Great Dune Cape Kiwanda
Experience the dramatic beauty of Cape Kiwanda, with its towering sand dune, vibrant tide pools, and historic Dory boats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore expansive tide pools
Great Dune Cape Kiwanda
Best Time
Explore expansive tide pools
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the dramatic beauty of Cape Kiwanda, with its towering sand dune, vibrant tide pools, and historic Dory boats.
"The views from the top are worth the steep sandy hike!"
👟 Dune Climb Strategy
The sand can get hot! Climb the dune in the morning or on a cloudy day for comfort.
🌊 Tide Pool Timing
Check tide charts! Low tide reveals one of the coast's largest tide pools.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 76 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Dune
Cape Kiwanda Beach
Ascend the massive sand dune for unparalleled panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. Worth the effort!
Tide Pool Exploration
Cape Kiwanda Beach (low tide)
Discover vibrant marine life in one of the coast's largest tide pools. A natural wonder at low tide.
Dory Boat Landings
Cape Kiwanda Beach
Witness the unique Dory boats making their dramatic landings on the beach. Learn about local fishing history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Dune
Tide Pool Treasures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
does anyone else remember going to the coast and climbing this as a kid?
Pacific City! Love that massive bastard. I finally made it to the top once. Realized, as I was taking in the view, that I left my car lights on. So that sucked.
👟 Dune Climb Strategy
The sand can get hot! Climb the dune in the morning or on a cloudy day for comfort.
🌊 Tide Pool Timing
Check tide charts! Low tide reveals one of the coast's largest tide pools.
Hidden gems in Pacific City?
I’m heading down from Seattle to Pacific City/Cape Kiwanda in the morning to hang for my birthday this week. My best friend and I will be hanging out and exploring. We’ve got a couple things in mind that we’d like to do, but I’m curious if there are any “must see” or “must eat”…
NSV - Cape Kiwanda, OR
We’re on vacation in Oregon & decided to hike up Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City. It’s basically a giant sand dune & for every step you take, you foot sinks a half foot back. All the way up I kept saying to myself ‘this is like an 11% incline, maybe 12%…. Ok, this part is…
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Arrive early for a spot.
🚤 Dory Boat Watch
Be mindful of Dory boats returning to shore as you walk the beach.
I took this a few years ago on vacation in Pacific City, Oregon. Most beautiful place I have ever been to. [OC] [3264x2448]
Home of the Dory Fleet!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Dune Climb Strategy
The sand can get hot! Climb the dune in the morning or on a cloudy day for comfort.
🌊 Tide Pool Timing
Check tide charts! Low tide reveals one of the coast's largest tide pools.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Arrive early for a spot.
🚤 Dory Boat Watch
Be mindful of Dory boats returning to shore as you walk the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views from the top of the sand dune and the unique experience of exploring tide pools at low tide. The Dory boat landings add a historical charm. While the dune climb can be challenging, most agree the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking scenery. Parking can be a bit of a hassle during peak times.
"Getting to the top of the sand dune is little hard but definitely doable, the view from the top are worth the effort
Lots of food options around
Rest rooms and parking lot are well maintained
Highly recommend the visit"
Laxman Adda
"Arrived at low tide. This is the time to go if you like tide pools. It has one of the largest tide pools on the OR coast. The tide pools are a short walk (about .50 mile) from the parking lot. The Large dunes are also about that far from the parking lot."
A. Luke Burbank
"The beach and the dunes were a fun experience as we headed down the Oregon coast. Fun to watch the Dory boats come in and read the history of this unique type of fishing."
Rachel Bayard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cape Kiwanda is located in Pacific City, Oregon. It's easily accessible by car via Highway 101. Look for signs directing you to the park and beach access.
Yes, there is public parking available. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Dogs are generally allowed on the beach at Cape Kiwanda, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations before your visit.
From Portland, take OR-99W S to OR-18 W towards Lincoln City, then merge onto US-101 S. Turn left onto Brooten Road in Pacific City.
While there is parking, large RVs might find it challenging to maneuver and park, especially during busy periods. Consider parking further away and walking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for accessing the beach and dunes.
Cape Kiwanda is an open natural area and is accessible year-round, from dawn to dusk.
No, tickets are not required for Cape Kiwanda as it's a natural area. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Be aware of the tides, especially when exploring tide pools. Also, respect the natural environment and pack out everything you pack in.
Visiting during weekdays, early mornings, or late afternoons can help you avoid the largest crowds. Low tide times are popular for tide pooling.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can climb the large sand dune for stunning views, explore tide pools at low tide, watch Dory boats land on the beach, and enjoy the coastal scenery.
The climb is steep and sandy, which can be challenging for some. It's a good workout, but the views from the top are very rewarding.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for sand. Layers are recommended as coastal weather can change quickly. Bring sunscreen and a hat.
Yes, restrooms are available near the parking area and are generally well-maintained.
The top of the dune offers incredible panoramic shots. The Dory boats on the beach and the tide pools also make for great photographic subjects.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Pacific City, located right next to Cape Kiwanda, has several food options, from casual eateries to seafood restaurants.
You'll find fresh seafood, classic American fare, and local specialties. Many places offer ocean views.
Picnicking is a great option! There are no designated picnic areas, but you can set up on the beach. Remember to pack out all your trash.
While specific recommendations vary, many visitors enjoy the local seafood and casual dining experiences available in Pacific City.
Delivery services might be limited. It's best to plan to eat at a restaurant in Pacific City or bring your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the starkness of the dune.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing Dory boats. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
Generally, no specific photography restrictions apply, but always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors.
The summit of the dune provides sweeping ocean vistas. The Dory boats on the beach, especially during their landings, are iconic. Tide pools offer macro opportunities.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your shot to give a sense of scale. Shooting from the base looking up can also emphasize its size.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit