John Dellenback Dunes Trail
John Dellenback Dunes Trail
4.5
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4.5
44 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
12
Average
1
Poor
0
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0
Ted N
Vancouver, Canada14 contributions
Jul 2013
After the parking lot, there is a short 10-15 minute jaunt to the dunes. The parking lot is under the day use registration which is $5. Well worth the cost.
After the walk in,it opens up and you are welcomed to a spectacular view of the sand dunes. You will need to climb up the first big one to get your bearings but once there you can see all the way across almost to the ocean. We didn't take the 2 mile walk to the ocean since we had the kids with us so we stayed by the first few dunes. They never got bored digging holes, writing in the sand and running up and down the dunes. That was 3 hours!
If you plan to make it tot the ocean, either bring a great sense of direction or a compass/GPS. There were no trail markers to speak of.
In regards to footwear, we read recommendations but found that hands down the best was to go barefoot. The only part needing any kind of footwear was the trail in and probably the wooded sections. As always, use caution in sand.
Also, sand will get absolutely everywhere. We were given the best tip, which was to use talc to help shed the sand from clothes and body. It worked like a charm. The only side effect of course it that you go a bit white!
Wear sunscreen!
The best thing about this trail is that it allows you to take a very large stretch of dunes and without the noise of ATVs and other motorized vehicles for a more natural experience.
After the walk in,it opens up and you are welcomed to a spectacular view of the sand dunes. You will need to climb up the first big one to get your bearings but once there you can see all the way across almost to the ocean. We didn't take the 2 mile walk to the ocean since we had the kids with us so we stayed by the first few dunes. They never got bored digging holes, writing in the sand and running up and down the dunes. That was 3 hours!
If you plan to make it tot the ocean, either bring a great sense of direction or a compass/GPS. There were no trail markers to speak of.
In regards to footwear, we read recommendations but found that hands down the best was to go barefoot. The only part needing any kind of footwear was the trail in and probably the wooded sections. As always, use caution in sand.
Also, sand will get absolutely everywhere. We were given the best tip, which was to use talc to help shed the sand from clothes and body. It worked like a charm. The only side effect of course it that you go a bit white!
Wear sunscreen!
The best thing about this trail is that it allows you to take a very large stretch of dunes and without the noise of ATVs and other motorized vehicles for a more natural experience.
Written 30 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isle 'n Sun
Mesa, AZ105 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We really enjoyed this hike and what we saw.
I met a hiker in the parking lot. That man gave some suggestions, which we followed and appreciated.
Here is our suggestion(s) for this hike:
Take 2 bottles of water each.
If you can handle walking on moderately soft sand? Take the south leg of the trail and finish the Loop coming back to the parking lot from the north.
If you don't want to deal with walking in sand, Go north on Loop trail and return that same segment.
Which ever way you go you will end up in open skies and huge dunes in front of you. Climb the tallest (right in front of you) to see the vastness of this area (and it will be 2 miles (1-way) to the Pacific from this vantage point). We stayed and played in sand. Running etc. Many pictures. Awesome! Did not have the time, or water, to follow the trail markers into the sand to the beach. Think you will do it? Plan accordingly and make sure you had added time for stops to play and account for the 'slow-going.'
Would I go back. Absolutely!!! 67 and in good shape.
I met a hiker in the parking lot. That man gave some suggestions, which we followed and appreciated.
Here is our suggestion(s) for this hike:
Take 2 bottles of water each.
If you can handle walking on moderately soft sand? Take the south leg of the trail and finish the Loop coming back to the parking lot from the north.
If you don't want to deal with walking in sand, Go north on Loop trail and return that same segment.
Which ever way you go you will end up in open skies and huge dunes in front of you. Climb the tallest (right in front of you) to see the vastness of this area (and it will be 2 miles (1-way) to the Pacific from this vantage point). We stayed and played in sand. Running etc. Many pictures. Awesome! Did not have the time, or water, to follow the trail markers into the sand to the beach. Think you will do it? Plan accordingly and make sure you had added time for stops to play and account for the 'slow-going.'
