Reedsport is located on the scenic Umpqua River, which travels from approximately 110 miles (177 km) from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
Reedsport is home to the Umpqua Discovery Center and the Information Center for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Located just a few miles east on Route 38, is the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. Recreational activities include camping, fishing, crabbing, clam digging, and riding off-highway vehicles in the dunes. The area also hosts several festivals and events each year including the Dune Fest, Smith River Country Fair, and Salmon Derby.
Winchester Bay is a quaint working seaport located just 5 miles south, near the mouth of the Umpqua River. While driving through on US 101, it is easy to miss. Take a few moments and turn west into the small town and explore the shops, restaurants and the bay. Drive west on Salmon Harbor Drive to see the views of the sand dunes and the Umpqua Lighthouse. The Umpqua River Lighthouse is located just to the south.
Area Map
Sightseeing
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 38 to see the elk. Since it is the center of the Dunes, there are plenty … more
ATVs
Reedsport is the ATV dunebuggy capital of the Pacific coast.
The largest riding area at the Dunes is located between Spinreel and Horsfall campgrounds, south of Reedsport. Horsfall Road leads to Horsfall dunes and a beach access. Another access is Hauser Sand Road, which links the … more
Camping and RVs
Camping in the Reedsport – Winchester Bay area centers around the Oregon Dunes National Park, which stretches over 50 miles. Vacation in a campground selected from one of the many provided by the US Forest Service, the State, the county, or private individuals.
Many of the campgrounds cater to ATV activities… more
Fishing
Eel Lake, and Tenmile Lake have excellent freshwater fishing while the Oregon Dunes offer excellent access to the ocean for fishing and dungeness crabbing. There are ocean fishing charters available in Winchester Bay and Reedsport.
Eel Lake is located on the grounds of William M. Tugman State Park. Ironically, Eel Creek Campground is located on the other side of US Route 101 from the lake.
Tenmile Lake is located next to the town of Lakeside. Tenmile Lake offers excellent freshwater fishing opportunities all year and steelhead fishing on Tenmile Creek.
Hiking
Hiking in the Reedsport and Winchester Bay area means tackling the scenic Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The hikes can be easy, or extremely challenging, with several hikes over the Sahara like dunes. Some hikes are around picturesque lakes or marshes, while others are a march to the sea.
The Oregon Coast Trail also travels through the dunes with most of the trail on the … more
Bicycling
Cycling from Reedsport to Coos Bay / North Bend is about 25 miles (40 km) and is relatively flat. This section includes the lower half of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which is the major attraction along this route. Prior to starting this portion of your trip, be certain to stop at the Dunes Information Center, located in the middle of Reedsport at the traffic light of Routes 101 and 38. The Umpqua River Lighthouse and Umpqua River State Park are located less than a mile off of Route 101 and are highly recommended. The best way to get to the lighthouse and park is to cycle … more
Horseback Riding
Equestrians travel to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area because it is horse friendly for camping. The Wild Mare Horse Camp is set aside especially for horses and trails especially for riding your horse.
For more information, contact the Oregon Dunes Information Center.
Golf
The Reedsport area offers one 9-hole golf course, Forest Hills Country Club. It is owned and operated by its members and open to the public. It is set amongst mature fir and alders, is relatively wind protected.
The Course consists of 9 holes with four tee boxes for each hole.
Whales
The Umpqua River Lighthouse, located near Winchester Bay, is an ideal place to visit and gray whale watch. For more information, see the Whale Watching information.
Dunes
Reedsport and Winchester Bay are the center of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area and many of the tourist activities center around the dunes.The dunes are perfect for ATV riders, horseback riders, hikers and sightseeers.
For information about renting ATVs, or using your own off road vehicle in and around the dunes, see the Reedsport ATV web page. This page also includes information about RV camping in areas that cater to ATV and dune buggy enthusiasts.
For information about camping in sites that do not allow ATVs, see the Reedsport Camping web page.
For information about hiking in and around the dunes, see the Reedsport Hiking web page.
Planning on bringing your RV? See the RV web page.
There is camping available for those who bring their own horses and want to ride in the dunes. See the Horseback Riding page.
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 – dune buggy riding, and RV parks.
The Oregon Dunes Information Center is located in Reedsport.
855 Highway Avenue (US 101)
TEL: (541) 271-6000
Wildlife
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, enthralling visitors of all ages.
September to early October is mating season and the males, often over 1,000 pounds, can often 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.
The Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east of Reedsport on Route 38.