Sightseeing in the Reedsport –
Winchester Bay Area
Tour the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area, the Umpqua River Lighthouse State Park, and take a few minutes to travel a short distance up route 30 to see the elk. Because Reedsport is the center of the Oregon Dunes, there are plenty of campgrounds and ATV activity.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Visitors Center
The Oregon Dunes Information Center has visitor information, interpretive exhibits and an introductory video. Helpful guides can answer questions about camping, hiking, sightseeing, fishing, ATV – dunebuggy riding, and RV parks.
The Oregon Dunes Information Center is located in Reedsport on Route 101, 855 Highway Avenue
855 Highway Avenue (US 101) TEL: (541) 271-6000
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
The Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area encompasses 1,040 acres. The herd of 60 to 100 Roosevelt elk are usually visible from the public viewing area.
September to early October is mating season and the males, often over 1,000 pounds, may be seen in the fields sparing over the females. From mid-May through June is calving season and the pregnant females head for the privacy of the upland areas to give birth. By early June, the mothers begin showing off their new calves in the pastureland and basking in the summer sun.
Nearby Reedsport is located on the Oregon coast in the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east of Reedsport on Route 38.
Umpqua River Lighthouse
The Umpqua River Lighthouse is 65 feet tall and stands 165 feet above sea level. The red and white lights are visible for up to 20 miles. The current lighthouse was constructed between 1890 and 1894 and has a nearly identical twin: the Heceta Head Lighthouse, north of Florence. The 1,000 watt lamp shines through a first order Fresnel lens made of 616 hand-cut prisms.
Umpqua River Lighthouse tours are available from May 1 through October 30. For information about the tours, call the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department at 541-271-4631.
Across the street from the lighthouse is the whale viewing area. During the whale migrations of winter and spring, Umpqua River Lighthouse Whale Watching Platform is an excellent place for whale spotting.
The Umpqua River Lighthouse is located at the entrance of the Winchester Bay and the Umpqua River.
1020 Lighthouse Road
Winchester Bay, OR
Umpqua Discovery Center
The Umpqua Discovery Center is an educational and cultural museum for all ages making active, innovative contributions to preserving the “Tidewater Community” experience. Interactive exhibits and programs illustrate how land, water and people have shaped each other over time.
Phone: (541) 271-4816
409 Riverfront Way
Reedsport, OR
Lakeside
Lakeside is home to Tenmile Lake, one of the finest freshwater fishing lakes on the coast and one of the largest in the state. Species include: bluegill bullhead, largemouth bass, cutthroat and rainbow trout . Steelhead run the creek in the spring and fall which feeds the ocean.
The famous Lakeside Crawdad Festival is held during the summer each year with two and a half days a whirlwind of fun, food, and vendors.
The July 4th weekend brings Drag Boat Races and all the excitement surrounding the holiday weekend.
The lake is also a favorite for water skiing, sailing and swimming. The Oregon Dunes are just across Route 101 from the lake.
Spinreel Campground, which caters to ATV users, is located on Tenmile Creek downstream from Tenmile Lake.
Lakeside, Oregon, located south of Winchester Bay, about midway between Coos Bay and Reedsport.
Reedsport Map
View Reedsport – Winchester Bay Sightseeing. in a larger map