Oregon Coast Road Trip: Hidden Beaches You Shouldn’t Miss
Ah, there’s something uniquely refreshing about the Oregon coast. The salty air paired with sprawling sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and green accents of Sitka Spruce trees provide a meditative backdrop for undiscovered beauty. But the charm of the Beaver State isn’t just confined to the famous Cannon Beach or Tillamook County. For those adventurous souls who love to beat the tourist trail, this local’s guide highlights 10 hidden beaches along the Oregon coast that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
1. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
Just north of Depoe Bay, off Highway 101, lies Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area. It may be easy to zoom past this hidden gem, but that’d be a loss. It’s the perfect spot for exploring tide pools teeming with colorful sea critters or having a picnic with the family. During low tide, don’t miss tracing the stream to discover overhead caves carved from years of wave action.2. Secret Beach
Located inside the Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the ironically named ‘Secret Beach’ is not easy to find. Distinguished by a hidden trailhead, located between mile markers 344 and 345, the path may be slightly tricky but the result is jaw-dropping. The beach’s multiple sea stacks, natural arches and tiny waterfall cascading onto the beach during high tide makes the entire journey worthwhile.
3. Cape Blanco
Cape Blanco, near Port Orford, stands out with a historic lighthouse, a weather-beaten headland and the breathtaking Hughes House. Take the trail down the cliff to stumble upon endless stretches of a secluded sandy beach with azure waves and roaming wildlife. For explorers, there’s the Sixes River at the southern tip – a top prospect for gold panning, if you fancy testing your luck!4. Short Beach
Short Beach, located in Tillamook County between Oceanside and Cape Meares, is worth the hunt. With a sneaky parking area in an unmarked gravel pull-out off Highway 131, it promises stunning sunsets and a waterfall cascading from cliffs into the balmy ocean below. Keep an eye out for paragliders from Anderson’s Viewpoint who often choose Short Beach for their oceanic touchdown.5. Sunset Bay State Park
South of Coos Bay, Sunset Bay State Park awaits with its warm, shallow waters resulting from the enclosing bay area. The Bay’s sandy beach is divided by rocky headlands, offering private sand pockets, tide pool abodes and excellent opportunities for crabbing and fishing.6. Hobbit Beach
Hike through a magical tunnel of Rhododendron blossoms to reach this secluded strip of beach north of Florence, named Hobbit Beach. An extension of the Hobbit Trail, this lesser-known beach seasonally flourishes with wild berries. A haven for bird-watchers, it’s not uncommon to spot the majestic sight of bald eagles or osprey.7. Winema Beach
North of Neskowin, Winema beach provides beautiful stretches of sand, dispersed with a scattering of shells and driftwood. This calm spot is surrounded by lush greenery and is known locally as a fantastic place for clamming. Tip from an Oregonian: For easy parking, use the Winema Christian Camp car park.8. Lone Ranch Beach
Located in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Lone Ranch Beach offers a quiet escape. With towering sea stacks, lush evergreens, and multiple tide pool habitats, the beach is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts.9. Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint
Features of the serene Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint include convenient picnic spots, a grassy park for frolicking and miles of secluded coastline to comb for agates. Grab a cup of piping hot clam chowder from the nearby Mo’s Seafood & Chowder – Florence to warm up after a session of wave-crashing.10. Arcadia Beach
Sandwiched between Hug Point and Cannon Beach, Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site might be easy to miss but guarantees lesser crowd and extraordinary views. Remember to check the tide table to safely explore the exposed tide pools and make the most of the impressive sea stack views.404 miles of coastline, ten hidden beaches, countless memories to make – there’s so much more to Oregon’s coast than what meets the eye. So, pack your binoculars, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable Oregon coast road trip among hidden beaches, where every turn tells a surprise story.