Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, Oregon Dunes NRA, Oregon – August 2010

As you head north from Coos Bay to Florence, you drive through Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Along the way there are all kinds of opportunities to stop and explore. The challenge lies in choosing which places to pull over and which places to pass up. My favorite stop ended up being the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, not to be confused with the Tahkenitch Creek Trail where I had meant to stop.

Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, Oregon Dunes NRA, Oregon – August 2010

The Tahkenitch Dunes Trail takes you from Hwy 101 through a lush coastal forest and, ultimately, across the dune field to the ocean. I did not attempt to make it to the ocean. Crossing these sand dunes is a masochistic exercise when conditions are ideal. I was hearing the ominous sounds of distant thunder before I emerged from the forest. The last place I wanted to be was out on the dunes during an electrical storm.

Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, Oregon Dunes NRA, Oregon – August 2010

I enjoy walking through lush forests almost as much as I enjoy shooting sand dunes so this trail was a real treat. The dark skies and thunder claps just added to the ambiance of the place. Darla and Lewis had walked out to the dunes with me but they weren’t enthusiastic about the idea of hanging out as a storm approached; they had headed back at least an hour earlier. I resigned myself to getting wet although, in the end, I never did.

Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, Oregon Dunes NRA, Oregon – August 2010

Oregon Dunes Overlook, Oregon Dunes NRA, Oregon – August 2010

The Oregon Dunes Overlook offers nice views of the dunes just a short walk from the parking lot. As such, it is a good stop for folks who want to take a quick look with a minimum investment of time.

Oregon Dunes Overlook, Oregon Dunes NRA, Oregon – August 2010

Oregon Dunes Overlook, Oregon Dunes NRA, Oregon – August 2010

Siuslaw River, Oregon – August 2010

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