Exploring the Oregon Dunes: Week 2 in Oregon

Our second week in Oregon took us to the beautiful Oregon Dunes near Florence, where we set up camp at Thousand Trails South Jetty. This place quickly became the perfect base camp for our week’s adventures, giving us easy access to both the dunes and the charming town of Florence. After work, we’d head out to explore the area, making the most of the long summer evenings.

Discovering Florence and Coastal Treasures

Florence is a cozy, coastal town with a lot of character. We enjoyed leisurely strolls through its historic downtown, where the streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries, and local eateries. The Siuslaw River Bridge, a striking art deco structure, adds to the town’s charm.

In the evenings, we also explored the nearby coastal beaches, where we took the time to tidepool. Tidepooling was a fascinating experience—discovering small sea creatures like starfish, sea anemones, and hermit crabs tucked away in the rocky formations along the shoreline. It’s a peaceful yet exciting way to connect with the ocean’s ecosystem.

Another highlight of our coastal exploration was a visit to the famous Sea Lion Caves, just north of Florence. This impressive sea cave is the largest in America, home to a colony of wild Steller sea lions. You can take an elevator 200 feet down into the caves, where you’re treated to an incredible view of these massive creatures lounging on the rocks. The Sea Lion Caves were discovered in 1880 and have been a protected wildlife area since the 1930s. It’s a must-see spot for anyone passing through the area.

The Oregon Dunes: A Weekend of Adventure

The weekend brought even more excitement as we spent our days out on the dunes themselves. The towering sand hills, some as high as 500 feet, create a surreal, almost otherworldly environment. We captured stunning drone shots of the dunes and the vast beaches stretching to the Pacific, the sweeping landscapes giving us plenty to work with.

We also spent time photographing the energetic crowds who were sandboarding and riding dune buggies—two popular activities in the area. Watching people glide down the steep slopes of sand was thrilling, and it was clear that the Oregon Dunes are a playground for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike. The area is one of the few places in the world where you can experience sandboarding at this scale.

A Bit of Dunes History

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area was established in 1972 to protect this unique ecosystem. These dunes are among the largest temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, and the landscape includes everything from shifting sand dunes to lush forests, lakes, and wetlands. Native American tribes once lived in the area, relying on the resources provided by the dunes and coastal forests. The area's rich history adds to the experience, knowing that these sands have been touched by thousands of years of human and natural history.

Reflecting on a Perfect Week

By the end of the week, we felt a deep connection to the Oregon coast. The combination of natural beauty, local history, and the adrenaline of the dunes created memories that will stick with us for a long time. We can’t wait to share the drone footage and the shots we captured of the dunes—these views are not to be missed!

This wraps up our incredible trip along coastal Oregon, but we’ll definitely be back to explore more of this stunning region. Now, we’re heading into California, where our next adventure begins in the majestic Redwoods.

Until next time, fellow adventurers! Keep chasing the horizon.