Would I go back. Absolutely!!! 67 and in good shape.
Written 20 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
virgil_ursula
Austin, TX6 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
We are both in our 60's and only thought we'd want to see the dunes but once we reached the dunes (it is a short distance through a wooded trail to the dunes) we thought we'd just walk into the dunes and then we continued on. The best hike we ever did. At the end of the dunes you have to walk another 3/4 mile trail. The trail is part boardwalk through a forest canopy. To reach the ocean is the best feeling. The markers are somewhat difficult to follow but if you stay the course it is not that difficult. We loved the trail. Would suggest to get started early in the day rather than later.
Written 11 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenniferMor8
Minnetonka, MN70 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
This is a great stop for families and those without experience trekking through sand dunes. Pay your day use fee in the Eel Creek Campgound, then drive to parking lot at JD trailhead. Bring water, walking shoes, and sunscreen. It is 1/2 mile wooded trail to the dunes, then plenty of space to climb and experience the vastness. There is an additional 2 mile trek to the beach, which we did not take.
Written 26 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MgFrobozzSr
Portland, OR24 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
You'll want to take along water, wear long pants, and (probably) use sunblock for this hike.
We took the northern end of the loop trail from the trailhead after hearing from another hiker that the southern end had been taken over by dune. The north end winds by camping areas, crosses a road, and then heads to the beach through the dunes.
The dune section is ~ 3/4 mile, and marked by posts along the way. Take a look backward as you start through so you can recognize how to return. The dunes are mostly very fine soft sand and challenging hiking. We had overcast, cool weather which was ideal. It could be unpleasant on either a very hot, clean day, or on a day with high wind and blowing sand. Note that the trail-marker posts roughly suggest the root, and you don't need to hike directly to each post, since they're set fairly high for visibility.
After the dunes, you'll enter a forested area, with occasional tunnels of kinnikinnick ... very charming. This transitions to a marshy section filled with sedge. There's a very nicely-constructed, long catwalk that gets you across the marsh. Then back into dunes and dune grasses. The grasses have pretty sharp edges, and it's best to wear long pants to protect your legs.
Then it's a steep trail down to the beach, more a slide than a walk. The dry-sand sections of the beach are fenced off to protect the nests of the snowy plovers, and don't even consider ducking under the fences to get into those areas: the trailhead sign indicated a $5000 fine.
We pretty much had the beach to ourselves. It was great to see sandpipers there, since they seem less common than in years past.
We took the northern end of the loop trail from the trailhead after hearing from another hiker that the southern end had been taken over by dune. The north end winds by camping areas, crosses a road, and then heads to the beach through the dunes.
The dune section is ~ 3/4 mile, and marked by posts along the way. Take a look backward as you start through so you can recognize how to return. The dunes are mostly very fine soft sand and challenging hiking. We had overcast, cool weather which was ideal. It could be unpleasant on either a very hot, clean day, or on a day with high wind and blowing sand. Note that the trail-marker posts roughly suggest the root, and you don't need to hike directly to each post, since they're set fairly high for visibility.
After the dunes, you'll enter a forested area, with occasional tunnels of kinnikinnick ... very charming. This transitions to a marshy section filled with sedge. There's a very nicely-constructed, long catwalk that gets you across the marsh. Then back into dunes and dune grasses. The grasses have pretty sharp edges, and it's best to wear long pants to protect your legs.
Then it's a steep trail down to the beach, more a slide than a walk. The dry-sand sections of the beach are fenced off to protect the nests of the snowy plovers, and don't even consider ducking under the fences to get into those areas: the trailhead sign indicated a $5000 fine.
We pretty much had the beach to ourselves. It was great to see sandpipers there, since they seem less common than in years past.
