Samuel H. Boardman: 8 Best Stops (Natural Bridges, Secret Beach & More)

The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor might be the most stunning stretch of the Oregon Coast.

OK, we say that about a lot of places on the coast. But Boardman really is that good. Think sea stacks, natural rock bridges, hidden beaches, and cliffside trails packed into about 12 miles of Highway 101.

The catch? Signage is minimal and the best spots aren’t obvious. So here’s every stop worth making, south to north, plus where to park for Secret Beach.

What Is the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor?

It’s a skinny, 12-mile state park running along Highway 101 between Brookings and Gold Beach on the southern Oregon Coast. The Oregon Coast Trail runs through the whole thing.

There’s no visitor center or main entrance. Instead, you hop between pullouts and viewpoints along the highway, then walk short trails out to the views.

How Long Are the Hikes?

Short! Most are under a couple of miles, and some are barely a walk. Many trails link up via the Oregon Coast Trail, so you can either hike between stops or just drive to the next pullout.

Difficulty is all over the place, though. Some trails are an easy beach stroll. Others are steep, loose dirt right next to a cliff edge. We’ll tell you which is which below.

Pro tip: Download offline maps before you go. Cell service is spotty, and navigation apps don’t always send you to the right trailhead here.

The Best Stops in Samuel H. Boardman (South to North)

Coming from Brookings? You’ll hit these in order. Coming from the north, just flip the list.

1. Lone Ranch

This is the first stop at the southern tip of the corridor, and it turned out to be one of our favorites. There’s a picnic area and an easy beach stroll, then a short scramble up the rocks on the left for big views down the coastline.

One warning from experience: the trail keeps going into the forest, but don’t bother. We followed it and ended up behind an apartment complex parking lot. Oops! Stick to the beach and the rocks.

2. Cape Ferrelo and House Rock

Just north of Lone Ranch, these two viewpoints give you wide-open ocean views without much effort. You can walk over from the Lone Ranch lot on the coast trail, or drive up to their own pullouts. Cape Ferrelo is a great spot to look for whales in winter and spring.

3. Whaleshead Beach

One of the best beaches in the corridor to actually hang out on. Sea stacks sit right off the sand, and you can wander around them at low tide.

The trail from here toward Indian Sands is mostly forest without many views, so do the beach first. If you’re short on time, skip the trail and just drive to the Indian Sands lot.

4. Indian Sands

This one surprised us. It’s a patch of sand dunes and wind-carved sandstone sitting on top of the cliffs, which is just weird and wonderful. It’s steep in a few spots but overall pretty manageable.

Short on time? Park at the Indian Sands lot and do the small loop out to the dunes. You’ll get the best views and skip a couple of miles.

5. Thomas Creek Bridge

You’ll drive right over it, so you might as well know: this is the tallest bridge in Oregon, about 345 feet above the creek. Slow down and enjoy the view as you cross, and don’t go hunting for a way down to it. The edges are sheer and there’s no safe trail.

6. Natural Bridges

This is the famous one, and probably what made you look up Boardman in the first place. Seven rock arches stretch across a little cove, and they look unreal.

Park at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint (around milepost 346) and take the short paved path to the viewing platform. That’s the classic view, and it’s easy.

You’ll see social trails heading down the cliffs toward the bridges. Be honest with yourself here. They’re steep, loose dirt with very little to hold onto, and they end at a drop. Don’t walk out onto the bridges. People have died here, and the state parks folks are very clear about it.

Want a different angle without the risk? Keep going on the main Oregon Coast Trail past the platform for more views from above.

7. Secret Beach

Not much of a secret anymore, but still one of the coolest beaches on the whole coast. A little waterfall spills onto the sand, with sea stacks all around.

Where to park: There’s no parking on the Highway 101 shoulder near Secret Beach. That stretch has guardrails and No Parking signs, so skip any map pin that sends you to a roadside pullout.

Use one of the four official (and free) lots instead:

• Thunder Rock Cove (milepost 345.8): The best option. About 1 mile round trip with roughly 400 feet of elevation.
• Spruce Island Viewpoint (milepost 345.0): Another short option.
• Natural Bridges Viewpoint (milepost 346): Walk a short way north to the Thunder Rock Cove trailhead.
• Arch Rock (milepost 344.8): The longest hike, about 2.5 miles round trip, but it’s the only one with restrooms.

From Thunder Rock Cove, follow the Oregon Coast Trail north and keep right at the junctions. You’ll cross a creek on a little footbridge, then scramble down the rocks to the sand. That last bit takes some hands-and-feet climbing.

Go at low tide only. Waves cover the beach at high tide, and it’s no place to be in a storm. If one lot is full, just try the next one.

8. Arch Rock

Not really a hike, just a viewpoint and picnic area with a short loop. But it’s pretty, there are restrooms, and it’s a great sunset spot. Pop by on your way through.

Going Beyond Samuel H. Boardman

Got an extra half day? These spots are just north of the corridor toward Gold Beach.

• Mouth of the Pistol River: A surprisingly fun beach walk over sand dunes out to massive sea stacks. There’s no marked path over the dunes, so leave yourself a marker to find your way back. It’s WINDY, so bring a jacket and sunglasses.
• Lola Lake Trail: A shorter, easier forest trail that also gets you out to the Pistol River sea stacks.
• Otter Point: A quick walk to big views just north of Gold Beach. Great with a morning coffee.

Camping Near Samuel H. Boardman

Camping is the way to go here if you ask us. Two good options:

• Harris Beach State Park: Right in Brookings at the south end, with a prime location. It books up in summer, so reserve ahead.
• Indian Creek RV Park: In Gold Beach. We stayed here when Harris was full and loved it. Friendly staff, showers, and fire pits at the sites.

Tips for Visiting Samuel H. Boardman

• Bring a windbreaker: Any time of year. The wind almost never stops, and rain shows up randomly.
• Wear real hiking shoes: No sandals. And this is coming from someone who lives in flip-flops.
• Pack food and water: There’s nothing along this stretch of road. Keep snacks in the car.
• Check the tides: Secret Beach, Whaleshead, and the other beaches are best (and safest) at low tide.
• Stay on official trails: Social trails here can lead to cliff edges. Short trails doesn’t mean safe trails.
• Hide your valuables: We saw broken car glass at a few of the lots. Don’t leave anything shiny in sight.

Where to Stay Near Samuel H. Boardman

Brookings sits right at the south end and has the most options, plus a harbor full of seafood spots. Gold Beach is at the north end and works great if you’re continuing up the coast.

Final Thoughts

Samuel H. Boardman packs more jaw-dropping views into 12 miles than most places do in 100. Give it at least half a day, a full day if you want to do Secret Beach at low tide.

Just park in the official lots, respect the cliffs, and leave the Natural Bridges to the photos.

We hope this helped you plan your trip to Samuel H. Boardman!

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