About Reedsport Oregon
Situated at the confluence of the Umpqua, Smith, and Scholfield rivers, Reedsport is the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This riverfront community offers a unique blend of rugged outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, and maritime history. As the gateway to the Oregon Dunes, it serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the shifting sands that tower up to 500 feet above the ocean.
Reedsport is famously known for the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, where a resident herd of majestic Roosevelt elk grazes year-round in the pastures just outside of town. The Umpqua Discovery Center on the waterfront provides an immersive look into the region's cultural and natural history, from the Kuu-ich indigenous people to the early pioneers and the timber industry. The town's boardwalk offers peaceful river views and spots to watch seals play in the water.
Whether you're renting an ATV to conquer the dunes, fishing for salmon in the mighty Umpqua River, or hiking through coastal forests to hidden lakes, Reedsport delivers an authentic connection to nature. It is a place where the forest meets the river and the river meets the sea, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Located in the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area where the Umpqua River meets the sea.
Reedsport
Patchy Fog
Tide Predictions
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Coastal conditions near
Reedsport in Photos
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Top Attractions in Reedsport
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
Located just three miles east of Reedsport, this 1,000-acre wildlife management area is home to a resident herd of 60-100 Roosevelt elk. Viewing stations offer excellent opportunities to photograph these majestic animals grazing in the meadows.
Free admission. Best viewing times are early morning and late evening.
Umpqua Discovery Center
An interactive museum located on the Reedsport riverfront. Exhibits include 'Tidewaters & Time,' which explores the cultural history of the Lower Umpqua, and 'Sounds of the Sea,' a sensory experience of the coastal environment.
Open daily. Great for families and history buffs.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Reedsport is the headquarters for the Oregon Dunes, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. The dunes stretch for 40 miles and offer hiking, OHV riding, sandboarding, and photography opportunities.
Recreation pass required for some areas. Rentals available in town.
Umpqua River Lighthouse
Located just a few miles away in Winchester Bay, this historic lighthouse was the first on the Oregon Coast to have a red-and-white lens. Tours of the active lighthouse and the adjacent museum are a highlight for visitors.
Tours available daily. Located inside Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.
Bolon Island Tideways State Scenic Corridor
A small island in the Umpqua River accessible by bridge. It features a hiking trail that leads through a lush forest to the water's edge, offering a quiet escape and great birdwatching.
Free access. A hidden gem for a quick nature walk.
Tahkenitch Lake
Located north of town, this sprawling coastal lake is a paradise for anglers and boaters. It is known for its largemouth bass, coho salmon, and perch fishing, as well as its beautiful forested shoreline.
Boat ramps and campgrounds available nearby.
Old Town Reedsport
The historic heart of the city along the riverfront. Visitors can stroll the boardwalk, visit the chainsaw carving sculptures, and explore local shops and galleries that celebrate the town's timber heritage.
Features the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championships site.
Loon Lake Recreation Area
A bit further inland, Loon Lake offers a sheltered spot for swimming, water skiing, and camping. The sandy beach and warmer inland weather make it a popular summer destination for families.
BLM managed site. Day-use fees apply.
Hiking Trails & Nature
Reedsport offers a diverse range of trails, from easy boardwalks through wetlands to challenging treks across the open dunes. Discover the unique ecosystems where the forest meets the sand.
Bluebill Lake Trail
A gentle boardwalk and gravel trail that circles a small, marshy lake. It's an excellent spot for birding and seeing wetland plants like skunk cabbage and salamanders.
John Dellenback Dunes Trail
One of the most spectacular hikes on the coast. The trail leads through a spruce forest before opening up into the vast, otherworldly landscape of the open dunes, eventually reaching the ocean.
Tahkenitch Dunes Trail
A diverse loop that traverses old-growth forest, open dunes, and the beach. Hikers might spot seasonal waterfalls and elk tracks in the sand.
Umpqua Dunes Trail
This trail offers quick access to the highest dunes in the area. The shifting sands make the hike a workout, but the panoramic views of the ocean and mountains are worth the effort.
William M. Tugman Trail
Located in the nearby state park, this trail winds through the forest along the edge of Eel Lake. It's a peaceful, flat hike suitable for all ages.
Lake Marie Trail
A lovely wooded trail that circles Lake Marie near the Umpqua Lighthouse. It offers glimpses of the lake and connects to trails leading out to the dunes.
Where to Stay in Reedsport
From oceanfront suites to budget-friendly base camps, find the perfect accommodation for your coastal getaway.
Mid-Range
A reliable and comfortable choice located centrally in Reedsport. Features an indoor pool and easy access to the Umpqua Discovery Center and riverfront.
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Suites
Offering spacious suites with kitchenettes, this is a great option for families or longer stays. The friendly staff and clean rooms make it a local favorite.
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Budget
A straightforward, budget-friendly motel offering clean rooms and basic amenities. Ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the dunes.
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Budget/Value
Located conveniently on Highway 101, offering simple, clean accommodation with friendly service. A practical stopover for coastal road trippers.
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Glamping
For a unique stay, book a yurt at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. These heated canvas structures offer a comfortable camping experience near Lake Marie and the dunes.
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Hotel
Enjoy your stay at Best Budget Inn located in beautiful Reedsport. Book now for great rates and comfortable accommodations on the Oregon Coast.
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Hotel
Enjoy your stay at Winchester Bay Inn located in beautiful Reedsport. Book now for great rates and comfortable accommodations on the Oregon Coast.
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Dining in Reedsport
From fresh seafood at Winchester Bay to classic American diners and bakeries, Reedsport offers hearty meals to fuel your adventures.
Local Favorites
Harbor Light Restaurant
Seafood/SteakA local institution known for its historic maritime decor and hearty portions. Famous for their clam chowder and fish and chips, serving the community for decades.
Highlight
Historic photos, full bar, family-friendly.
Don's Main Street Family Restaurant
Diner/AmericanA classic American diner serving breakfast all day, burgers, and milkshakes. It has a nostalgic 50s vibe and is a favorite among locals for comfort food.
Highlight
All-day breakfast, vintage decor, homemade pies.
Two Shy Brewing
BreweryReedsport's own craft brewery, offering a rotating selection of locally brewed beers in a relaxed taproom setting. A great place to unwind after a day on the dunes.
Highlight
Craft beer, food trucks often on-site, community vibe.
Classic comfort food and local brews
Start your day with fresh baked goods
Quick Bites
Sugar Shack Bakery
Bakery/CafeA must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Known for massive donuts, fresh pastries, and sandwiches on homemade bread. Get there early for the best selection.
Highlight
Giant donuts, fresh bread, early morning hours.
Unger's Bay Fish & Chips
Seafood/CasualLocated nearby in Winchester Bay, this floating restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood on the coast. Eating fish and chips right on the water is a quintessential experience.
Highlight
Floating restaurant, dockside seating, fresh market.
Casual Dining & Seafood
Bedrock's on the Bay
Pizza/SeafoodAlso in Winchester Bay, offering gourmet pizzas, chowder bowls, and seafood with views of the harbor. A lively spot with a fun atmosphere.
Highlight
Harbor views, pizza, outdoor seating.
El Guadalajara
MexicanA colorful family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican dishes. Known for their large portions, sizzling fajitas, and friendly service.
Highlight
Full bar, colorful decor, large groups welcome.
Defeat River Brewery
Brewery/PubA newer addition to the local scene, offering small-batch brews and a cozy atmosphere. Named after a local tributary, it celebrates the region's geography.
Highlight
Small batch beer, pretzels, local hang-out.
