Three Mile Lake North Trail and Tahkenitch Dunes Trail Loop(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate loop trail in Siuslaw National Forest.

This loop in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area takes you to a rather remote beach and an even more remote lake. A good portion of the hike is in dense forest, so the sandscapes are somewhat limited, but you’ll get some higher views from a forested dune ridge. Those wishing to do a backpack can camp on the beach between mid-September and mid-March or at or near the north end of Threemile Lake any time of the year. (The beach is closed to camping during snowy plover nesting season.)

Getting Started

From Florence:
Drive Highway 101 south. From the north end of the Siuslaw River Bridge, continue 12.8 miles. Turn right for the Tahkenitch Campground and Trailhead. Keep straight to bear left around the circle and park.

From Reedsport: From the intersection of Highway 101 and Umpqua Avenue (Highway 38) in Reedsport, drive north on Highway 101 for 8.3 miles. Turn left for the Tahkenitch Campground and Trailhead. Keep straight to bear left around the circle and park.

Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required. Restrooms, picnic table, information kiosk, nearby campground. Dry sand area of the beach closed (except for trail access) from 3/15 to 9/15 (snowy plover nesting); no dogs or camping permitted on beach during these months.

Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, begins near the restrooms and leads up through dense thickets of evergreen huckleberry, rhododendron, and salal under a canopy of Douglas-fir, cedar, and Sitka spruce. When you reach a junction, the beginning of the loop, head right to keep on the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail.

Taking Children

This is a nice, but long hike for adventurous children.