There’s a little slice of paradise on the southern coast of Oregon known as the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor. At 12 miles long, it’s undoubtedly the most epic part of Oregon’s coastline, if not the entire west coast. With nearly 10 stops in Samuel H Boardman, you could spend 2 days alone exploring this gorgeous stretch of land.
About the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor in Oregon
Nestled on the bluffs of the Pacific Ocean, Oregon’s Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor is located along Highway 101 between Brookings and Gold Beach. Acting as an Oregon State Park, there are multiple ways to enjoy this stunning area.
With a slew of pull outs along this stretch of Highway 101, most feature trailheads, small picnic areas or viewpoints. Wanting to dive a little deeper into Samuel H Boardman? Hike along the 27 miles of trails that take you to secluded beaches or atop the craggy cliffs. One of the more epic routes is along the Oregon Coastal Trail. You can find 18 miles of that trek here in Samuel H Boardman.
There are no fees to explore the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor. Please maintain the Leave No Trace principles while in this area. Also, remember that this coastline is very unpredictable. Massive waves, intense tides and cliff drop-offs are all features of Samuel H Boardman so take precautions while exploring.
Check the website here for more information on Oregon’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
Stops in the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
For this post, I’ll take you on a virtual tour to discover the stops in the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor in Oregon. Beginning from the south and working north, we’ll discover the worthy stops along the way and where to find the best views.
Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint
The first stop on the southern portion of Samuel H Boardman Corridor is the Cape Ferrelo viewpoint. Take the mile-long trail to the edge of the coastline, which is regarded as one of the best in the park. This area is also an optimal spot for whale watching during their migration in the spring or fall.
House Rock Viewpoint
If driving from the south, the next stop will be at House Rock. For the more adventurous option, hike the 4 mile trail from Cape Ferrelo to find a multitude of secluded beaches. At the top of House Rock are stunning coastal views and a memorial for Samuel H Boardman, the first Oregon State Park superintendent.
Whaleshead Viewpoint & Beach
One of my favorite areas in the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor is Whaleshead Beach. The viewpoint and picnic area is located more south than the parking lot for the beach but, with a lower elevation, you can reach this sandy stretch of land via an easy pathway.
Cross the Whalehead Creek at the beginning of the beach to continue towards the area for which this beach is named after. The rocky island known as the ‘Whaleshead’ protrudes from the water directly west of the shoreline.
You’re able to stroll this beach area for more than a mile. Explore the sea caves along the way and enjoy the breathtaking hazy views of Whaleshead beach.
Indian Sands
With stunning dunes characterized by vegetation and cliffside elevation, the Indian Sands area contains unmatched beauty.
Beginning on the left side of the parking lot is the trailhead for the 1 mile Indian Sands Loop. You’ll begin with a rapid descent through a forest which eventually leads to a stretch of sand. Keep exploring over the dunes area for a stunning representation of the Oregon coast.
Be extra careful when trekking around this area! While we were hiking along the sand cliffs, one actually disintegrated below our feet, leading to a massive drop off only a few feet in front of us. We thought an earthquake was happening as the ground began to shake and make a thunder-like noise. Super grateful we always have our wits about us!
Natural Bridges
Now we’re off for the most popular area in all of Oregon, the Natural Bridges. If you’re any sort of familiar with Instagram and social media, I’ll bet you’ve seen photos of this place at least once.
A very short trail leads to the most epic viewpoint in all of Oregon and possibly even the entire west coast. Upon reaching the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be met with breathtaking snapshots of the seven arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges.
Seal Cove & Thunder Rock
Access to the trailhead for Seal Cove and Thunder Rock Cove can be found along the Oregon Coastal Trail at the north end of the parking area for the Natural Bridges. The hike begins through a forest of ferns and heads off into various directions with spur trails. Feel free to explore each spur, bringing you to various viewpoints along the coast.
This is one of the best areas to view the north side of the Natural Bridges. Exploring a little further, we can see the Seal Cove, evident by the massive cliffs hugging a small stretch of beach.
Secret Beach
Proving to be one of the best stops in Samuel H Boardman is the unfathomably-beautiful Secret Beach. While you can technically access Secret Beach via the Oregon Coastal Trail to Seal Cove, a shorter trek can be found from a pullout off Highway 1. Slightly south of mile marker 345 is a small parking area that will fit about 6 cars behind a guardrail. Explore the trail until you meet the views of Secret Beach.
It’s important to note that you may not actually reach Secret Beach, especially if the tide is too high. The trail heads downwards with heavy elevation loss and ends at a rock wall where you’ll have to traverse nearly 20 feet to continue. If you do reach the beach though, it’s one of the more stunning areas on the entire Pacific coast.
Spruce Island Viewpoint
Originally looking for a place to sit for our backpacker’s breakfast, we stumbled upon the Spruce Island viewpoint.
A short trail begins through a forest thick of Sitka Spruce trees, all colored in a neon green moss from the moist elements here on the coast.
Walking down about a half mile and over a creek to find yourself at a meadow, About a quarter mile further, you’ll reach the edge of the cliff for the perfect picnic spot.
Arch Rock
A seriously-stunning place to stop in Samuel H Boardman, especially during sunrise or sunset, is Arch Rock. Acting as a picnic area, you can walk a bit down from the paved parking lot to an overlook which features a number of sea stacks and islands.
Be sure to check out my Oregon archives here for more of my experiences!
Before heading into natural areas, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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