Situated On The Tillamook Coast Is One Of Oregon's Best Summer Off-Roading Destinations

Summer on the Oregon coast means foggy mornings, breezy afternoons, and incredible views. Along the state's stunning 363-mile coastline, nicknamed "the People's Coast," all are welcome to take in the scenery on foot or bicycle. However, there are just a handful of places in Oregon where you can still blast through the sand in a motorized vehicle, navigating the state's original public roads till your heart's content — or until you run out of gas. One of them is the Sand Lake Recreation Area on the stunning Tillamook Coast. Rankings by SuperATV.com and Trail4R.com have called it one of the best off-roading destinations in the state due to its beautiful scenery and easy access to the dunes, and it's conveniently located near other outdoor activities along the Tillamook Coast, including crabbing, paddling, and hiking.

Sand Lake Recreation Area covers 1,076 acres of coastal sand dunes that are designated for off-roading between Sand Lake Estuary and the towering Cape Lookout to the north. The scenic 3.5-mile sandy playground is widely open for riding, whether you prefer to cruise along the beach or climb dunes leading through shore pine forests. The park also has several campgrounds for riders to rest and end the day with a sunset and roasted marshmallows over a campfire. 

Sand Lake Recreation Area is approximately an hour and a half from Salem, and two hours from Portland or Astoria. If you are flying into Oregon's biggest city, there are several can't-miss tourist attractions in Portland to explore on your way out of town. For visitors driving north or south along Highway 101, expect traffic during the summer weekends. 

While you may be thinking of an off-road adventure as being an epic trip through the Sierras on the Rubicon Trail, Sand Lake is a solid alternative, with rides for every level of thrill-seeker. Cruise up and down the beaches, or climb dunes through forests leading to scenic views of the Oregon coast. For visitors who don't have their own OHVs, Sandlake Tsunami ATV Rental in nearby Cloverdale provides ATV and side-by-side rentals for the whole family. All rentals include use of a trailer; if your vehicle isn't large enough, a truck is also available for rent. The shop has dozens of five-star reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Maps, and past reviewers noted that helmets, goggles, and machines are well maintained. The business asks prospective renters to reserve at least a few days before arrival, as availability is limited.

If you've never been on an ATV or off-roading trail before, a handful of areas at Sand Lake are beginner-friendly. Recommended areas for riders building confidence are the dunes near the East Dunes Campground and the long stretch of beach. When you're ready for a break, head back to one of the park's three developed campgrounds, which have staging areas for riding.

The Sandbeach (reservations required during summer), East Dunes, and West Winds campgrounds all have water, restrooms, and campfire pits, and are available for bookings on Recreation.gov. As of this writing, campsites are $25 per night. If all of the campgrounds are full — as is often the case in summer — or if you'd prefer to crank up your adventure a few notches, the primitive Derrick Road Dispersed Camping Area is also an option. 

Sand Lake Recreation Area shines for its access to outdoor recreation and is steps away from popular outdoor activities (and peace and quiet from summer crowds). Take a short trek to the Fisherman's Day Use Area near the Sandbeach Campground and have a picnic before spending time on the water crabbing, paddling, or fishing. Immediately south of Sand Lake is the 900-acre Sand Lake Estuary, where visitors can explore a natural side of the coast and spot dozens of species of local wildlife. There are also two neighboring state parks on the south side of the estuary: the Sitka Sedge Natural Area and the Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island. Both parks are free and just a short drive away.

Before starting your engines, it's a good idea to be prepared for your ride. In addition to wearing your helmet and goggles, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and a bandana will help protect you from flying sand and the sun. You should also be prepared in case you meet local law enforcement, which patrols the dunes and will check for infractions; if you're bringing your own machines, be sure to have an Oregon OHV permit (or check if your state has a reciprocal agreement). For renters, be sure to carry your safety checklist or get your ATV safety card, available from a free online safety course. According to the Forest Service, visitors are commonly cited for not having a red or orange flag, helmet violations, and youth riding without an adult.

If you can't get enough of tearing through sand, head south to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Besides riding there, you can also hike some of the best scenic trails along the coast.