Sutton Campground Loop

The Sutton Trails just north of Florence are a great way to explore one of the most interesting ecosystems in Oregon. The forested dunes between Highway 101 and the ocean offer open, sandy areas, patches of dune grass, small brackish lakes, overgrown creeks, and dense mixed forest. This short loop at the southern end of the network is adjacent to Sutton Campground and offers a nice sample of this fascinating area. The trail starts just inside the campground at a bridge that crosses Sutton Creek. After following the creek, the route loops out to the edge of the more sparsely vegetated dune area before returning to the creek. Trail junctions are well signed, and the network connects Sutton Campground to Alder Dune Campground and Sutton Beach. The trails are not technical, but expect a lot of short ascents and descents as you traverse the varied landscape of this delightful hiking area.