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This North Spit ACEC is the southernmost end of a series of sand dunes extending along the Oregon coastline from Florence to Coos Bay. The ever-changing habitat is home to a wide variety of mammals and birds, including some threatened and endangered species. Strolling along the beach, visitors may glimpse an osprey diving for fish or whales spouting offshore. A full-sized boat ramp is open for public use at no charge.

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) are public lands where special management attention is required to protect important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources, or other natural systems or processes. The District RMP designated 580 acres of the Spit as an ACEC primarily for the conservation of its outstanding biological values. An additional 145 acres were obtained from private ownership, raising the ACEC’s total to 725 acres. As one of the largest undeveloped spits on the Oregon Coast, its close proximity to a populated urban area was creating a high demand for resources and recreational use. Protecting and preserving natural resources under BLM management was determined imperative to the conservation of the Spit’s rich biological community. The Spit was also designated as an ACEC for its cultural and historic resources, and its scenic value to the communities of North Bend and Coos Bay.

From US Hwy 101, just north of North Bend, OR, follow signs to Horsfall Beach in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Bear right over the second set of RR tracks and stay on Transpacific Parkway. Six miles will bring you to the only developed area, a boat ramp with parking area, restrooms, and more information. The Physical Address is listed as 3031 Transpacific Lane North Bend, OR 97459.

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