Secret Beach, Oregon is one of the best-kept secrets as far as coastal hikes go. It’s truly where seclusion meets coastal beauty. Located in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor along the southern coastline it is the crown jewel of the hikes and lookouts on offer there.
About Secret Beach
The beach features a waterfall from Miller Creek that pours directly out onto the sand and into the ocean. In the right light, you can see stark contrasts and gradations in the water as they range from deep green tones to blue hues.
Secret Beach also has a unique set of sea stacks (rock formations) between 50-200 yards from the sand. It gives the beach an enclosed feeling of privacy despite the large panoramic views it offers. It also makes it great for windy days as you are sheltered from the gusts to some degree.
Another few notable things about the Secret Beach is that the lack of people and the unique geography often make it a prime location for catching a glimpse of seals and sea otters. They like to fish and play in the surf and can get very close, so it’s a perfect place for wildlife watching and photographing marine life.
What is more, is the Secret Beach Trail is just north of the Natural Bridges, and you can get a good view of them along the trail if you go at low tide. Going at low tide will also give you access to Thunder Rock Cove. This is another hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
Where is Secret Beach?
You can find the trailhead to Secret Beach by taking Highway 101. The parking spots are adjacent to the highway on the west side of the road. Google Maps is accurate for this location, so if you search “Secret Beach Trailhead,” you’ll find it with no problems.
The Secret Beach Trail
The full Secret Beach trail is 1.56 miles if you do it all, but be aware that the secret beach is on the third point marked below by the black dot. The trail is quite wonderful and felt worth doing to walk through the enchanting forest, but you can cheat a bit if you want.
Each of the three points is a dead end where you have to backtrack to continue along the trail, and the elevation can be a little much, especially if you just want to get to the beach and explore there.
By taking the second route I’ve marked in blue, you reduce the total length to .51 miles and significantly reduce the elevation gain from 374 ft to 30 ft.
The Best Time to Go to Secret Beach
The best time to visit Secret Beach is during low tide because it offers a completely different experience compared to high tide. Accessing Secret Beach during low tide grants you the opportunity to explore all four Secret beaches that compose the entire area, which is something not widely known.
On the other hand, if you visit during high tide, you’ll only have access to one beach and limited hiking options. However, during low tide, you’ll be able to fully explore the entire Secret Beach area, including four beaches, Oregon sea caves, multiple hiking trails, and enjoy a much better overall experience.
It’s essential to plan your visit carefully, considering the tide times, which vary and change. You can check the tide times for the area here.
During low tide, you’ll have several hours to explore Secret Beach, giving you ample time to appreciate its beauty. Timing is crucial, as arriving at the peak of low tide ensures you won’t miss out on the stunning sea caves and other captivating sights.
One of the highlights is Thunder Rock Cove, a breathtaking “secret” cove located south of Secret Beach. To make the most of your exploration, it’s important to go during peak low tide to have sufficient time to enjoy this area.
Final tips: If are going to go exploring around Secret Beach you’ll want to have a good pair of boots and hiking poles for the trip back. There is some elevation, and the trails can become muddy and slick. Check out our gear here if you are looking for a good set.
FAQs about Oregon’s Secret Beach
Located within the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Secret Beach lies between the Oregon coastal towns of Brookings and Gold Beach. Since there are no signs indicating its access along Oregon Highway 101, it is quite easy to overlook the stop unless you mark it on your maps.
To get to Oregon’s Secret Beach, you’ll need to park off highway 101 and hike down the 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Brookings, Oregon. The parking area is signed and appears on Google Maps.
Yes, there is a Secret Beach in Oregon even during high tide. However, during high tide, access is limited to one beach and a hike, and it’s recommended to visit during low tide for a more extensive and enjoyable experience, as it provides access to the entire Secret Beach area, including four beaches, sea caves, multiple hikes, and a better overall experience.