Dune City, Oregon Lakes and Dunes
Central Coast

Dune City

About Dune City Oregon

Welcome to Dune City, the "City of Lakes" and a gateway to the spectacular Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Situated just south of Florence, this tranquil community is surrounded by water, with Siltcoos Lake to the east and Woahink Lake to the west, offering a paradise for fishing, boating, and kayaking enthusiasts. Unlike its bustling neighbors, Dune City offers a quieter, nature-focused retreat. It is home to old-growth forests, pristine freshwater lakes, and immediate access to the towering sand dunes that define this stretch of the coastline. Visitors come here to escape the crowds, launch their boats at dawn, or hike trails that transition seamlessly from lush woodlands to wind-swept sand. Whether you are water-skiing on Woahink, fishing for bass in Siltcoos, or exploring the fascinating carnivorous plants at the nearby Darlingtonia Wayside, Dune City provides an immersive outdoor experience. It is the perfect base camp for adventurers looking to explore the central coast's unique geology and diverse ecosystems.

Explore the beauty and history of the Central Coast.

Dune City

54°

Cloudy

H:60°L:48°
Wind2 mph WSW
Humidity100%
Pressure1013 mb
5-Day Forecast
Today
48°
60°
Mon
53°
61°
Tue
52°
65°
Wed
51°
66°
Thu
50°
62°

Tide Predictions

Sunday, November 8

12:06 AM
High Tide
5.70 ft
5:40 AM
Low Tide
2.08 ft
11:30 AM
High Tide
7.23 ft
6:33 PM
Low Tide
-0.46 ft

Monday, November 9

12:51 AM
High Tide
5.70 ft
6:17 AM
Low Tide
2.37 ft
12:02 PM
High Tide
7.18 ft
7:09 PM
Low Tide
-0.57 ft

Tuesday, November 10

1:35 AM
High Tide
5.65 ft
6:53 AM
Low Tide
2.63 ft
12:33 PM
High Tide
7.05 ft
7:45 PM
Low Tide
-0.54 ft

Wednesday, November 11

2:16 AM
High Tide
5.55 ft
7:28 AM
Low Tide
2.86 ft
1:06 PM
High Tide
6.87 ft
8:21 PM
Low Tide
-0.39 ft

Thursday, November 12

2:58 AM
High Tide
5.41 ft
8:04 AM
Low Tide
3.05 ft
1:39 PM
High Tide
6.64 ft
8:59 PM
Low Tide
-0.15 ft

Friday, November 13

3:42 AM
High Tide
5.26 ft
8:42 AM
Low Tide
3.23 ft
2:15 PM
High Tide
6.37 ft
9:40 PM
Low Tide
0.14 ft
Data: NOAA Tides & Currents — Datum: MLLW
Predictions for Florence (Siuslaw River)

Marine Forecast

Coastal conditions near

Height14.108 ft
Period12.1s
Direction
W
9AM11AM1PM3PM5PM7PM9PM11PM1AM3AM5AM7AM0ft4ft8ft12ft16ft

Dune City in Photos

Beautiful coastal scenery at Dune City, Oregon

Beautiful coastal scenery at Dune City, Oregon

Lakes & Dunes

Top Attractions in Dune City

Woahink Lake State Park

A stunning freshwater lake separated from the ocean by massive dunes. The park features a swimming area, boat ramp, and picnic spots, all nestled in a coastal forest setting.

Day-use fee required. Great for swimming and boating.

Siltcoos Lake

The largest lake on the Oregon Coast, Siltcoos is a premier destination for fishing (bass, trout, and perch) and boating. Its labyrinth of arms and inlets offers endless exploration.

Multiple boat launches available. outstanding fishing.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Dune City sits right on the edge of this 40-mile stretch of wind-sculpted sand. Visitors can access the dunes for hiking, photography, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding.

Access via Siltcoos Beach Road or nearby trailheads.

Siltcoos River

This short river connects Siltcoos Lake to the Pacific Ocean. It is a fantastic spot for paddling kayaks or canoes, especially during the fall salmon run.

Rentals available at local marinas.

Darlingtonia State Natural Site

Located just north of the city limits, this botanical park protects the rare cobra lily, Oregon's only native carnivorous plant. Wooden boardwalks allow safe viewing.

Free admission. Best viewed in spring.

Tyee Campground

Situated on the banks of the Siltcoos River, this campground offers prime access to the dunes and water. It's a peaceful spot for picnicking and watching river otters.

Part of the Siuslaw National Forest.

Carter Lake

A smaller, quieter lake south of town, perfect for those seeking solitude. It offers a primitive campground and a trail that leads through the dunes to the beach.

Non-motorized boats preferred. Excellent birdwatching.

Hiking Trails & Nature

Dune City offers a unique mix of wetland, forest, and dune hiking. Explore trails that wind through coastal scrub and open sand, connecting lakes to the ocean.

Waxmyrtle Trail

Easy 1.5 miles (one way)

This scenic trail follows the Siltcoos River estuary out to the beach. It winds through coastal scrub, wetlands, and dunes, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities along the way.

Siltcoos Lake Trail

Moderate 3.5 miles loop

A beautiful loop hike that takes you through lush rainforest and old-growth spruce trees around the edge of the lake. It's peaceful, green, and teeming with wildlife.

Lagoon Trail

Easy 1.0 mile loop

A family-friendly interpretive trail near the Siltcoos recreation area. It circles a small lagoon and offers great views of the river and surrounding wetlands.

Chief Tsiltcoos Trail

Moderate 1.2 miles loop

This trail climbs a high dune for panoramic views of the river and ocean before dropping down to the riverbank. It offers a good workout with rewarding scenery.

Taylor Dune Trail

Moderate/Hard 2.5 miles round trip

For those wanting to walk on the sand, this trail traverses the open dunes to reach the beach. The shifting sand makes it a workout, but the solitude is unmatched.

Carter Dune Trail

Moderate 3.0 miles round trip

Starting near Carter Lake, this trail crosses the dunes to reach a secluded stretch of ocean beach. It's a fantastic spot for finding solitude and watching the sunset.

Where to Stay in Dune City

From oceanfront suites to budget-friendly base camps, find the perfect accommodation for your coastal getaway.

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Resort/Motel

Siltcoos Lake Resort

$$
Dune City, OR

Located directly on the water, this resort provides motel-style rooms and cabins. It features a private dock, making it ideal for anglers and boaters.

Amenities

Private dock fishing boat rentals pet-friendly.
Google Rating4.0/5
View of Lakeshore Lodge (Nearby)

Lodge

Lakeshore Lodge (Nearby)

$$
Dune City, OR

While technically just outside city limits, this lodge offers comfortable rooms with views of the lake and easy access to all Dune City attractions.

Amenities

Lake views restaurant nearby comfortable rooms.
Google Rating4.0/5

* Hotel links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dining in Dune City

Dining in Dune City is casual and relaxed, often enjoyed with a view of the water. For more extensive options, Florence is just a short drive north.

Lakeside dining

Enjoy a meal by Siltcoos Lake

Local Eats

Darlings Marina (The Dunes Cafe)

Casual/Pub

The social hub of Siltcoos Lake. This marina pub serves up hearty burgers, fish and chips, and cold beers right on the water. It's the place to swap fishing stories.

Highlight

Lakefront dining, craft beer, outdoor seating.

Westlake Resort Grill

Seasonal Grill

A small, seasonal grill located at the resort, offering quick bites, sandwiches, and ice cream for boaters and campers enjoying the lake.

Highlight

Quick bites, ice cream, marina atmosphere.