Forum Discussion

KampingKris's avatar
KampingKris
Explorer
Sep 23, 2015

Winchester bay dunes Oregon

We will be riding in the area for the first time in late Oct. Mostly utility atvs and one rzr... no sand tires.
Is it a big area? Will we regret not having sport quads? Not interested in Banchee Hill... just want to explore..

9 Replies

  • Most utility ATV will never produce enough wheel spin to take advantage of a "paddle" so flipping chevrons will likely just cause you to dig in more. Not worth the hassle IMO. Key is to float on top of the sand and that is where PSI comes into play and will make the biggest difference
  • Any type of chevron pattern benefits from flipping sides to make wedges that push sand under your tire. I run just enough pressure so that I cannot push my knee down on the tire and get to the rim. Although my trail tires are 25", I use 20-22" paddles or lose too much power in my small displacement machines.

    Like another post, I prefer Florence over Winchester Bay since access is easier and you can ride the beach. If you ride in the wet months, you will be surprised how many more places you can go than when it is dry.
  • Nah, knobbies are knobbies in either direction. Key is to air em down. Bout 4psi is all ya need.
  • Just a tip I heard, try switching sides with your rear tires, they'll act more like paddles instead of cleaning out.
  • We where there this past July for a week we stayed in lakeside just south of winchester, we had a blast got to do lots of sightseeing and exploring the towns around there,there is so much to see and do there and the weather is awesome, we even got a few crabs there in winchester off the peir.we own a rzr4 but did not bring along just cause we where not sure of things.we did stop by dunes and they looked like soooo much fun!!Don't forget to do your oregon atv operators permit (safety training)on-line.
  • Yes even if you have to crawl try to make it to the top of Banshee. Great views from up there. Also great views from the lighthouse lookout.

  • you will be able to go where ever you want. there is more than one way to get anywhere on those dunes.
    that being said, the view from the top of banshee hill is amazing at sunset, i highly recommmend it.
    you can always go the back route to get there!
  • Air down your tires and go for it. Plenty to see and do without a sport quads. You will still be able to explore a lot of areas. I love Winchester with the exception you can't ride on the beach.

    A lot of great places to eat around Winchester. Be sure to check out the lighthouse and take a tour. There is also a great oyster house out on the end of the pier if that is your thing.
  • I rode Winchester & Sand Lake once, mostly rode Florence with our Utility ATVs over the course of about 10 years. There are some steep areas to Winchester that a utility just doesn't fit in with very well, but you can get around those peaks pretty easily. Banshee Hill is one of those hills but there are other stand peaks that are about the same. Our kids on 90s struggled more at Winchester with and without paddle tires. I had paddle tires for my Polaris 500 my wife did not, both of us had about the same challenges.

    If I had sport quads I think I would have enjoyed them more at Winchester over my utility. IMHO there is more area and places to explore at Florence, and at Winchester you can not ride no the beach.

    Sand Dune Guide - Oregon