{"ok":true,"data":{"id":3287,"slug":"cleawox-beach-florence","name":"Cleawox Beach","country":"USA","state":"Oregon","city":"Florence","coords":{"lat":43.8839,"lng":-124.1407},"beachType":null,"tags":["scenic"],"article":{"hero":"Cleawox Beach sits within Honeyman State Park, where the Oregon Dunes reach their most dramatic expression—a Sahara-scale sandscape pressed against Douglas fir forests. You'll park near the lake, where families wade into water warm enough for actual swimming, a rarity on this famously frigid coast. The sand beneath your feet is fine as confectioner's sugar, squeaking audibly as you walk.\n\nClimb the dune ridge separating lake from ocean and you gain two beaches for the effort of one. The western slope drops toward the Pacific, where driftwood logs the size of shipping containers mark the high-tide line. Bring a sled or rent a sandboard from Florence—the dunes here offer fast, forgiving runs that end in soft landings. Wind reshapes the terrain weekly, erasing footprints and carving new ridgelines overnight.\n\nThe lake itself runs shallow near shore, letting toddlers splash while older kids paddle rented kayaks. You'll find picnic shelters tucked into the pines, fire pits for evening s'mores, and restrooms that actually function. Come in September when the crowds thin but the weather holds, or brave a January storm to watch wind sculpt the sand into knife-edge ridges that glow copper in the low winter light.","teaser":"You step from your car onto powder-fine sand that climbs 300 feet skyward, then tumbles toward Cleawox Lake's still water on one side and ocean breakers on the other. Kids scramble up dune faces while you decide whether to dip into cool freshwater or brave the Pacific's chill.","uniqueAngle":"One of the rare Pacific Northwest beaches where children can swim comfortably, thanks to the sheltered freshwater lake.","accessType":"Drive-up with short walk","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"sun","title":"Sandboard the Dunes","subtitle":"Rent boards in downtown Florence"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Lake Swimming","subtitle":"Warmer water than ocean side"},{"icon":"kayak","title":"Paddle Cleawox","subtitle":"Glassy mornings, rental kiosk open"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Dune Ridge Walk","subtitle":"Lake to ocean in minutes"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The ocean side delivers inconsistent beach break that works best on northwest swells, though closeouts dominate most sessions. You'll fight shifting sandbars and strong rip currents—locals drive 20 minutes north to Bob Creek or south to Heceta for cleaner faces. When winter storms push 12-foot sets, photographers outnumber surfers. The dune backdrop creates weird wind patterns that can groom or shred conditions within an hour. Better for bodysurfing than serious wave riding. Check buoy reports before waxing up.","couples":"Book a yurt at the state park campground—canvas walls, wooden floors, and a heater for foggy mornings. Walk the lake perimeter at dusk when great blue herons fish the shallows and the dunes turn salmon-pink. Drive ten minutes into Florence for dinner at 1285 Restobar, where Dungeness crab risotto pairs with Oregon pinot. Or grab fish tacos from Lovejoy's and eat them on a driftwood log facing the sunset. The uncrowded shoulder seasons—late May and early October—offer the warmest weather without summer's RV congestion.","backpacker":"Hiker-biker sites in Honeyman State Park run $7 per person with hot showers included. Hitchhiking Highway 101 works reliably between Florence and Yachats. Fill water bottles at the campground spigots. Buy day-old pastries for $3 at Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters on Bay Street, then hit Grocery Outlet for sandwich fixings. The beach itself charges no entry fee. Sleep in the dunes if you're stealthy—park rangers patrol campgrounds but rarely venture onto open sand after dark. Morning fog hides you until 9 a.m.","local":"Arrive before 8 a.m. on summer weekends to claim the first picnic shelter near the boat ramp—it catches morning sun but stays shaded by 2 p.m. The southwest corner of the lake, past the swimming area, holds warmer water thanks to shallow sandy bottom. Winter king tides expose razor clam beds on the ocean side; locals dig at dawn with headlamps. Skip July 4th entirely. For real solitude, hike south over two dune ridges to the unsigned pocket beach where Threemile Creek reaches the Pacific.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Cleawox Beach sits on Cleawox Lake, not the ocean, making it one of the safest swimming spots near Florence. The freshwater lake is calm, wave-free, and protected from coastal currents and undertows. The water is warmer than the Pacific Ocean, especially in summer months. A designated swimming area with a sandy bottom makes it ideal for families with children. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so supervise children closely. The lake's shallow entry and gentle conditions provide a safe alternative to Oregon's often-rough ocean beaches.","q":"Is it safe to swim at Cleawox Beach?"},{"a":"Cleawox Beach is accessible year-round, but summer (June-September) offers the warmest weather and best swimming conditions, with temperatures reaching 70-80°F and the lake warming to comfortable levels. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds and mild temperatures, perfect for beachcombing and photography. Winter can be rainy and cool but offers dramatic scenery and solitude. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends during peak season. Morning visits often provide calmer winds, while afternoons can bring coastal breezes. The beach is part of Honeyman State Park, which remains open throughout the year.","q":"What is the best time to visit Cleawox Beach?"},{"a":"Cleawox Beach is located within Jessie M. Honeyman State Park, about 3 miles south of Florence on Highway 101. Take the well-marked park entrance and follow signs to Cleawox Lake day-use area. Ample parking is available in designated lots near the beach. An Oregon State Parks day-use permit is required ($5 per vehicle) unless you have an annual pass. The parking area is paved and accessible, with a short, easy walk to the beach. During summer weekends, arrive early as the lot can fill up by late morning.","q":"Where do you park for Cleawox Beach and how do you get there?"},{"a":"Cleawox Beach is within Honeyman State Park, which offers 168 full-hookup campsites and 200+ tent sites, plus yurts for overnight stays. The park has restrooms, showers, and picnic areas but no restaurants or stores. Florence, just 3 miles north, offers numerous dining options, grocery stores, and hotels ranging from budget to mid-range. Old Town Florence features waterfront restaurants, cafes, and seafood spots. For beachside convenience, pack a picnic—tables and grills are available throughout the park. The nearest gas stations and markets are along Highway 101 near Florence.","q":"Are there restaurants and accommodations near Cleawox Beach?"},{"a":"Yes, Cleawox Beach sits adjacent to massive coastal sand dunes, making it a premier sandboarding destination. The towering dunes near the lake offer thrilling runs for sandboarders and sand sledders of all skill levels. You can rent sandboards from shops in Florence, typically $10-20 per day. The dunes provide a unique combination of beach and desert landscape. Many visitors enjoy swimming in the lake after sandboarding to cool off and rinse sand away. The juxtaposition of freshwater lake, forested areas, and enormous sand dunes creates a distinctive Oregon coast experience.","q":"Can you sandboard at Cleawox Beach and the nearby dunes?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Cleawox Beach: Freshwater Shores Meet Sand Dunes in Florence","description":"Where Cleawox Lake's warm waters lap against powder-soft dunes on Oregon's coast. Swim without wetsuits, climb towering sandscapes, and let kids play safely all day.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54294794787_e5c4b826b1_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"534707","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54294794787_e5c4b826b1_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54294794787_e5c4b826b1.jpg","alt":"Swimming is Not Supervised at Cleawox Lake in Honeyman State Park"}]}}