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Hike near Brookings, Oregon
Brookings - Harbor is the western gateway to the nearly 180,000 acre Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the Siskiyou National Forest. Travel up the Wild and Scenic Chetco River for a trip into the wild. Vacation in a comfortable hotel in town, camp along the Chetco, or rent one of the shelters that belong to the Forest Service. Or travel north and hike along the Pacific Coast Trail and enjoy the views. Visit one of the many parks,
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
The stunning Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile stretch along the coast, of forested park with its spectacular coastline, rocky outcroppings, and smooth, sandy beaches. Hike portions of the 27-mile Oregon Coast Trail that starts just north of Brookings near House Rock and continue north to Arch Rock. Access to day hikes is easy from any of the convenient access points on US Route 101, north of Brookings.
The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor starts just north of Brookings Harbor and continues to about half way to Gold Beach. For more information, download a brochure of the park.
Oregon Coast Trail - Arch Rock to Lone Ranch
The Oregon Coast Trail, between Brookings and Gold Beach offers a long unbroken section with some of the finest scenery on the coast. The trail is well maintained, yet it is not crowded. Perfect for day hikes, there are ample parking areas along this section of the coast for easy access. Hike as far as you want, then return to your car. Or better yet, take two cars and cover a larger area in the same amount of time. On the north, start at Arch Rock, ... more
Spruce Island
The Spruce Island Viewpoint is located north of Brookings near US Route 101 mile marker 345. It is also a favorite parking lot for those hiking to Secret Beach.
South from the parking lot, there is about a 0.3 mile hike along the Oregon Coast Trail to a view of Spruce Island. Continue along the trail and visit the not-so-secret picturesque Secret Beach and Miner Creek.
North from the parking lot, the coast trail leads to Arch Rock Park. The hike is about 1/2 a mile and is fairly easy.
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is a very small beach located on a trail just south of Spruce Island Viewpoint and north of Thunder Rock Cove. There are two theories as to how this beach got its name. One is that there is not an official parking lot or designation. The other is that the furthest of the three beaches is only accessible during exceptionally low tides and was visited by only a few people each year. Secret Beach is hardly a secret anymore and, although very pretty, it is visited by tourists. The first beach is accessible at any tide. Follow the path down to the parking area, then there is a steep and somewhat challenging climb down a rock, across a small stream to a beach. At low tide, it is possible ... more
Thunder Rock Cove
Thunder Rock Cove is a little visited parking area north of Brookings because little is visible from the lot. However, be certain to take the hiking loop out to view the rocks out to Thunder Cove. This section offers some of the most spectacular views that visitors rarely see who do not venture far from their cars. Those who take the short hike are rewarded with views of crashing waves, tiny beaches and inlets as well as a collection of marine birds. The well maintained trail gets right up to the edge, so be certain to watch the children and pets. The trail is a portion of the Pacific Coast Trail.
From the parking lot, when reaching the trail head to the right for the best views and follow the loop. Continue after the loop for a hike down to Secret Beach.
There is an unofficial trail to the left, but it is not well maintained and it is not recommended.
China Beach
China Beach is a secluded beach in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor north of Brookings. Located between the viewpoints for North Island and Natural Bridges, there is a moderate to steep hike to reach this wide secluded beach. The hike is about 0.7 mile (1.1 km) but drops about 350 feet (110 m) with some slippery gravel. There is an additional unmarked parking lot at roughly the 347 mile marker on Route 101 which shortens the hike to the north third of the beach. The beach is divided by a rock outcropping that cuts it into roughly 1/3 (north) and 2/3 (south) at high tide. This makes traveling this portion of the Oregon Coast Trail nearly impossible at times ... more
Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area
The Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area the largest wilderness in Oregon and is part of the magnificent Siskiyou National Forest. This pristine and rugged area of 180,000 acres is accessed by traveling up the north bank of the Chetco River. There are several road accesses to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, but the most popular is ... more
Chimney Camp Trail 1279
Chimney Camp Trail is an easy, almost flat hike along Wheel Creek and offers several picnicking and swimming spots. The entire trail can be hike all year, except for the the northern most part of the trail, that crosses the creek. During the rainy months, crossing the creek is difficult and can be dangerous. Hiking during this time of the year should be from the south trail head. The trail is about 5 miles round-trip.
The south trail head leaves from near the Ludlum House and Ludlum Campground. Ludlum House is a group-use rental facility that requires advance reservation.
South Trailhead: From Brookings, take US Route 101 south to Route 896 - Winchuck Road (the same turn for the Oregon Redwood Forest). Follow to Forest Service Road 1107, to 1108. The trailhead is just past the Ludlum Campground on the east side of the Wheeler Creek bridge.
North Trailhead: From Brookings, take Route 808 (South Bank Chetco River Road) to Forest Service road 1205 (Mt. Emily Road) to the trailhead.
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Oregon Redwoods Trails
Redwood Trails #1107 and #1106 are day use trails in this small section of preserved old growth Oregon Redwoods. Located a short distance south and inland of Brookings, and just north of the California State Line, this U. S. Forest Service Park offers a chance to see the redwoods away from the crowds.
These two trails are part of the same system and leave from the same parking lot. #1106 is wheelchair accessable and is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long. #1107 is 1.2 miles long, is well maintained with a few challenging grades. The Forest Service grades this hike as "difficult with steep grades", but it is not a challenge for hikers. The tallest trees are 350 feet (110 meter) and taller. There is a standing but hollow old growth redwood with a walkway into it.
From Brookings, travel south on US Route 101 to Route 896. Travel for 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to Forest Service Road 1101. The trail head is at the end of this road. There is parking, a picnic area and a restroom.
For more information, see the Forest Service website.
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Snow Camp Trail
Snow Camp is better known for its lookout, but there is also a hiking trail of the same name. The Snow Camp north trail head is at FS route 3680 and travels just south of the lookout, across Windy Valley Creek and onto FS route 1407. The first part of the trail starts out at 3900 feet and travels through a spectacular old growth forest. It then moves out into an area burned by the 2002 Biscuit Fire, a destructive blaze ... more
