U.S. Highway 101, the coastal highway leading north from California, provides the main link to the National Recreation Area trails, viewpoints, campgrounds, and other facilities. Parts of the dune area are open to off-road vehicles. Rental shops are located at several points along the highway, and in the towns. South Jetty Road, across the river from Florence, leads to a popular off-road staging area. Many campgrounds are open year round.
E xploring the Dunes South of Florence, the mountains move inland.
The dunes lie along the coast, with the estuaries of three major river valleys connected by two long stretches of sand. This 40 miles of dunescape is made accessible at many points along Highway 101. To provide some organization for a tour of the dunes, the following attractions are listed from north to south, including several commercial attractions which appeal to families. Jetty Road Highway 101 leads south across the Siuslaw River Bridge. Less than a mile from the bridge, South Jetty Road runs west to the foredune area.