[cheyenne10]

I also grew up in North Bend and spent a lot of time from Horsefall area North to Lakeside. It has changed some since I was out there. Your probably aware of the ORV offroad permit you need and the flag, fire extinguisher and other requirements. I also recommend against the holiday weekends. These dunes get a lot of use mostly now a days by 4-wheeler atv's. They are quick and capable of going anywhere fast and there are lots of them. I sometimes go over just to get a good look at some nice rides. I imagine now days cell phones and a handheld GPS would both be great tools. Also flashlight and emergency kit. I knew 2 good friends that got in bad accidents both at night but it could happen in day just as easy. Its beautiful out there just take your time and learn your vehicles as well as your own capabilities. In winter expect lots of ponded water, tough to gage depth and what under surface. I saw several people get swamped or worse trying to cross water puddles.

I plan to get back into dunes someday. Probably in another rail or lightened baja. Hope to let my son experience the safe part of what I saw. (I also saw a lot of the unsafe side)

Enjoy Oregon and make sure to take care of it and leave it as clean or cleaner that when you arrive. We are all starting to loose many of our priviledges by a few abusing the rights we have.

Happy trails.