Sand Lake Recreation Area is a stunning coastal destination located along Oregon's North Coast, 15 miles southwest of Tillamook, nestled between Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. This 1,076-acre park offers a unique blend of open sand dunes, coastal forests, and access to the Pacific Ocean. The area is renowned for its off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding opportunities, attracting enthusiasts from across the country. Beyond OHV activities, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in the adjacent Sand Lake Estuary. The climate is influenced by the ocean, with cool summers and moderate winters, making it an ideal spot for outdoor adventures year-round.
The Sand Lake Estuary provides a near-natural habitat for numerous species of waterfowl and offers activities like fishing and kayaking. The dunes themselves are an extended parabolic dune system, covered with European beach grass and shore pine, and stretch about 3.5 miles northeast from the estuary.
The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, deer, bears, and cougars, making it a fascinating spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
