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Escape for some of the Oregon Coast’s best fishing, dune buggying and lighthouse exploring.
The Oregon Coast is renowned for its unique attractions: sand dunes, storied fishing and majestic lighthouses that still keep watch over the scenic shore. But even on Oregon’s one-of-a-kind coast, one place truly sticks out. It is a place with one of the tallest and most expansive sand dunes around. A place with renowned fishing for salmon, tuna, halibut, crab, clams and more. Home to a one-of-a-kind historic lighthouse unlike any other on the coast.
That place is Winchester Bay.
At the edge of the coastal forest, where the rolling Umpqua River meets the Pacific Ocean, Winchester Bay is an oceanside haven ideal for overnight getaways. It’s in the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which is one of the largest stretches of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, and is perfectly situated for anglers of all types, from deep-sea enthusiasts to dockside crabbers. Throw in the stately and historic Umpqua River Lighthouse and its signature red-and-white pulse, and you’ve got the perfect coastal escape.
Cast Away
One of the most popular pastimes in Winchester Bay is casting a line or tossing a trap to catch some of the region’s trademark seafood. One of the best ways to make an adventure out of fishing in Winchester Bay is to hop on one of nearly 40 local charters offering all kinds of fishing trips, from two-hour jaunts just offshore to all-day runs that head far out into the Pacific. Many charters also ply the Umpqua River for its famed salmon and bass, not to mention Dungeness crab.
What also makes charter fishing from Winchester Bay unique is the wide variety of fishing available. It’s so broad, in fact, that one can fish year-round. Mid-summer to early fall finds the peak of Chinook and Coho salmon; steelhead hit in late fall through early winter; rockfish are around most of the year but hottest in spring through summer; and largemouth bass, pink fin perch will bite from spring into the fall. For those looking to crab or clam in the bay, any time of year is the right season.
Do the Dunes
One of Oregon’s natural wonders, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a scenic playground that’s unique among all the other beauty of the Oregon Coast. Stretching across 31,500 acres, the recreation area teems with towering golden dunes that offer up expansive Pacific views.
Adventure seekers can explore the dunes via an exciting ride on an ATV or a side-by-side. Three local outfits rent all the equipment you need for a fun-filled day on the dunes.
Want to see the dunes at a slower clip? Winchester Bay has all kinds of hiking and biking trails that let you explore the landscape on two feet or two wheels. The 1.7-mile trail around Lake Marie at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park takes hikers through densely vegetated old dunes with rhododendron, wax myrtle and huckleberry. A short spur to the Umpqua Dunes Overlook gives you a great view of the sand.
Light It Up
Eleven lighthouses dot Oregon’s coastline, but none shine as uniquely as the Umpqua River Lighthouse just outside Winchester Bay. Built in 1890, the 65-foot tower has a distinctive red-and-white light beamed through a lens handcrafted in France.
It’s a handsome structure to admire from the outside, but the daily guided tours offer a deeper, more informative experience. Guided by knowledgeable docents of the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum, the tours take visitors through the historic lighthouse and share anecdotes and history. And when you’re done learning for the day, you can grab a bite to eat and a souvenir at the Umpqua River Lighthouse Café & Gift Shop.
A Good Night’s Sleep
To truly experience Winchester Bay and all of its Oregon Coast goodness, it’s hard to beat a night out under the stars. Camping options abound, from tent and RV sites to cozy cabins. Whatever you choose, you’ll be close to the beach or dunes, as all of Winchester Bay’s camping options have sand access.
Winchester Bay’s Umpqua Dunes RV Park has 62 full-hookup RV sites, including back-in and pull-through options, plus several cabins that sleep four to eight guests. It’s right on the water, and there’s even a convenience store and new ultra-fast wifi. Winchester Bay RV Resort also offers 138 full-hookup spots, each one with a view of the water, plus onsite amenities like a putting green and playground.
Large groups should consider booking Ork Rock, a 2.3-acre site that can accommodate up to 150 campers in tents or RVs. Bringing your own ATVs? Settle in at Windy Cove County Park, which is linked to the Umpqua Dunes by a 1.5-mile trail designed for off-highway vehicles.
For more information on an overnight escape to Winchester Bay, visit DiscoverWinchesterBay.com.
Photo at the top by Manuela Durson.
