
McVay Rock State Recreation Site
Discover a unique rocky beach with tide pools, a giant tree stump, an off-leash dog park, and disc golf. Scenic views abound!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pooling

McVay Rock State Recreation Site
Best Time
Best for tide pooling

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a unique rocky beach with tide pools, a giant tree stump, an off-leash dog park, and disc golf. Scenic views abound!
"A beautiful park with a dog run, disc golf, and access to a stunning rocky beach!"

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail and beach are covered in loose gravel and rocks. Wear good shoes for stability and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Bring a Walking Stick
The steep trail down can be tricky. A walking stick can significantly help with balance and ease your descent. :hiking_boot:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tide Pooling Treasures
Rocky shoreline
Discover vibrant marine life in the numerous tide pools scattered along the rocky shore. A fantastic spot for nature observation.

The Giant Tree Stump
On the beach
Marvel at the impressive, massive tree stump resting on the beach, a unique and photogenic landmark.

Scenic Rocky Shoreline
McVay Rock Beach
Explore the unique landscape of small rocks covering the entire shore, offering beautiful views and photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Rocky Shoreline
Beyond the Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail and beach are covered in loose gravel and rocks. Wear good shoes for stability and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Bring a Walking Stick
The steep trail down can be tricky. A walking stick can significantly help with balance and ease your descent. :hiking_boot:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Enjoy the dedicated off-leash dog park! It's a great amenity for pet owners visiting the site. :dog:
🥏 Disc Golf Delight
Challenge yourself on the 9-hole disc golf course. A fun activity for those who enjoy the sport. :frisbee:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail and beach are covered in loose gravel and rocks. Wear good shoes for stability and comfort. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Bring a Walking Stick
The steep trail down can be tricky. A walking stick can significantly help with balance and ease your descent. :hiking_boot:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Enjoy the dedicated off-leash dog park! It's a great amenity for pet owners visiting the site. :dog:
🥏 Disc Golf Delight
Challenge yourself on the 9-hole disc golf course. A fun activity for those who enjoy the sport. :frisbee:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning! Be prepared to take lots of photos, especially of the unique shoreline and tree stump. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise McVay Rock State Recreation Site for its unique rocky beach, abundant tide pools, and the impressive giant tree stump. The off-leash dog park and disc golf course are also popular amenities. Some find the trail down to the beach steep and the rocky terrain challenging for walking.
"Turn onto the dirt road right next to Seagull Lane. Didn't find any sea glass here but lots of great tide pooling opportunities around this rocky beach. The trail down to the beach is a bit steep but was manageable at a slow pace. I wished I had brought my walking stick to help with balance though. The beach is very loose small gravel mostly and moves a lot when you walk on it, so expect a good workout. Enjoyed seeing the massive stump near here as well as the rocky shoreline. Spotted some cute little fish in the tide pools and some sea lions on the rocks a bit farther out. The disc golf area and dog park looked nice too. Saw a few other people here but it was not crowded. There is a enough parking for a dozen or more vehicles. The views are wonderful even if you just stick to the area around the parking lot and don't hike down to the beach."
Shannon M.
"Such a cool spot to visit! Loved seeing the tree stump on the beach."
Johnathan Driver
"Our friends took us down here to show us their favorite beach to pick rocks. Had a nice time looking for rocks and visiting. We got to see the tide start to come in."
Joel Aukes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Look for the dirt road turnoff right next to Seagull Lane. There's parking available for about a dozen vehicles, making it accessible for many visitors.
Yes, there is parking available for a dozen or more vehicles. It's generally not crowded, so finding a spot is usually easy.
The trail down to the beach is a bit steep and covered in loose gravel. Take your time and wear appropriate footwear.
No, you'll need to park in the designated area and walk down the trail to reach the beach. The path is manageable but requires some care.
It's accessible via a dirt road turnoff. While not difficult, the trail to the beach itself requires a bit of effort due to its steepness and gravelly surface.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific entrance fees is not widely available in user reviews, but many state recreation sites have day-use fees. It's advisable to check the official Oregon State Parks website for the most current pricing.
State recreation sites are typically open from dawn to dusk. However, it's always best to confirm official hours on the Oregon State Parks website before your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for day-use access to state recreation sites like McVay Rock. Entry is usually on a first-come, first-served basis.
For activities like fishing or clamming, you may need to obtain appropriate state fishing or shellfish licenses. Check with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for requirements.
The disc golf course is typically available for public use as part of the recreation site's amenities, usually without an additional fee beyond any potential day-use entry charge.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
McVay Rock features a unique shoreline composed entirely of small rocks and gravel, not sand. It's known for its rocky formations and tide pools.
While the beach is accessible, swimming conditions can be rough with high waves. It's more suited for exploring the shore and tide pools than swimming.
Visitors have spotted cute little fish in tide pools and sea lions on the rocks further out. Keep an eye out for marine life during low tide.
Yes, there's a great off-leash dog park right across from the beach, making it a very dog-friendly destination.
Besides beachcombing and tide pooling, you can enjoy a 9-hole disc golf course and a dedicated off-leash dog area. The views are also a major draw.
📸 📸 Photography
The giant tree stump on the beach, the unique rocky shoreline, and the marine life in tide pools are prime subjects. The scenic views from the parking lot are also great.
Absolutely! The dramatic rocky coastline, the ocean, and the expansive views offer fantastic opportunities for landscape photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, especially for capturing the coastal scenery. Low tide is ideal for tide pool shots.
Yes, you can photograph the marine life in tide pools and any sea lions you might spot. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at state recreation sites. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any posted rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While swimming might be too rough, the off-leash dog park is a huge hit with families who have pets. The disc golf course can also be a fun, low-key activity for older kids and teens. The scenic views from the parking lot provide a pleasant backdrop for a picnic, making it a good option for a shorter outing focused on exploration and play.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are generally welcome in many state parks, always check specific regulations for beach access. The rocky terrain of McVay Rock Beach might be more challenging for some dogs, but the dedicated park area ensures they have ample space to enjoy themselves. Remember to bring water and waste bags for your pet's comfort and to keep the park clean.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Beyond the beach, the disc golf course offers another opportunity for physical activity. The entire site encourages movement and exploration, from the trails to the beach itself. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes and consider a walking stick for the descent.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Rocky Shoreline
One of the most striking features is the giant tree stump that rests on the beach, a popular and unusual landmark for photos. The rugged, rocky shoreline provides a dramatic backdrop for photography, with waves crashing against the formations. While the waves can be high, making swimming less advisable, the visual spectacle of the ocean meeting the rocks is captivating.
For those who enjoy beachcombing, the abundance of small rocks offers a different kind of treasure hunt compared to finding shells. The area is also known for its scenic views, even from the parking lot, making it a worthwhile stop for its natural beauty and unique geological features.
Activities Beyond the Beach
For recreation enthusiasts, the site features a 9-hole disc golf course. This offers a fun and engaging activity for both experienced players and beginners looking to enjoy a round amidst the natural surroundings. The course is integrated into the park's landscape, adding to the overall appeal of the recreation area.
Even if you don't plan on extensive beach exploration, the scenic views from the parking lot and surrounding areas are noteworthy. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply to soak in the coastal atmosphere. The combination of these diverse activities makes McVay Rock a well-rounded destination for a variety of visitors.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit