut. It’s harder than you think! Eating sand is gross, but the whole thing was too much fun.
That is so cool, but a little pricey. I would have liked to do that, but many, many years ago when I visited Oregon I don’t think these vehicles and tours even existed (I mean 22 years ago!).
It is definitely a bit of the expensive side, but I think it was definitely worth it. Too bad they weren’t around when you visited. Maybe it’s time to go back to the coast?
I cannot imagine a mouthful of sand… ick! Seems like this would be lots of fun though! Although I can imagine you find sand all over for a while afterwards haha
It was definitely shocking. Bleh! And yes finding all the random pockets of sand on yourself was such a joy (not) haha.
This looks so cool!! I’m going to have to be on the lookout for a tour like this in New Zealand – I’m sure they have them somewhere! 🙂
Yes! Sounds like something that they would have in NZ. Hope you find something!
I’ve always wanted to do this but rent an ATV. Now reading this I agree that the tour in a buggy is the way to go.
I think next time I might try renting an ATV now that I sort of know what to expect. I’m still terrified of getting stuck in the sand though!
This looks awesome 😀 definitely, definitely want to have a go at this!
SO much fun. So worth it. DO IT! 🙂
I was all for it until you said mouth full of sand. Now I am not so sure!
You can learn from my mistakes and keep your mouth firmly shut.
Adelina, that really does look like a fun thing to do and I would totally jump into a buggy as well to see the dunes. I would actually prefer to drive myself, but given the fact that getting lost might be an issue, it seems questionable how practical that really is. Anyway, it looks good fun and I can only image that you must have had sand literally everywhere… 🙂
Hahaha, we weighted both sides of it and I’m happy with our choice. That said, I think next time I’d be up for renting my own ATV and trying it myself. I think it would be so much fun to be in control of it all, but yes, getting lost or stuck is a real worry.
This looks awesome! Your photos really do it justice.
This looks just TOO FUN!! I’m so jealous you got to do this!! I would go with a guide too. Knowing me, I would completely get lost in the middle of the sand dessert. I need to put this one my list for when I make it to Oregon again! We’ve both been dreaming of spending a summer in Oregon… so maybe someday!
Yes! You should totally do it. It’s so much fun! A summer in Oregon would be fantastic. There really is so much to do in the state – it just boggles my mind how people just skip it.
This definitely looks like THE thing to do in this area of Oregon! I think I would try it… even though I’m a huge wuss when it comes to doing anything too fast. It probably helps that there are other people along with ya.
Yes definitely! They do have a slower tour that doesn’t whip around the dunes, instead moving slowly over them. We saw one of them out on the dunes and they were out in the sand walking around. A very different experience.
I love a good dune bashing! What fun…love your photos, Adelina!
Thanks Corinne 🙂 It was so much fun!
I’ve never been on a buggy (especially not a stretch-buggy like yours) on a sand dune. When we’ve visited them in Colorado and South Australia, it was all done on foot. I bet it’s really easy to get lost since the dunes probably resemble each other. Sounds like a tour is the way to go. Thanks for all the tips.
I think I would have hated walking around in a sand dune with all the sand getting in my shoes. I hate sand in my shoes. Hopefully you get a chance to try this!
I would somehow never think of sand dunes when I picture Oregon, but it looks beautiful!
Yea! It’s really surprising and so random among all the trees, but a ton of fun to explore.
Yea! It’s really surprising and so random among all the trees, but a ton of fun to explore.
What a super thing to do. And how fast! Sand, wheeee! Definitely the way to go, even if you are shaking sand out for the rest of the day.
Yes, definitely. All that sand was worth the thrill. So much fun and a very unique experience.
What a cool and exciting experience (except for the mouth full of sand :)) … id love to ride on an ATV