Tunnel Beach Maxwell Point
Discover a hidden cove through a 90-foot tunnel carved into a cliff, offering dramatic scenery and tide pool exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore tide pools & caves
Tunnel Beach Maxwell Point
Best Time
Explore tide pools & caves
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden cove through a 90-foot tunnel carved into a cliff, offering dramatic scenery and tide pool exploration.
"It felt like stepping into another world, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and listening to the roar of the ocean."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path and tunnel floor are uneven and rocky. Good grip is essential!
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Crucial for safe access! High tide can flood the tunnel. Aim for low to mid-tide.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Man-Made Tunnel
Maxwell Point
Walk through a 90-foot tunnel carved into a basalt cliff, a unique passage to a hidden cove.
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Secluded Cove
Beyond the tunnel
Discover a dramatic, secluded beach framed by towering sandstone cliffs and striking rock formations.
Tide Pools and Caves
Beach at low tide
Explore fascinating tide pools and sea caves teeming with marine life during low tide.
Sea Stack Views
From the beach
Admire the rugged beauty of sea stacks and the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Tide Awareness
Trek Smart: Footwear and Fitness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path and tunnel floor are uneven and rocky. Good grip is essential! +1
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Crucial for safe access! High tide can flood the tunnel. Aim for low to mid-tide.
💧 Bring Water
The climb back up can be strenuous, especially on a warm day.
📸 Capture the Views
The tunnel portals offer unique framing for photos of the ocean.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path and tunnel floor are uneven and rocky. Good grip is essential! +1
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Crucial for safe access! High tide can flood the tunnel. Aim for low to mid-tide.
💧 Bring Water
The climb back up can be strenuous, especially on a warm day.
📸 Capture the Views
The tunnel portals offer unique framing for photos of the ocean.
🚗 Limited Parking
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tunnel Beach is a highly praised hidden gem, lauded for its unique man-made tunnel and dramatic, secluded cove. Visitors rave about the stunning cliff formations and the sense of discovery. However, the steep, rocky terrain and the critical importance of checking tide charts are frequently mentioned challenges.
"My Visit to Tunnel Beach
If there’s one place in Dunedin that truly left me speechless, it’s Tunnel Beach. The walk down to the cliffs is short but steep, and honestly, I had to stop a couple of times on the way back up to catch my breath—but every step was worth it.
The views from the track are incredible. As you descend, the ocean opens up in front of you with rugged cliffs and rolling waves. By the time I reached the historic hand-carved tunnel and walked through to the beach, it felt like stepping into another world. The cliffs rise dramatically on both sides, the rock formations are striking, and there’s this raw, untouched feeling about the place.
I went at low tide, which I highly recommend, because you can wander around the caves and explore the rock pools without worrying about the waves. Swimming isn’t an option here—the currents are too strong—but honestly, just standing there, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and listening to the roar of the ocean, was more than enough.
What I loved most was the sense of seclusion. Even with a few other visitors around, the beach feels hidden and almost secret, like you’ve stumbled upon something really special.
Tips from my visit:
Wear good shoes, the track is steep.
Bring water for the climb back up.
Go at low tide if you want to explore properly.
Sunset light makes the cliffs glow—it’s magical."
Lakshmi srikanth reddy
"My family had a great time here, they were a little scared going through the tunnel but they pushed through. When you get half way through the tunnel the ground becomes rough. Once your on the other side of the tunnel it was totally worth the rolled ankle lol, watch your step. Parking is very limited so get there early if you would like to enjoy it."
Jonathan Tavera
"Wow this was a cool place be sure to follow the beach to the other end after the tunnel if your brave trek the short climb up and around the rock for another spectacular view!"
Kevin Stowe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tunnel Beach is located near Oceanside, Oregon. Park at Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site. The entrance to the man-made tunnel through Maxwell Point is visible from the main beach.
Parking is available at Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site, but it is very limited and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arrive early to secure a spot.
The primary access is through the 90-foot man-made tunnel carved into Maxwell Point. This tunnel leads directly to the beach.
Yes, Tunnel Beach is a popular day trip from Portland. It's part of the scenic Oregon Coast drive, approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the city.