Written 23 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Toronto, Canada25 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
On driving down Highway 101 en route to North California from Seattle, my partner and I stopped at the John Dellenback Dunes Trail. In contrast to the other local attractions that line the Coastal Highway, this one is QUIET - there were only two other cars in the parking lot near the trailhead.
We wandered the dunes for hours, and saw only two other people in that time. It was an amazing experience, as the sand dunes provide the perfect counterpoint to the many miles of ocean shores along Highway 101.
If you're driving the Pacific Coast, make sure this makes it into your itinerary. This trail stands as my favourite natural attraction, from Seattle all the way down to Redwood National Park.
We wandered the dunes for hours, and saw only two other people in that time. It was an amazing experience, as the sand dunes provide the perfect counterpoint to the many miles of ocean shores along Highway 101.
If you're driving the Pacific Coast, make sure this makes it into your itinerary. This trail stands as my favourite natural attraction, from Seattle all the way down to Redwood National Park.
Written 1 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vyakal
Portland, OR169 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
My girlfriend and I took our two dogs with us (see picture) on this scenic trail. It was roughly 2 1/2 miles to travel across the dunes, through a small forest and reach the Pacific Ocean and it was DEFINITELY worth it. This place is beautiful BUT I should warn you there is a small price to pay...every now and then the wind will whip up a handful of sand grains and toss them right at you...it's an interesting feeling...the dogs thought so too! Also, make sure you follow the posts along the way; they lead to the correct entrance through the forest...you'll see what I mean. Enjoy! Most definitely worth it.
P.S. There is a bathroom at the beginning of the trail before reaching the sand dunes and you do have to pay $5.00 (honor system) to park.
P.S. There is a bathroom at the beginning of the trail before reaching the sand dunes and you do have to pay $5.00 (honor system) to park.
Written 15 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew A.
Medford, OR10 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
We were out in fantastic sunny weather, but only took the short loop out to the dunes and a bit of a walk toward the beach. Stunning views of the sand and rain-water oases.
Note that the trail to the right is the easier, and goes past a pretty wooded ponded. If your team is tired after playing on the dunes, it might be better to return this same way instead of taking the full loop.
Take your shoes off and walk barefoot in the sand; it's much easier and feels great. Short steps, placing your feet flat on the sand give the best mileage.
Note that the trail to the right is the easier, and goes past a pretty wooded ponded. If your team is tired after playing on the dunes, it might be better to return this same way instead of taking the full loop.
Take your shoes off and walk barefoot in the sand; it's much easier and feels great. Short steps, placing your feet flat on the sand give the best mileage.
Written 2 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeanneatl1
Chatsworth, GA120 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
Drive straight out as far as you can to the Jettie and be prepared to be amazed. The Dunes, the massive beach, the waves on the rocks. Great place to pick up sand dollars and shells. Fantastic mystical place.
Written 23 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles G
Ottawa, Canada940 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Challenging hike and a bit difficult to follow the markers. But no doubt satisfying, from the expression on those who finished it. We made it up a few hills and turned back, making sure we would not get lost.
Written 6 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had read somewhere that these trails were boardwalks and easily accessible. If we park in lot, how far of a walk is it before you can see the dunes? I just would like to take my MIL to see this, but she has limited mobility.
Written 19 April 2019
Is there an area where there are NO motorized vehicles at all in the dunes to hike in? I thought this trail was one but I see people bragging about tearing the place up in their 4x4's.
Written 17 February 2019
When I was at the , I saw no motorized vehicles. We went at 6 P.M. No motorized vehicles is the norm. It may be that some will not follow the instructions.
I hope I was of help
Rob Chaffart
Written 17 February 2019
delikateflower2003
Westminster, Colorado
Can someone please confirm where this is exactly? If I get directions from Trip advisor it has me going into Florence, however, when I use Google maps it has me going down to North Bend. Just looking for a beach to take my dog on daily walks during our time here. Thanks so much!
Written 29 July 2018
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