Secret Beach Natural Bridge2.mp4

Can You Keep a Secret?

Hike to Secret Beach and Visit Natural Bridges on the Oregon Coast

12.15.2021
Two hikers making their way down to Secret Beach on the Southern Oregon Coast

The Southern Oregon Coast’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor between Gold Beach and Brookings has so many sights to see, it’s hard to know where to spend your time. We like this trio of suggestions because you can do them as a three-in-a-row jackpot of coastal wonders.

Natural Bridges on the Oregon Coast

Two friends walking together on the sand at Secret Beach

Two people sitting on the beach overlooking the estuary and ocean at Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast

Start with Natural Bridges Viewpoint, an easy-to-reach vantage of hulking, weathered sea arches amid a cove of turquoise sea. There’s an overlook for a postcard perspective and you can follow some rugged trails down to the base of one of the bridges. Just mind your footing—it gets steep in sections.

A person jumping across the estuary water at Secret Beach on the Oregon Coast

Two friends walking on Secret Beach at sunset on the Oregon Coast

Natural Bridges Oregon Coast

Next up, Secret Beach. Given that name, it’s easy to surmise that this sandy haven is not marked, so you have to know where to park to find it. (The trailhead for Secret Beach is just north of the Miller Creek sign on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Look for other cars pulled out on the small gravel parking areas.) Located near Brookings, the beach is accessible on a 0.75-mile hike with just a bit of rock scrambling required once you get to the beach entrance.

Waterfalls and tucked-away coves await. If low tide favors the timing, visit later in the day for a sun-sational viewing of the sea stacks. Remember to pack out what you packed in as part of responsible travel.

Two people at a viewing platform overlooking Arch Rock. on the Oregon Coast

Finally, get a look at Arch Rock, less than a mile north down the road. It’s a short and easy walk from the parking area to the viewpoint overlooking this behemoth arched formation carved by erosion and pummeled by mercurial waves.

Go Guided! In spring, summer, and early fall, have a ball on the Oregon Coast with a rollicking ride aboard Jerry Rogue Jets. The nature-based jet boat tours into the remote Rogue River Wilderness are considered a bucket list must on the Oregon Coast.

Stay: The South Coast’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor runs along Highway 101 between Gold Beach and Brookings, so basecamp in either location and enjoy the friendly local hospitality, from lodgings to supermarkets and restaurants.

Discover Oregon's 7 Distinct Regions and Get More Trip Ideas.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  2. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

  3. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  4. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

    View

  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

    View

  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

    View