The charming towns of Reedsport and Winchester Bay are bound by the Smith and Umpqua Rivers, the Pacific Ocean and scores of natural lakes. This area is a perfect setting for all forms of recreation, and is in the heart of the spectacular Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest area of coastal dunes in North America, with wind-sculptured sand dunes up to 500 feet tall. Stretching for more than 40 miles along the coast, 14,300 acres of the Recreation Area are open to dune and trail riding. Other portions offer hiking trails, camping and day use areas. Douglas County’s ocean beaches are clean and unspoiled. The Umpqua River Lighthouse lookout is a good place to spot migrating gray whales. There are also interpretive displays about the whale’s twice-yearly, 12,000-mile migration. Salmon Harbor, located in Winchester Bay, is the largest recreational fishing port on the Oregon Coast. Whether fishing for Chinook or Coho salmon, bottom fish, freshwater bass, bluegill, steelhead, sturgeon or trout, there’s plenty of good fishing nearby. The docks are lined with bait and tackle shops, canneries and markets. Shops can provide anglers with information, licenses and equipment. The area is home to ducks and seabirds, and is a seasonal stopover for migrating Canada geese. It is not uncommon to see osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, beaver and nutria. Binoculars or spotting scopes can enhance viewing. Interpretive displays designed especially for children teach about animal tracks, the annual shedding of antlers and much more. A herd of elk makes their home here, and can sometimes be seen from the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. In Old Town Reedsport, a must-see is the Umpqua Discovery Center, where exhibits and displays focus on the land, water and people that shaped the region. A stroll downtown will lead visitors to shops, art galleries and restaurants. Residents are friendly and glad to offer advice on all there is to see and do in Reedsport and Winchester Bay. There are several reasons people choose Winchester Bay as their destination. It is home to Salmon Harbor Marina, Douglas County’s largest recreation area, where the Umpqua River – known for some of the best salmon fishing on the coast – meets the Pacific Ocean. It is also a crab-lovers paradise. In this quaint fishing village outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities and adventure anytime of the year. Fishing, crabbing, clam digging, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing, and ATV riding on the tallest accessible dunes in the country make Winchester Bay a favorite year-round getaway. In July, ATV enthusiasts from all over come to Winchester Bay to enjoy the annual event, Dunefest, five days full of exciting and fun activities. The event includes tons of contests in the dunes, events, music, and a variety of vendors. There are activities for all skill and age ranges and enough to keep a whole family busy with a jam-packed schedule! Winchester Bay’s busy harbor and waterfront sports numerous restaurants and bars in which to sample the catch of the day, fresh crab, fish and chips, and fresh oysters. The docks are lined with bait and tackle shops, a cannery and markets. Shops can provide anglers with information, licenses and equipment along with T-shirts, sweatshirts, souvenirs, unique gifts, salt water taffy, ice cream and much more. Enjoy the spectacular sunsets, harbor lights glistening off the bay in the evenings, some of the best winter storm watching along the Pacific Northwest Coast, beachcombing, crabbing, fishing or just relaxing with a good book and a favorite wine. Enjoy the possibilities, they are nearly endless!