Highlights:
Eleven miles of wooded bluffs, tall cliffs, isolated beaches, sea stacks and wave-cut arches, on the southern Pacific coast. Viewed from many overlooks and short trails along US 101; very few routes down to the shoreline
Nearby towns:
Management:
Location:
Seasons:
All year
Rating (1-5):
★★★★★
Samuel H Boardman SSC is part of the Southwest Oregon itinerary
The most consistently high and cliff-bound section of Oregon's Pacific coastline is in the far south, from Crook Point south to Harris Beach near Brookings, and most is part of Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a linear park containing just the thin strip of land between the ocean and US 101. Along the 11 miles of the highway within the park are two dozen parking areas and viewpoints, some with short paths leading to other, more secluded overlooks - all linked by the Oregon Coast Trail, passing right through the park.There is no fee for entry or parking, and no facilities apart from a few trailheads and picnic areas.
Six major locations are marked by signs along the road, others have a smaller notice beside a pullout, while the remainder are undesignated. As well as the maintained paths, unofficial routes wind through the coastal woodland, some descending steeply towards hidden viewpoints and coves.
Six major locations are marked by signs along the road, others have a smaller notice beside a pullout, while the remainder are undesignated. As well as the maintained paths, unofficial routes wind through the coastal woodland, some descending steeply towards hidden viewpoints and coves.
Samuel H Boardman Table of Contents
Map of Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Photographs
12 views of the coastline.
Tours of the Oregon Coast
Day trips to the coast, from Portland.
Affiliate disclosure
Use voucher code VIATORAFF10 for 10% off all tours, valid until May 16th 2025
Use voucher code VIATORAFF10 for 10% off all tours, valid until May 16th 2025
Introduction
steepest cliffs, where thickly forested slopes fall away precipitously to vertical rock faces and tiny deepwater bays, most completely inaccessible. There are hundreds of stacks out to sea, and a good number of wave-cut arches and other eroded formations.
Towards the south end of the corridor, the land becomes less steep, and the wooded cliffs are partly replaced by grassy bluffs, between which are several easily-reached sandy areas, largest being Whaleshead Beach and Lone Ranch Beach. The drive along this section of US 101 might only take 15 minutes without stops but there is enough to see for at least half a day. The park is named after the first superintendent of Oregon Parks Division, who was instrumental in protecting this area of the coastline.
Locations
Major locations are listed below, from north to south.
Arch Rock: The rock is the easiest-viewed natural arch in the scenic corridor, and the best perspective of it is at the end of a short trail starting from a popular parking/picnic area, surrounded by floral meadows. Two spur paths lead to other nearby overlooks. The arch itself is a squat, flat-topped formation 500 feet out to sea, next to another small island.
Secret Beach: This sheltered strip of sand between vertical rocks is accessed by a steep and relatively little used trail through thick woodland.
Thunder Rock Cove: Another path (1/3 mile) drops down steadily but not too steeply through the spruce forest, out to a rim of a grassy, partly wooded promontory for beautiful ocean views; there are many rocks out to sea, a nice sandy beach below, and an arch to the south, beneath huge, shadowy cliffs.
Natural Bridges: From a large parking area, a section of the Coast Trail runs south giving fleeting glimpses of several natural bridges quite far below, but partly obscured by the foliage. Lesser trails branch off descending more steeply to closer viewpoints.
China Beach: US 101 crosses Thomas Creek via the highest bridge in Oregon (345 feet). From here a half mile trail runs northwards down to the south end of China Beach; the north end may be reached via a similar length hike from the Natural Bridges parking area.
Indian Sands: A side road climbs a little way to a large parking lot, the far side of which has some long distance views northwards. A path (the Coast Trail) runs south, dropping 200 feet extremely steeply, to a junction with a side path to the Indian Sands, a treeless sandstone plateau with dunes and some minor but colorful erosive formations. Although close to water level there is no easy access as the sands are guarded by lesser cliffs still 100 feet or so high. All around are the usual sheer or steeply-sloping cliffs, deep blue-green, kelp-filled water, plus a sizeable arch to the south.
Whaleshead Beach: A short gravel road slopes down to a parking area at the north end of Whaleshead Beach; the turn off is right opposite a popular resort/campground. The beach is bordered by a high headland to the north, the end of the cliff-bound section of the scenic corridor, but grey sands extend over a mile south, dotted with a few rocks and crossed by three streams. Three larger stacks lie just out to sea, one, the highest, bearing an official name (Whaleshead Island).
House Rock Viewpoint: South of Whaleshead Beach the land becomes less densely wooded, allowing views of distant House Rock, nearly a mile out in the ocean. The overlook is at the end of a spur road, intersecting the Coast Trail.
Cape Ferrelo: The next promontory, Cape Ferrelo, is largely devoid of trees, and is crossed by a half mile trail to a viewpoint on the southwestern tip, a favoured location for whale watching in spring.
Lone Ranch Beach: The south side of Cape Ferrelo slopes down to Lone Ranch Beach, which has a typical mix of sand, tidepools and offshore rocks. A spur road and a short path give access.
House Rock Viewpoint: South of Whaleshead Beach the land becomes less densely wooded, allowing views of distant House Rock, nearly a mile out in the ocean. The overlook is at the end of a spur road, intersecting the Coast Trail.
Cape Ferrelo: The next promontory, Cape Ferrelo, is largely devoid of trees, and is crossed by a half mile trail to a viewpoint on the southwestern tip, a favoured location for whale watching in spring.
Lone Ranch Beach: The south side of Cape Ferrelo slopes down to Lone Ranch Beach, which has a typical mix of sand, tidepools and offshore rocks. A spur road and a short path give access.
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