Our friends at WARN Industries have been raving about the Oregon Dunes for years but after my recent taste of Glamis, I just couldn’t imagine dune riding getting any better than that. I stand corrected.
Recently the opportunity presented itself to visit Winchester Bay, OR and take a spin in the Oregon Dune National Recreation Area, so I jumped at it.
These legendary, wind-sculpted sand dunes tower to 500 feet above sea level and span 40 miles along the Pacific Oregon Coast.
Formed by the natural forces of wind, water and time they are the largest coastal sand dunes in North America and provide a playground for motorsports enthusiasts like no other.
The breathtaking landscape blends with lakes, rivers, forests and the Pacific Ocean, creating a magnificent ecosystem unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed.
You can ride in the wide open sand for hours or blast into the sandy forested trails that’ll take you steps away from the salt water. Dip your boots in the ocean, hop back on your quad and roost away in this giant sand box with the sun as your only compass.
Suddenly you come to the most amazing uninhabited fresh water lake that seems completely out of place but literally takes your breath away. Too good to be true, you say? You’ll just have to take my word for it or check it out for yourself.
If you need an excuse to make the trek to this destination perhaps this will push you over the edge. Home to perhaps the most organized ATV sand event in the world, DuneFest has been officially named “The Best Sporting Event in Oregon”.
DuneFest is a motorsports enthusiast’s idea of heaven with motocross racing, sand drags, poker runs, treasure hunts, show n’ shine, drive in movie night, freestyle shows and a charity auction.
Friday and Saturday nights at DuneFest features live entertainment while Vendor’s Row offers ATVs, clothing, crafts, ATV accessories and food for sale.
This family-friendly event offers a children’s safe ATV riding area and a free shuttle bus service from Winchester Bay.
Visit www.dunefest.com or call 1-800-247-2155 to find out more about this great event.