The walk down to the beach is short but steep. The tunnel floor and the beach itself are rocky and uneven, requiring good footwear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tunnel Beach is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. Access is free.
Tunnel Beach is accessible whenever the tide allows. There are no set opening or closing hours, but safety is paramount due to tide changes.
The tunnel is part of the natural access to Tunnel Beach and does not have an admission fee. It's free to pass through.
The tunnel is best entered during low to mid-tide. High tide can make the tunnel impassable or even flood it, so always check tide charts.
The main restriction is tide level. Be aware of the steep and rocky terrain, and ensure you have appropriate footwear for safety.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the unique tunnel, discover the secluded cove, wander through tide pools at low tide, admire sea stacks, and enjoy the dramatic cliff scenery.
Swimming is generally not recommended at Tunnel Beach due to strong currents and rough waves. It's more of a scenic exploration spot.
You might spot sea birds, especially around the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge. At low tide, tide pools can reveal various small marine creatures.
The tunnel is generally safe during low tide, but the floor is rough and uneven. Be cautious of loose rocks and wear sturdy shoes. Graffiti is present inside. +1
The views are spectacular, with dramatic sandstone cliffs, sea stacks, and the vast Pacific Ocean. The tunnel itself offers framed views of the sea.
📸 📸 Photography
The tunnel entrance and exit offer unique framing opportunities. The dramatic cliffs and sea stacks from the beach are also prime subjects.
Yes, sunset light makes the cliffs glow beautifully, creating a magical atmosphere for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the cliffs and tunnel. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures of the waves.
Yes, you can take photos inside the tunnel, but be mindful of the rough terrain and potential for low light. The graffiti inside is also a unique element.
There are no specific photography restrictions, but always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At low tide, the tide pools offer a fantastic opportunity for kids to discover small marine creatures. However, always supervise children closely, as the ocean can be unpredictable. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. The dramatic cliffs and sea stacks provide a sense of wonder, making it a memorable stop on an Oregon Coast road trip.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Photographers
+1 Once through, the secluded cove with its dramatic sandstone cliffs and sea stacks offers incredible photographic opportunities. Photographers will appreciate the unique framing provided by the tunnel's portals, offering artistic shots of the ocean. Visiting at sunset can yield magical light that illuminates the cliffs.
🚗 Road Trippers
+1Remember that parking is limited, so it's best to visit earlier in the day or on a weekday if possible. Always check the tide charts before you go, as this is crucial for accessing the beach safely. The combination of the tunnel, the secluded cove, and the dramatic coastal landscape makes it a memorable highlight of any coastal journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Construction of the Tunnel
+1The construction began with a round, concrete bunker-like corridor. As you move through, the man-made concrete gives way to the natural, rugged rock walls and a rugged floor, often featuring large boulders and driftwood. This transition adds to the adventurous feel of passing through.
Today, the tunnel serves as a gateway to a hidden gem, offering a unique experience that combines human ingenuity with the raw beauty of the Oregon Coast. While the original resort is gone, the tunnel remains as a testament to its history and a popular feature for visitors.
Navigating the Terrain: Safety and Footwear
Once inside the tunnel and on the beach itself, the ground is far from smooth. It's characterized by round, ocean-polished stones that shift underfoot, making it treacherous. Further along, the terrain can become even more broken and jagged, with sharp, impatient bits of rock. This unevenness means that wearing appropriate footwear is not just a suggestion, but a necessity. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are highly recommended to prevent slips and injuries.
Many visitors have noted the importance of watching your step, with some even recounting minor injuries like rolled ankles. The combination of steep inclines, shifting stones, and sharp rocks means that a mindful approach to walking is essential to fully enjoy the experience without incident.
The Magic of Tides: Timing Your Visit
Low tide is considered the optimal time to visit. During this period, the water recedes, revealing fascinating tide pools teeming with marine life and allowing for exploration of sea caves. It provides the best opportunity to wander around the rocky areas without the immediate threat of waves.
Conversely, high tide can pose significant challenges. It can make the 90-foot tunnel impassable, with water sometimes reaching into parts of it. In extreme high tides, the tunnel might be completely submerged. Therefore, timing your visit to coincide with low or mid-tide is crucial for a safe and enjoyable exploration of Tunnel Beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit