Guardian of the Sea Stacks

Without a doubt, the Oregon coastline is one of the prettiest and most geographically diverse shores in the country. Perhaps the most photogenic stretch of the coast can be found along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor between the town of Brookings and Gold Beach. Known for its impressive sea stacks, natural arches, and rugged beaches, you’ll find waterfalls cascading down onto the beach, sea caves lined with anemone and starfish, and a fraction of the crowds you’ll see up further up the coast.

Secret Beach in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is appropriately named because it lies down steep and rough trails secluded from the Highway. At the northernmost part of the beach, a scramble down some rocks next to a waterfall is required to access the beach. The southern section of the beach can be explored at lower tides when the chokepoint between two large rocks is open. At very low tides some further exploring can be done in the pools at the far south end of the beach.

Secret Beach itself is a pristine strip of fine-grained sand hugged by ocean-chiseled cliffs and guarded by a series of majestic sea stacks. These massive sea stacks shelter the beach from the brunt of waves and wind and permit visitors to enjoy the location in relative serenity. It’s only visited by a few people a year, and can only be enjoyed during low tide.

Location: Secret Beach; Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor; Brookings, Oregon.