The Oregon Coast is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. While popular spots like Cannon Beach and Newport draw significant attention, there are lesser-known beaches that offer serene beauty and solitude. This guide will take you through some of the hidden gem beaches along the Oregon Coast, perfect for those seeking a more secluded coastal experience.
The Oregon Coast stretches over 360 miles, offering a wide variety of landscapes, from sandy dunes to rocky headlands. While many tourists flock to the well-known beaches, there are countless hidden spots waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer peace, tranquility, and a chance to connect with nature without the crowds. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best-kept secrets along the Oregon Coast.
1. Hug Point State Recreation Site
Hug Point is not just a beach; it’s an experience. Located just five miles south of Cannon Beach, this secluded spot offers a glimpse into Oregon’s coastal history. The beach is named after the old coastal road that travelers had to “hug” to get around the point during low tide.
Highlights:
- Sea Caves: Explore the sea caves that are only accessible during low tide. These natural formations are perfect for photography and offer a sense of adventure.
- Waterfall: A small, picturesque waterfall cascades directly onto the beach, creating a unique landscape that is both peaceful and stunning.
Hug Point is a place where history meets natural beauty, making it a must-visit for those exploring hidden beaches on the Oregon Coast.
2. Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park)
Tucked away in Oswald West State Park, Short Sand Beach, often referred to as “Shorty’s,” is a favorite among locals. Surrounded by lush old-growth forests, this crescent-shaped beach is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Highlights:
- Surfing: Despite its hidden nature, Short Sand Beach is a popular spot for surfers. The waves here are gentle, making it an excellent spot for beginners.
- Hiking: The hike to the beach is an adventure in itself, with a trail that winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the coastline.
Whether you’re here to surf, hike, or simply relax, Short Sand Beach provides a tranquil setting that’s hard to beat.
3. Secret Beach (Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor)
As the name suggests, Secret Beach is one of the most secluded and hidden beaches along the Oregon Coast. Located within the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, this beach is not easy to find, but the effort is well worth it.
Highlights:
- Seclusion: The remoteness of Secret Beach means you’ll likely have the place to yourself. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet picnic or some peaceful reflection.
- Rock Formations: The beach is surrounded by dramatic rock formations and sea stacks, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
If you’re looking for a true hidden gem, Secret Beach is the place to be.
4. Oceanside Beach
Oceanside Beach, located in the small town of Oceanside, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular spots. However, this quiet beach offers stunning views and a unique tunnel that leads to a hidden section of the beach.
Highlights:
- Tunnel Beach: A man-made tunnel through Maxwell Point opens up to a secluded section of the beach, known as Tunnel Beach. It’s a perfect spot for exploring tide pools and enjoying the solitude.
- Three Arch Rocks: Offshore, you’ll find the Three Arch Rocks, a National Wildlife Refuge home to seabirds and sea lions. The views of these rocks from the beach are simply stunning.
Oceanside Beach is a tranquil spot that’s perfect for a quiet day by the sea.
5. Bandon Beach
Bandon Beach, located in the charming town of Bandon, is known for its dramatic rock formations and stunning sunsets. While it’s more well-known than some of the other beaches on this list, it still offers plenty of hidden spots to explore.
Highlights:
- Face Rock: The iconic Face Rock is a massive sea stack that resembles a face looking up at the sky. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon Coast.
- Tide Pools: The beach is home to some incredible tide pools, filled with colorful sea creatures like starfish, anemones, and crabs.
Bandon Beach offers a mix of natural beauty and hidden spots, making it a must-visit on any trip to the Oregon Coast.
6. Arch Cape
Just south of Cannon Beach, Arch Cape is a small, quiet beach with stunning views and unique rock formations. This hidden gem is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea.
Highlights:
- Arch Rock: The beach is named after Arch Rock, a natural arch formation that adds to the beauty of the landscape.
- Seclusion: Arch Cape is often overlooked by tourists, making it a great spot for a quiet beach day.
Arch Cape is a beautiful, tranquil spot that offers stunning scenery without the crowds.
7. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
While Cape Kiwanda is more well-known, it’s still possible to find secluded spots along its expansive beach. Located in Pacific City, this area offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Oregon.
Highlights:
- Sand Dunes: The massive sand dunes are a highlight of Cape Kiwanda. Climbing to the top offers incredible views of the coast and the Pacific Ocean.
- Haystack Rock: Not to be confused with the Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, this Haystack Rock is a large sea stack just offshore, creating a stunning focal point for the beach.
Cape Kiwanda offers a mix of adventure and beauty, making it a must-visit spot on the Oregon Coast.
8. Neskowin Beach
Neskowin Beach is a true hidden gem, located in the small town of Neskowin. This beach is famous for the “ghost forest,” the remnants of an ancient Sitka spruce forest that was buried by an earthquake over 2,000 years ago.
Highlights:
- Ghost Forest: The ghost forest is a hauntingly beautiful sight, with the stumps of ancient trees visible at low tide.
- Proposal Rock: A large sea stack just offshore, Proposal Rock adds to the beauty of Neskowin Beach and is a popular spot for photography.
Neskowin Beach offers a unique and tranquil setting, perfect for those looking to explore the more mysterious side of the Oregon Coast.
9. Whaleshead Beach (Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor)
Another hidden gem within the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Whaleshead Beach is a stunning, secluded spot that offers incredible views and unique rock formations.
Highlights:
- Whaleshead Rock: The beach is named after Whaleshead Rock, a sea stack that resembles the head of a whale. The rock formations here are truly spectacular.
- Seclusion: Like many of the beaches within the corridor, Whaleshead Beach is relatively secluded, making it a great spot for a peaceful day by the sea.
Whaleshead Beach is a perfect example of the natural beauty that can be found along the less-traveled parts of the Oregon Coast.
10. Cape Blanco State Park
Cape Blanco State Park is home to the westernmost point in Oregon and offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the state. The park’s beach is a hidden gem, offering stunning views and a peaceful setting.
Highlights:
- Cape Blanco Lighthouse: The lighthouse is one of the oldest in Oregon and offers tours to visitors. The views from the lighthouse are breathtaking.
- Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, harbor seals, and numerous bird species.
Cape Blanco offers a mix of history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit spot for those exploring hidden beaches along the Oregon Coast.
Conclusion
The Oregon Coast is full of hidden gem beaches waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for seclusion, adventure, or simply a peaceful day by the sea, these lesser-known beaches offer something for everyone. So next time you plan a trip to the Oregon Coast, be sure to explore some of these hidden
