Delaura Dune Trail

The Delaura Dune Trail is a short but highly challenging route designed for experienced offroaders looking to access the expansive sands of Delaura Beach and the Clatsop Spit. Spanning approximately 0.5 miles, this trail starts in the coastal pine forest and descends about 45 feet down to the Pacific shoreline, making it one of the rare locations on the West Coast where driving directly on the beach is allowed. However, this route is not for the faint of heart, beginning with six-inch potholes at the gravel transition that quickly give way to a steep hill. At the bottom of the descent, massive, vehicle-swallowing water crossings await, demanding high clearance and extreme caution. These water obstacles regularly pool to depths of three to five feet and frequently hydrolock unprepared four-wheel-drive vehicles, making a snorkel and proper water-fording preparation essential. The loose sand on the dunes and beach requires airing down tires for traction, and carrying recovery gear such as traction boards, shovels, and tow straps is highly recommended. While the trail is accessible year-round, drier summer and early autumn seasons offer more manageable conditions, though changing tides and coastal storms can rapidly alter the depth of water crossings and sand stability. Offroaders should always consult local tide tables and Oregon State Parks regulations prior to embarking on this technical coastal traverse.