After nearly two months cooped up during Oregon’s Stay-In-Place orders, we finally got to shake the dust off the Jeep and hit the sand! On Day 1 of Phase 1 reopening, we headed out to explore one of Oregon’s off-roading gems: Winchester Bay Sand Dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
We were camped nearby at Thousand Trails South Jetty in Florence, but the local dunes at South Jetty were still closed. So, we set out for a day trip to Winchester Bay—just an hour away—and man, was it worth the wait!
This post contains affiliate links. As a participant in Amazon Associates and various affiliate programs, we are compensated when qualifying purchases are made through our referral links at no additional cost to you. Full Disclosure
The Oregon Dunes: A Massive Playground of Sand
Stretching 40 miles from Florence to North Bend, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is home to the largest coastal sand dunes in North America. Some of these dunes tower up to 500 feet above sea level, sculpted by wind and time into a dreamland for off-roaders.
We explored the Umpqua Dunes, better known as Winchester Bay Dunes, and let me tell you—they’ve got some of the steepest, tallest dunes in the whole area.
Whether you ride a Jeep, dirt bike, side-by-side, or sand rail, there’s something here for every skill level. And don’t worry—if you’re like us and not into pushing your rig too hard, there’s still plenty of terrain to enjoy without risking damage.
That said, I did have a little “oh crap” moment when I unknowingly slid down a 20-foot slip face. Lesson learned.
Prepping Your Ride for the Sand
If you’re planning to drive the dunes, a little prep goes a long way.
Tire Pressure
- Normal PSI: 37
- Sand PSI: We dropped to 25 PSI for better traction
- Some folks go down to 10 PSI, but that’s a lot to pump back up without a high-volume compressor.
Safety Gear
- Oregon ATV Permit – Required
- Safety Flag – Must be orange or red, 9 ft above the ground, at least 8” x 12”
- Both can be purchased at local ATV shops or gas stations near the dunes
Our Recommended Gear
- Viair 450P-RV Portable Air Compressor – Perfect for re-airing your tires after dune play
- Tire Pressure Gauge – Accurate and easy to read
- Heavy-Duty Tow Strap – Always be prepared
- Tool Kit – Don’t hit the sand without it
- Fuel Canister – In case you want to play all day
Top VIAIR Portable Air Compressors for RV Life
Powerful. Portable. Proven. Get the compressor RVers trust for safe and smooth travels—on and off the road.
Shop VIAIR Compressors on AmazonSand Dune Safety Tips
The dunes can be a blast—but they can also be dangerous. Here are a few safety rules we always follow:
- Slip Faces (Razorbacks): These steep drop-offs form on the downwind side of dunes. Always approach crests cautiously and scan terrain carefully.
- Witch’s Eyes: Deep, hard-to-spot depressions that can swallow a wheel or twist an axle.
- Midday Whiteout: Heat haze can make the dunes look flat. Use amber or yellow-tinted lenses for better contrast.
- Visibility: Slow down if you can’t see clearly. Ride with a buddy or spotter when cresting dunes or jumping.
- Navigation: Use stationary landmarks—dunes shift constantly in the wind.
- Keep it Slow Near Campsites and Staging Areas: Berms and ruts can form fast with heavy traffic.
Where to Stage and Access the Dunes
You’ll find three main staging areas along Umpqua Access Road in Winchester Bay. These areas offer parking, restrooms, and space to air down tires and prep your rig.
Other Things to Do on the Oregon Coast
If you’re planning a longer stay, the Oregon Coast has more than just sand:
- Crabbing in Winchester Bay – Toss some traps from the dock or rent a skiff.
- Scenic Lighthouse Drives – Heceta Head and Umpqua River Lighthouses are nearby.
- Hiking and Beachcombing – Tons of trails, tidepools, and hidden gems.
- Coos Bay & Bandon – Charming coastal towns with breweries, shopping, and fresh seafood.
Final Thoughts
No matter your experience level or type of off-road vehicle, Winchester Bay Sand Dunes are an absolute blast. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker on a dirt bike or a laid-back Jeep cruiser like us, there’s something magical about carving through massive sand waves with the Pacific Ocean in sight.
Been to the Oregon Dunes? Drop us a comment and let us know your favorite spots or tips for first-timers!
If you’re looking to build your own home-based business like we have with this webpage, check out Wealthy Affiliate.
Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform that you can build your whole affiliate marketing business on. It combines training, software, and website hosting into one. This makes the whole process of starting an online business from scratch much easier, especially if you’re new to building a website.
