Tahkenitch Dunes Beach
Reedsport, OR
The Tahkenitch Dunes and Tahkenitch Creek trailheads sit a few miles apart in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, both leading through open dune fields to a wide, undeveloped beach south of the lake they're named for. This is one of the main hiking bases in the dunes, with loop trails ranging from about three to six miles depending on which trailhead is used.
A genuinely wide, empty beach for anyone willing to do the dune hike in, held back only by how easy it is to lose the trail without a map.
How we score beachesBring a real trail map from the Forest Service before setting out. Open dune terrain has few landmarks and the marked posts are easy to lose track of if the wind has shifted the sand.
A day use fee applies at both the Tahkenitch Dunes and Tahkenitch Creek trailheads off Highway 101.
Trails cross open dune sand with real elevation change; not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
Summer, June through September, is the most reliable season for dry, firm dune hiking conditions.
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