
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
A 12-mile stretch of Oregon's southern coast featuring dramatic sea stacks, natural bridges, and secluded beaches accessible via scenic highway pull-o...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12-mile stretch of Oregon's southern coast featuring dramatic sea stacks, natural bridges, and secluded beaches accessible via scenic highway pull-offs.
"One of the most beautiful places I have seen! Came back for a nice sunset."

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven, especially to beaches. Proper footwear is essential for safety and enjoyment.
🚗 Pull Over Often
Numerous viewpoints and trailheads line the highway. Don't rush; stop frequently to explore.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secret Beach
South end of the corridor
A secluded cove with dramatic sea stacks and a waterfall cascading onto the sand. Worth the steep hike down!

Natural Bridges
Mid-corridor
Iconic rock formations with arches carved by the sea, offering stunning photographic opportunities.

Arch Rock
North end of the corridor
A prominent sea arch accessible via a short, paved trail with breathtaking ocean vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Scenic Drive
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven, especially to beaches. Proper footwear is essential for safety and enjoyment.
🚗 Pull Over Often
Numerous viewpoints and trailheads line the highway. Don't rush; stop frequently to explore.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Access to some beaches, like Secret Beach, is tide-dependent. Plan accordingly to avoid getting stranded.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Bring your camera! The dramatic coastline, sea stacks, and arches offer endless photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven, especially to beaches. Proper footwear is essential for safety and enjoyment.
🚗 Pull Over Often
Numerous viewpoints and trailheads line the highway. Don't rush; stop frequently to explore.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Access to some beaches, like Secret Beach, is tide-dependent. Plan accordingly to avoid getting stranded.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Bring your camera! The dramatic coastline, sea stacks, and arches offer endless photo opportunities.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation along the corridor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor for its breathtaking, dramatic coastal scenery and numerous viewpoints. Many highlight Secret Beach and Natural Bridges as must-see spots, appreciating the raw, untamed beauty. However, some note that trails can be steep and challenging, requiring good footwear and caution, and that cell service is unreliable.
"Drove along the Samuel H. Boardman scenic corridor with a rental car. So many stops and trails along the way! My favorite was the not so “Secret Beach” was a steep way down to get to it and an even steeper incline going back up. Make sure to wear proper shoes, but so worth the amazing views! There is a waterfall that lets outs into the ocean. One of the most beautiful places I have seen! Came back for a nice sunset."
Nathalie Sper
"Very cool hike! Took about 30ish minutes from car and back with two labs. I highly recommend checking out. The hike was moderate. Lots of beautiful vista's seen from the cliffs. Be very careful though because a slip or a stumble could send you over."
R. McGill
"An absolutely gorgeous stretch of the Oregon coast! You can easily spend a couple of days exploring all the spots and discovering some new ones! My favorites were Natural Bridges and Secret Beach, but we also checked out Arch Rock, Lone Ranch Beach, and Cape Ferrelo for an amazing sunset!"
Chaco Ruiz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The corridor is located along U.S. Route 101 in southern Oregon. It's a scenic drive with numerous pull-offs and trailheads accessible directly from the highway. There are no specific entrance gates; you simply drive along the route and stop at points of interest.
Yes, most viewpoints and trailheads have designated parking areas. These can fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transportation is very limited in this remote coastal area. Driving your own vehicle or a rental car is the most practical way to explore the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
The best way to navigate is by driving south on Highway 101. This allows you to easily access the viewpoints on the ocean side. Many visitors recommend stopping at the viewpoints and then driving to the next one.
There are no official visitor centers directly within the corridor itself. Information can often be found at nearby state park offices or visitor centers in Brookings or Gold Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. It is a public park managed by Oregon State Parks.
The corridor is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, access to specific trails or beaches may be affected by daylight hours and tide conditions.
While there aren't official guided tours, many local tour operators in Brookings offer coastal tours that may include stops within the corridor. Independent exploration is also very popular.
General park rules apply, such as staying on marked trails and respecting wildlife. Be aware of steep drop-offs and ocean conditions.
While you can drive the entire length in a few hours, truly exploring all the viewpoints and short hikes can easily take a full day or even two if you want to linger.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key highlights include Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, Lone Ranch Beach, and Cape Ferrelo. Each offers unique coastal scenery and photo opportunities.
Trail difficulty varies. Some viewpoints have paved, easy access, while trails to beaches like Secret Beach are steep and can be challenging. Moderate fitness is recommended for beach access.
Activities include hiking, photography, picnicking, beachcombing, and enjoying the panoramic ocean views. Fishing is also possible from some areas.
Be extremely cautious near cliff edges. The terrain can be unstable, and a slip or stumble could be dangerous. Always stay on marked paths and maintain a safe distance from the edge.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents, cold water, and rough surf. The beaches are best enjoyed for walking and exploring.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, and Arch Rock are prime photography locations. The dramatic sea stacks, arches, and coastal landscapes are stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Late afternoon and early morning offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a warm glow on the scenery. Sunsets at Cape Ferrelo are particularly spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A tripod can be useful for long exposures, especially during sunrise/sunset or if you want to capture the waterfall at Secret Beach.
Look for the waterfall at Secret Beach, the sea stacks at Natural Bridges, and the unique arch formations. The panoramic views from the cliff tops are also incredible.
Explore less-visited pull-offs, hike down to the beaches (safely!), and experiment with different angles and compositions. Capturing the changing light and weather can add drama to your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Secret Beach
Many visitors describe the descent as strenuous and the ascent even more so, making it a moderate to difficult hike for some. Despite the physical demands, the reward is a stunning natural amphitheater of rock formations and crashing waves. Photographers often flock here, especially during golden hour, to capture the ethereal beauty of the waterfall meeting the ocean. Remember to pack water and be prepared for a good workout on your way back up.
The Majesty of Natural Bridges
Accessible via a short, well-maintained trail from a dedicated parking area, Natural Bridges is a must-stop for most visitors. It's particularly captivating during sunrise and sunset when the light plays dramatically across the rock formations and the water. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture stunning shots, with various angles and compositions available from the viewing platforms. The sheer scale and beauty of Natural Bridges make it a memorable highlight of any trip along this scenic stretch of the Oregon Coast.
Navigating the Corridor Safely
When exploring trails, particularly those leading to beaches or cliff edges, extreme caution is advised. The terrain can be steep, loose, and slippery, especially after rain. Wearing appropriate footwear with good traction is non-negotiable. Redditors frequently warn about the steepness of trails like the one to Secret Beach, emphasizing that the climb back up can be more challenging than the descent. Always stay on marked paths and never venture too close to cliff edges, as the ground can be unstable. Cell service is notoriously unreliable throughout the corridor, so downloading offline maps and informing someone of your itinerary is a wise precaution.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit