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Bureau of Land Management Coastal Lands adventures

Bureau of Land Management Coastal Lands Adventures

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) coastal lands encompass diverse shorelines along the Pacific Coast, offering rugged beaches, dunes, estuaries, and forests that support rich wildlife and provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

150,000+
Acres Protected
200+
Miles of Trails
500,000+
Annual Visitors
Varies by site, primary designations 1970s–present
Year Established

About Bureau of Land Management Coastal Lands

 

The Bureau of Land Management coastal lands span critical stretches along the Pacific coastline of California, Oregon, and Washington. These public lands protect a range of sensitive coastal ecosystems including sandy dunes, rocky headlands, tidal estuaries, and unique coastal forests. The landscapes include important habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, and threatened species. Historically, these areas have supported indigenous communities for millennia and reflect both cultural heritage sites and modern conservation efforts. Popular outdoor activities include beachcombing, kayaking, horseback riding, bird watching, and primitive camping. Notable locations within BLM coastal holdings include the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which features some of the largest temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, and the impressive coastal terraces of the King Range National Conservation Area in Northern California. Visitors are drawn to the wild, less-developed scenery and opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path beaches and trails. The BLM actively manages these lands to balance visitor recreation with preservation, focusing on habitat restoration, invasive species control, and fire resilience. Interpretive programs and accessible trailheads help connect visitors with the dynamic coastal environment across hundreds of miles of BLM-managed beachfront and adjoining uplands.

Highlights

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Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – expansive coastal sand dunes ideal for hiking and off-road vehicles

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King Range National Conservation Area – rugged coastal cliffs and remote beaches with wilderness character

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Coastal estuaries and tide pools supporting diverse marine life and migratory birds

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BLM-managed horseback riding trails along Hidden Beach, California

Notable Natural Features

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Spanning over 40 miles of Oregon coast, this area contains massive shifting sand dunes popular for hiking, dune buggy riding, and scenic drives.

King Range National Conservation Area

A remote and rugged coastal area featuring steep cliffs, wildlife habitat, and trails with ocean views on the Northern California coast.

Seal Rock Natural Area

A protected beach in Oregon known for rocky tide pools and abundant seals and sea lions observable from shore.