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.
jackie lindsay/Alltrails
This beautiful trail starts out in an old conifer forest and takes you three miles to the lake. It’s a total of six miles out and back.
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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.
Jody Markus/Alltrails
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.
Jody Markus/Alltrails
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.
Jody Markus/Alltrails
You’ll soon come to a slope where the sand takes over the trail, reminding you that the Oregon Dunes are all around you.
Bronson Espinoza/Alltrails
As you begin to descend to the lake, you’ll cross a long wooden bridge…
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…where you’ll spot the edge of the lake.
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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!
TheFamily Richmond/Alltrails
Threemile Lake is your destination. It’s a beautiful azure lake that’s the perfect spot for a picnic lunch or snack.
Sofia Elizondo/Google
Continue on to the beach if you’d like; it’s a third of a mile down the trail.
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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.
jackie lindsay/Alltrails
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.
U.S. Forest Service
Visit this webpage on the Siuslaw National Forest’s website for a trail map. Have you hiked the Threemile Lake Trail? Tell us about your journey!
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Jody Markus/Alltrails
Bronson Espinoza/Alltrails
Rachelle Goddin/Alltrails
TheFamily Richmond/Alltrails
Sofia Elizondo/Google
U.S. Forest Service
If you’re looking for another beautiful hike in Oregon, you should check out this exhilarating hike that takes you to the most crystal blue lake in the state.
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Address: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 855 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
