For those who just want to explore the area, don't feel left out. There are plenty of unique places to see that you may not find at your local riding destinations. Take a ride to the far southeast corner of the open dune area where you'll find a lake with an old rope swing from an overhanging tree or look for the disappearing stream. A disappearing stream? Oregon is filled with plenty of streams and rivers, many of which run underground. At Winchester Bay, there is one area where at times a mini waterfall is created from the sand that erodes or it is just a little trickle. No matter what, if you follow the stream down, you will find that it just disappears into the sand at its end, just the way it started. It's not a miracle by any means, but it's truly something of great interest to check out.
I make the trip to this area every year to partake in DuneFest, but that doesn't mean it's the best time to come. One of the reasons I stay an extra day or two is so that I can enjoy this vast riding area with the minimal crowds, I guarantee you'll love it. So if you have a list of places that you must see, this area deserves to be high on it. With plenty to see and enjoy, you'll be glad you did.
Quality Of Riding 8.0
This isn't your normal dune area. There are your usual open dune areas, but what makes this unique are the sandy climbs that run through the trees. Having a lot of horsepower and a steady throttle are key to some of these climbs. It's a bit of a small area for riding that can be covered easily in a few hours.
"Some of the places we were...
"Some of the places we were able to ride looked as if they were straight out of a postcard."
Scenery 9.0
Everything from lush green woodlands, tall pine trees, and the deep blue Pacific Ocean can be seen from virtually any and every vantage point. Any picture you take will make you look like a pro, even if all you have is a cell phone camera.
Food 8.0
If you love seafood, this is the place for you. Winchester Bay is home to a good size commercial and sport fishing fleet, and the local cuisine proves it. While there are only a few places in Winchester Bay, a quick drive to Reedsport will give you a good mix of every food you might be craving. If you like fish and chips, Ungers Bay Fish-n-Chips restaurant is the best in WB.
Lodging 9.0
Since this is a vacation getaway, there is no shortage of places to stay. A few motels and campgrounds are in the area, but only a handful of the campgrounds have year-round dune access. If you desire a little more than a hotel, you can rent a house at a relatively decent price. We stayed at the harbor house vacation rental (www.vrbo.com/39410), and were very happy with our accommodations.
Overall Rating 8.5
This coastal dune riding area is the perfect ride spot for the sand enthusiast. The mild temperatures, good food and vast terrain make this a very unique destination. Definitely a must stop for those looking for the ultimate dune destinations.