If you’re into dune riding, you’re probably well aware of the Southern California mecca known as Glamis, but the Pacific Northwest has a pretty cool dune riding haven just a few miles north of Coos Bay, Oregon, that is well worth checking out.
Known as the South of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the riding area north of Coos Bay offers 40 miles of dunes that is the largest coastal expanse of sand dunes in North America. The area offers year-round beach access, so you can ride your dirtbike along the shore of the Pacific Ocean if you want. Campers have access to three camgrounds, Spinreel, Horsfall and Horsfall Beach. There is also a private camground run by KOA that offers OHV access to the dunes near Hauser. Check out the videos below from AJ Hoover and Dan Palleschi on their YouTube channels to get a better idea of just how cool the Coos Bay dune riding area really is.
There are three main riding areas at Coos Bay, with dunes that extend from the ocean to 500 feet above sea level. The tallest dunes are located in the Umpqua Riding area, and there are large areas with numerous riding opportunities between Spinreel and Horsfall. Night riding is also allowed, but the area has a midnight curfew. There are also a few areas that are restricted, such as the Beal Lake and Snag Lake regions, due to sensitive plant life.
Dirtbike riders who want to experience Coos Bay will need the proper permits, and a flag is mandatory for greater visibility by fellow OHV riders. You’ll also want to set your bike up for the dunes, such as with the addition paddle tire; the trick here is that the more horsepower your bike makes, the more paddles you can run. stuffing air filter foam bits into your dirtbike’s vent tubes is also a smart move to prevent sand from finding its way into your crankcase–the stuff gets everywhere.
Beyond that, however, Coos Bay is a ripping good time, dune riding at its best. For more information, visit http://www.stateparks.com/oregon_dunes.html.
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