Top 5 Best Stops on Oregon’s Southern Coast | Samuel H. Boardman

Oregon’s southern coast is home to an incredible stretch of steep and rugged coastline.  The landscape is famous for pine-covered rocky islands, cliffs, and secluded coves and beaches.  The area is encompassed by Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a state park which is free to enter.  Visitors can see the area by driving the epic highway 101, making stops at various viewpoints and attractions.  This guide covers the top 5 best stops on Oregon’s southern coast.

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Top 5 Best Stops On Oregon’s Southern Coast

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

(From South to North)

• Whaleshead Beach
• Indian Sands Trail
• Natural Bridges
• Secret Beach
• Arch Rock Picnic Area

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#1 – Natural Bridges

This is a must stop location on Oregon’s southern coast.  It’s just a short walk from the parking lot to the viewing deck where you can see two natural bridges.  The best time of day to view Natural Bridges is early in the morning before the sun comes over the steep slope, or around sunset when beams of light are shining through the arches.

There is a trail that takes you down to the natural bridges if you continue past the viewing deck.  This well-worn, but unofficial trail is probably about a mile round-trip.  The trail is steep and close to some steep cliff edges in a couple spots.  Once you reach the “bridges” it is possible to cross them, but it’s pretty sketchy.  The pathway is only a couple feet wide with big drops on either side.  And there is a big ledge to climb right as you are crossing the first bridge.  However, this is the way to get into position for “the shot”.

This photo is probably one of the most iconic spots to photograph in all of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.  It’s taken from just across the first natural bridge looking south down the coast.  I wish we had been there for sunset, because that soft colorful light really makes the view that much better.

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#2 – Secret Beach

This place isn’t really a secret.  And it would be impossible to keep this stunning beach a secret for long anyway.  The abundance of rocky islands, dramatic cliffs, and even a couple waterfalls, makes this spot almost dreamlike.  It’s an absolute “Must-Do” when exploring Oregon’s southern coast. 

But unlike many of the stops on Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, this spot doesn’t have any signage.  The small parking lot is located here on highway 101.

The trail begins on the right side of the parking lot.  The trail is very easy to navigate because it’s basically a straight shot right down to the beach.  Like most trails in this area it is steep, but it only takes about 5 minutes to hike down.

You can also climb the ridge on your right to look down into the adjacent cove.  This can also be a great place to watch sunset because the sun comes down right between the rocks, but bring your sunglasses the because the reflection off the ocean is blinding!

Secret Beach has also become a very popular spot for photographers, especially at sunset.  So you might be contending with a swarm of tripods, but there’s generally more than enough space to spread out and explore.

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#3 – indian Sands Trail

This short 1-mile loop trail offers the most variety on all of Oregon’s southern coast.  There’s rocky islands, dramatic cliffs, pine-covered mountains, colorful wildflowers, sandy bluffs, and endless Pacific Ocean vistas.  And Indian Sands Trail offers another one of the natural rock arches that this coast is famous for.

However, this one mile loop trail is a little more difficult than it might seem on paper.  The trail is at times steep, sandy, poorly marked, and sometimes dangerously close to the cliff’s edge.  But we think this hike is a must do for anyone prepared to deal with those challenges.  A little bit of patience and route-finding will be rewarded with beautiful views!

If you aren’t up for the hike however, then just be aware that views from the parking lot itself are very limited.  So probably skip this stop if you aren’t up for the hike.

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#4 – Arch Rock Picnic Area

The Arch Rock Picnic Area is another good place to stop and take in the views.  A few short paved paths go down along the coast.  The main attraction is Arch Rock, a natural bridge in a table top rock island.  It’s located straight off the coast, and just a short walk down to the viewpoint.

There is another viewpoint looking south that is also beautiful. (Pictured below)

There is also a bathroom and picnic tables at Arch Rock Picnic Area, so it’s a good place to stop with a packed lunch.

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#5 – Whaleshead Beach

Whaleshead Beach offers one of the easiest beaches to get onto for a stroll.  The beach is named for it’s rocky island shaped like the head of a whale.  When conditions are right, waves will crash into a crack in the rock creating a spurt that resembles a whale’s blowhole.

Whaleshead beach is one of the longer beaches on Oregon’s southern coast, so it makes a great place for a long walk on the beach.  There are picnic tables and vault toilets at the parking lot.

Whaleshead Viewpoint is a separate parking area that looks down on Whaleshead beach from the cliffs above.  But the view is rather narrow with trees on both sides.  There is a path down to the beach from the viewpoint, but it’s steep, slippery, and overgrown.  Just drive down to the Whaleshead Beach parking if you want to access the beach itself.

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