| Date: July 5, 2009 |
| Location John Dellenback Dunes Hike |
| Where: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area |
Jeanette, Buster, and I have just spent several days hiding out at the North Lake Resort at Tenmile Lake in our motor home. We were escaping from the heat of the inland valleys and resting up from our volunteer job at the Roaring River Hatchery. Before heading home to Elkton we decided to get in a good hike at the nearby John Dellenback Dunes Trail.
I was excited to have an opportunity to hike this trail, as it is the only trail I haven't hiked in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. To be honest, I have been a little intimidated by it, as I have read several accounts of it being quite a grueling hike over vast unmarked sand dunes.
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The first part of the trail was a surprise as it was a well-maintained trail through thick coastal vegetation. When we broke out of the woods into the open dunes we found ourselves staring at a giant series of dunes. I felt assured having my GPS with me, and I kept a close eye on it as we picked our way around and over the sand dunes.
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Occasionally we could see a post marking the route, and then if we could see a second post we might alter our route trying to make short cuts. It turned out to be quite an interesting experience and eventually we found our way to the ocean.
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On our route back we tried a few different alternatives, and agreed that this is a hike worth repeating with all the varieties. The most interesting sighting of the day would have to be bear prints in the sand.
Statistics for the day:
Distance - 5 miles
Time - 3 hours
Climb - 575 feet |
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| sand dunes |
