Can You Keep a Secret?
Hike to Secret Beach and Visit Natural Bridges on the Oregon Coast
The Southern Oregon Coast’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor between Gold Beach and Brookings has so many sights to see, it’s hard to know where to spend your time. We like this trio of suggestions because you can do them as a three-in-a-row jackpot of coastal wonders.
Start with Natural Bridges Viewpoint, an easy-to-reach vantage of hulking, weathered sea arches amid a cove of turquoise sea. There’s an overlook for a postcard perspective and you can follow some rugged trails down to the base of one of the bridges. Just mind your footing—it gets steep in sections.
Next up, Secret Beach. Given that name, it’s easy to surmise that this sandy haven is not marked, so you have to know where to park to find it. (The trailhead for Secret Beach is just north of the Miller Creek sign on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Look for other cars pulled out on the small gravel parking areas.) Located near Brookings, the beach is accessible on a 0.75-mile hike with just a bit of rock scrambling required once you get to the beach entrance.
Waterfalls and tucked-away coves await. If low tide favors the timing, visit later in the day for a sun-sational viewing of the sea stacks. Remember to pack out what you packed in as part of responsible travel.
Finally, get a look at Arch Rock, less than a mile north down the road. It’s a short and easy walk from the parking area to the viewpoint overlooking this behemoth arched formation carved by erosion and pummeled by mercurial waves.
Go Guided! In spring, summer, and early fall, have a ball on the Oregon Coast with a rollicking ride aboard Jerry Rogue Jets. The nature-based jet boat tours into the remote Rogue River Wilderness are considered a bucket list must on the Oregon Coast.
Stay: The South Coast’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor runs along Highway 101 between Gold Beach and Brookings, so basecamp in either location and enjoy the friendly local hospitality, from lodgings to supermarkets and restaurants.
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