Five Ways to Enjoy Hall Lake in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

What if we told you there was a “secret” freshwater lake near Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area ? Hall Lake is one of those special under-the-radar destinations that doesn’t get a lot of coverage, but offers locals and visitors a blissful day in nature by the water, whether it’s swimming, kayaking, exploring the surrounding dunes, or just relaxing in the sun.

Hall Lake is a rare type of lake created when moving sand blocked streams. It spans about 3 acres and features a free day-use area , clear water that stays relatively warm in the summer, a sandy swimming beach, and easy access to hiking trails and non-motorized dunes. This hidden gem sits in Coos County near Lakeside, about 15 miles north of North Bend, just off Highway 101 across from William M. Tugman State Park.

Forest and sand dunes surround the area, and the west side of the lake sits next to huge dunes that rise almost 100 feet. You can explore these dunes on foot for a peaceful, non-motorized experience. Unlike some other destinations along the Oregon Coast, you don’t need to pay a fee or have a recreation pass to visit.

Since we’re letting you in on a local secret, we just ask that visitors respect the area and follow the Leave No Trace guidelines so it stays clean for all to enjoy.

Things to Do at Hall Lake

Swimming & Picnicking in the Day-Use Area

Hall Lake Day Use Area features a lovely sandy beach and a clear, three-acre freshwater lake, typically warmer than the ocean. On warm days, visitors and locals relax in the sun, swim, and picnic among sand dunes and pine trees. Parking is limited and fills quickly on busy days. Visitors should be aware that only basic facilities, such as vault toilets, are available. Please bring your own drinking water, as none is provided. No lifeguards are on duty, so always swim with a buddy and closely supervise children.

Hiking

If you want a fairly short and enjoyable hike in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and wish to avoid ATVs or other motorized vehicles, the Hall/Schuttpelz Lake Trail #1357 , a.k.a. Hall Lake Loop Trail, is worth trying. This trail is generally regarded as a relatively easy hike, stretching from 0.8 to 1.5 miles and taking about 30 to 35 minutes to finish. The trail is accessible year-round and offers magnificent views of huge sand dunes, quiet forests, the lake, and even a small hidden waterfall! It’s also a good way to reconnect with nature by birdwatching and forest bathing, the practice of immersing oneself in nature , which has been shown to improve both physical and mental health. You can access the trail at the Hall & Schuttpelz Lakes Day Use Area on Wildwood Drive. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.

Sandboarding and Sand Sledding

Ancient, weathered sand dunes create a non-motorized playground on the western side of Hall Lake, and with no ATVs or dune buggies allowed, this is one of the best places on Oregon’s Adventure Coast for sandboarding and sand sledding. Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, but takes a little practice and balance. If you’re new to sand sports, a sand sled might be a more beginner-friendly way to glide down the dunes without sacrificing the thrills and the fun. The open dunes are also great for flying kites or just exploring the sandy hills. Want to try it out? Rent sandboards from Bahama Boards or Waxers , park nearby, and take a short walk up the dunes behind the lake to find the best spot. It’s a fabulous way to spend an afternoon on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Hall Lake’s calm, warm water spans about 3 acres, making it an ideal spot for kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding . Surrounded by forest and sand dunes, the lake’s gentle, clear waters offer a beginner-friendly way to explore the water at your own pace. Before you launch, keep in mind that Oregon requires a Waterway Access Permit for all non-motorized boats, including kayaks and SUPs of any length (details available through the Oregon State Marine Board ). Always wear a properly fitting personal flotation device and carry a sound-producing device like a whistle. A few simple habits go a long way toward a safe outing: never paddle under the influence and avoid paddling alone. With a little preparation, a day on Hall Lake offers some of the most relaxing paddling you’ll find on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.

Don’t own your own kayak or paddleboard? No problem. These local businesses in the Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston area have you covered! Contact in advance to check rental availability and rates:

• Bahama Boards in Coos Bay (phone: 541-808-3535). Offers kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and sandboard rentals, in addition to PFDs and supplies.
• Waxer’s Surf Shop in Coos Bay (phone: 541-266-9020) rents and sells paddleboards, sandboards, and related accessories.

Fishing

Hall Lake offers excellent freshwater fishing with self-sustaining populations of wild cutthroat trout and largemouth bass. A small waterfall prevents cutthroat trout from migrating between Hall Lake and Schuttpelz Lake, resulting in a unique, isolated population. Please bring essential gear, including a fishing rod, tackle, lures, and legal bait. Anglers aged 12 or older must have an Oregon fishing license unless it is a Free Fishing Day. Licenses are available daily, for multiple days, or annually at sporting goods stores, local bait shops, or online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife . Local bait shops can also provide current conditions and fishing tips. Whether you are fishing for trout or bass, Hall Lake’s natural setting offers a memorable experience for visitors.

How to Get There

Hall Lake is located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area off U.S. Highway 101 south of Reedsport and about 15 miles north of North Bend. To get there from Coos Bay- North Bend- Charleston, take Highway 101 north, turn at the Eel Lake turn-off, turn west onto Wildwood Drive (directly across Highway 101 from William M. Tugman State Park), drive about 0.75 miles to the gravel entrance, and follow the signs to the Hall & Schuttpelz Lakes Day Use parking area. As of August 2026, there is no cost to park, and it has no day-use fees.

Ready to plan your trip? Contact us now for personalized tips and the inside scoop on the best local food and activities year-round. Visit our Adventure Page for more inspiration.

Related Reading

• Hall + Shuttpelz Lake Trail - Oregon Coast Visitors Association
• 10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• Fishing on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• Surf & Paddle Your Way Through Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• Hiking & Walking on Oregon’s Adventure Coast