Harris Beach State Park & Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor near Brookings, Oregon

Описание: During late December 2025 we camped at Harris Beach State Park just north of Brookings, Oregon. During our stay we explored the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch of Hwy-101 that is full of craggy bluffs, secluded beaches, and majestic offshore rock formations. This stretch of the highway features one turnoff after another, each with access to picnic areas and viewpoints. The Oregon Coast Trail passes through the scenic corridor and is a great way to take in the best views.
(2:10) We started exploring the scenic corridor at the north end at “Arch Rock”. From the paved parking lot, a short path leads to an overlook featuring a series of offshore sea stacks and islands.
(3:10) From there we stopped at Thunder Rock Cove, which is famous for its noisy sea cave that creates a thunderous sound as waves crash inside, plus a natural arch and access to the secluded Secret Beach via a short, scenic trail through coastal forest. It's a dramatic spot offering breathtaking coastal views and a rugged Oregon experience.
(3:49) The Natural Bridges Viewpoint is within 200 feet of Highway 101. Down a short path you can witness one of nature’s phenomena, natural sea arches. At this viewpoint there just happens to be two! There is only one location with a good view of the small cove and natural bridges due to the steep cliffs and closures for nesting shorebirds.
(4:50) We were surprised to learn and excited to see the Thomas Creek Bridge, which is the highest bridge in Oregon. The bridge, a triple span deck truss, is 345-feet high and spans 371-feet across a deep valley overlooking the Pacific Ocean along the Hwy-101. Unfortunately, because of the steep terrain, there are no hiking trails down to the creek or ocean from the highway.
(5:31) Perhaps one of the most unique places along the corridor is Indian Sands, where several large patches of sand and dunes sit high on the coastal cliffs. Seemingly out of nowhere along the trail these sands appear between the forest and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. From the parking area there is a 1.1-mile loop trail that has it all; beautiful overlooks, sand, and woods. The trail can be difficult to find or follow. I recommend using All Trails to assist in navigation because the trail is poorly marked. While not super steep, it can be slippery.
(6:36) Whaleshead Beach is one of the most gorgeous locations along the Oregon Coast. Offshore there is a sea stack that looks like the head of a whale. At the base of the sea stack there is a naturally-formed rock channel and when a wave hits it, it spurts a spray that looks like a whale spouting, hence the name Whaleshead Beach. There is a parking area near the beach off the Hwy-101, but it’s steep and unimproved. Four-wheel drive is recommended for this stretch of road. There is a steep trail from a parking area off the Hwy-101 that goes to the beach also.
(8:00) House Rock Viewpoint: A memorial commemorates Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks superintendent and the park's namesake. The 4-mile trail between Cape Ferrelo and House Rock offers many side trails to secluded beaches.
(8:12) Lone Ranch Beach & Cape Ferrelo. As the sun was sinking lower over the Pacific Ocean we pulled into the picnic area at Lone Ranch Beach. From there we hiked north along the coastline and then up the cliffs to Cape Ferrelo for a magnificent sunset as we sat along the edge of the cape’s rugged cliffs.


Video and photos taken with iPhone 17Pro. Drone video taken with HoverAir X1 ProMax. Video production/editing with iMovie. Music & sound effects from Epidemic Sound.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor:
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.c...