Dune and Lake Hike

Rainbow leads the way in the Oregon Dunes.\Photo by Dina Pavlis.

The Southcoast Striders are offering a hike on the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, which for energetic hikers could lead on to a hike on the Threemile Lake Trail as well. The full hike will provide a window into the great diversity of Oregon coastal habitats.

The group will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Tahkenitch Dunes trailhead, found on the west side of Highway 1201 at the Milepost 204 marker, about eight miles north of Reedsport.  The hike will travel out along the dunes trail as it winds through woods to the point where Tahkenitch Creek reaches the beach.  Some can then retrace their steps on their own, for a 3.5 mile trip, lasting perhaps three hours.

Or, take a longer more vigorous hike, a six-mile loop combining the Tahkenitch Dune Trail and the Threemile Lake Trail.  Those completing this circuit will hike north along the beach from the Tahkenitch Creek outlet, then back through the dunes past remote Threemile Lake, then through a mature and mossy spruce forest back to the parking lot. This longer hike is rated difficult and should last four hours.

Bring lunch, plenty of water and dress in layers for hot and sunny to cold, foggy and windy weather.

The parking area is a Forest Service day use area, for which a $5 day use fee per vehicle is required (unless you have an appropriate pass).  You can purchase a day pass online here.