Oregon Dunes - North Jetty Area

[Okiegonian]

Hi folks - I'll be in Florence, OR for a family get-together later this week (July 11 - 14). We're staying practically across the street from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area. While I'm a total noob to driving on the dunes, I'll have my FJ62 and imagine I have to get it on the beach at least.

Does anyone plan to be wheeling in the area - it would be great to meet up (assuming you have some patience for my lack of experience)!

Or do any locals have advice about the area? Best access point, PSI advice, things to avoid, etc?

Thanks!

 

[Rock40]

I was stationed in Florence while in the Coast Guard years ago and I used to take my 40 out there occasionally. On the North Jetty, there is a parking lot with a the Coast Guard lookout tower but no beach access for vehicles.

To access the beach, you'll need to go to the south side and into the national recreation area. When I was there 12 years ago, there was a fairly obvious "main" road down toward the beach. I used to drive south along the ocean for several miles and then pop back up into the dunes somewhere, it was kind of a loop.

Your 62 is pretty damn heavy and depending on what sort of tires you have, I'd take it pretty slow and careful. A shovel is a must and some recovery ramps (or similar) would be a good idea. If you're out there on the weekend, there will be lot of folks to assist you if you need help.

 

[Okiegonian]

Thanks @Rock40 - tires are BFG TA's (32x11.5xR15), so I imagine that fits in the "slow and careful" category.

Looking at google satellite images, it looks like there may be a smallish soft dune to clear before the getting to wet sand on the beach.

 

[Okiegonian]

Of course I've been watching this and now I'm an expert! Right?

 

[Rock40]

Smallish soft dune seems about right in my recollection.