This 3-Mile Hike In Oregon Takes You Through An Enchanting Forest
By Catherine Armstrong|Published July 11, 2019
×
Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Oregon is the land of forests and shady hiking trails, and this three-mile hike is no exception. During your journey, you’ll hike through an old-growth forests, cross a creek, see sand dunes, a lake, and the ocean. Check out Threemile Lake Trail:
You'll find the Threemile Lake North Trail right off Highway 101 at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
The shady trail is a fairy easy hike, and you'll experience just 997 feet of elevation gain. The trail is considered moderate because of a few steep portions, and some deep sand you'll encounter on a small part of the trail.
The forest is beautiful! You'll see all the typical foliage that you usually encounter along Oregon's coastal forest trails: huge ferns, moss, mushrooms, an occasional wildflower, and even some interesting trees.
You can combine Threemile Lake Trail North with the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail to make a big, six-mile-long loop, or can just complete the out-and-back Threemile Lake Trail. Either way, it's about the same distance. About a half mile from the trail head, you can peel off toward the beach, if you'd like.
Just a little farther down the trail, there's an excellent view of the ocean. This trail combines all the best features of an Oregon coastal hike: thick, lush forest, dunes, a lake, a bridge, and the ocean!
Between March 15 and September 15, the dry sand beach is closed because of Snowy Plover Nesting Area restrictions. The wet sand beach is open for hiking, but no dogs or camping is allowed during that time.
You can still choose to hook up with the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, just past the lake. Turn right at the sign, and make your way along the dunes in a loop that takes you back to the trailhead.
