The beaches north and south of Winchester Bay epitomize much of the southern Oregon coast. Perhaps the most significant aspect in terms of recreational use is that vehicles are allowed in some places and off-limits in others.

The stretch of sandy shoreline south of Winchester Bay is called Ziolkouski Beach, and the surrounding area is the Umpqua Dunes. The beach is closed to vehicles, while the adjacent dunes are a favorite with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders.

The recreational opportunities actually begin at the Umpqua River’s distinctive, triangle-shaped south jetty. As are other coastal jetties, the Umpqua River’s south jetty is a popular surfing spot, so when conditions are right, you’ll often see hardy souls in wetsuits coming or going (or out on the water).

The jetty area is a Douglas County Park called Half Moon Bay. (Day-use and camping fees required.) Continuing south, the beach and dunes are part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA). A $5 daily use fee or annual pass is required. There are two beach accesses, one with a wheelchair-accessible trail and overlook.

As for the beach, whether you start at the south jetty or at one of the accesses, it’s possible to walk south on a vehicle-free beach for nearly 10 miles to Ten Mile Creek.

The beach on the north side of the Umpqua River mouth is part of the ODNRA Sparrow Park dunes access. No fees or permits required. The access road from US 101 is only 3.7 miles, but it has some of the worst potholes anywhere. High-clearance vehicles recommended. As for the beach, it’s often regarded as a secret for locals who visit after storms in search of glass fishing floats or in better weather for that even more elusive prize: razor clams. Don’t tell them you heard it here.

Getting There

Winchester Bay/ Ziolkouski Beach area: From US 101 in Winchester Bay, go west on Salmon Harbor Drive and follow it past the harbor, campgrounds and ATV rental places to the jetty, dunes and beaches.

Sparrow Park Road: From US 101 and Highway 38 in Reedsport, go north about 4 miles and turn left (W) on Sparrow Park Road. The road – not too bad at first -- swings north, then descends into deeper woods.

The road continues west and crosses the ODNRA boundary. Potholes worsen. Also be alert on this one-lane road for vehicles coming at you at various speeds.

About 3.2 miles is a trail to Three Mile Lake. (An easy hike of about 1 mile up, down and through some fine coastal forest to the 64-acre lake.)

Around a few more turns is the beach, with a small parking area but no facilities.

Four-wheel-drive street-legal vehicles equipped with an orange safety flag are allowed on the beach.

It’s about 1.1 miles south to Clambed Sand Road, which provides vehicle access to the north bank of the Umpqua River. Or stick to the beach for another approximately 4 miles to the Umpqua River’s north jetty.

To the north, it’s possible to drive up the beach several miles to the vehicle-free Tahkenitch Creek area.

Whether strolling or driving on the beach, be mindful of the tides, since they can flood in right up to the foredunes. And as always be alert for sneaker waves.

Otherwise have fun checking out little-visited beaches and other treasures around Winchester Bay, “right out our back door.”

(Shopper columnist Tom Baake is author of local guidebooks.)