Did you know that the Oregon Dunes are a land of many lakes? Coastal dune lakes are a rare phenomenon that can only be found in a few places across the globe. In the U.S., these bodies of water only exist in South Carolina, Oregon, and Florida, so if you're a West Coaster who wants to see them for yourself, Oregon's the place to be. Here is a look at our rare coastal dune lakes:
While it's difficult to get an exact count on how many of these rare lakes we have here in Oregon, they can be found all throughout the dunes.
Pictured below is Threemile Lake, a long and narrow lake on the Central Oregon Coast.
This is Cleawox Lake, a coastal lake dammed by sand dunes within Honeyman State Park.
It is saltier and more transparent than other coastal lakes.
Other lakes are more brightly colored, often as a result of extensive plant life and minerals.
Pictured below is Siltcoos Lake, a shallow body of water that formed after melting glaciers caused a rise in sea level, drowning the lower reaches of Oregon's coastal rivers.
Here is Saunders Lake, located in the southern portion of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Although the landscape doesn't look very dune-like, Lily Lake, which is also located in Honeyman State Park is another coastal dune lake.
Coastal dune lakes are defined as those located within two miles of the coast in dune ecosystems, which sometimes includes more than just sandy hills.
Many of the larger coastal dune lakes, like Woahink Lake, formed when rapidly developing dunes dammed streams flowing west from the Cost Range foothills.
Woahink Lake, which is 74 feet deep, actually extends 36 below sea level and is the lowest lake dammed by sand dunes on the entire West Coast!
There are also a number of small, inter-dune lakes, including Beale and Horsfall Lakes. These lakes are largely fed by seasonal precipitation.
Have you seen one of Oregon's rare coastal dune lakes before? We'd love to know where it is! Share your experience in the comments below, and don't forget to add your own photos of this natural phenomenon on our Oregon Nature Lovers Facebook group!
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