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Sightseeing
The drive
Visit the Natural Arch or travel further north to the world-renowned Pistol River. Whether hiking, fishing, strolling along wide-open beaches, surfing, whale and bird watching, or just sitting and absorbing the stunning scenery, it will be the highlight of your coast vacation.
Brookings - Harbor straddles the mouth of the Wild and Scenic Chetco River and is the western gateway to the Siskiyou National Forest and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness.
Brookings is also home to the northern most stand of redwoods. For more information visit the Oregon redwoods web page.
What to See While Visiting Brookings, Oregon
Sightseeing
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. Marvel at Arch Rock, the Natural Bridges, and the shore birds or position yourself to watch the migrating whales. These breathtaking views are easily accessed from US Highway 101 for the casual traveler to what might be the most amazing scenery on the Pacific Coast. Hike portions of the 27-mile Oregon Coast Trail that starts just north of Brookings near House Rock and continue to Arch Rock. Harris Beach State Park with yurts, cabins, camping and full hookups is also just north of Brookings. Enjoy the California sea lions, Harbor seals, and go tide pooling at the rich marine gardens.
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.
Arch Rock
Arch Rock is a natural bridge located just off shore in the blue Pacific ocean. A convenient parking lot just off Route 101 offers ample parking and a short paved walk is just the place to try out that digital camera.
Arch Rock is the near the northern end of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor and is also the northern end of a long stretch of the Oregon Coast Trail that rarely touches US Route 101. This portion of the trail offers stunning views and is well worth hiking. This unbroken portion of the trail continues south to House Rock and is excellent for day hiking.
Arch Rock is located about midway between Brookings and Gold Beach, on the Oregon coast.
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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.
Natural Bridges
This is one of the best viewpoints in the park. From the parking area, a short trail leads to a wooden viewing platform overlooking a natural bridge rock formation.
Indian Sands
From the Indian Sands parking lot, there is no view, so many people pull in and immediately return to Route 101. However, for the adventurous, the hike is worthwhile. Hike through the woods and downhill. At the bottom of the hill, turn right and head towards Indian Sands. Indian Sands is an archeological site that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places ... more
Whaleshead Beach
Whaleshead Beach is easily accessible from the road with parking, restrooms and picnic tables. Because of its easy access, the north end of the beach does attract some activity (not that any beach on this part of the coast ever gets really crowded), while the south end of the beach is usually absent of human activity. The beach is wide, even at low tide and is one of the longer beaches on the Oregon coast. Whaleshead Beach got its name because ... more
House Rock
House Rock is a viewpoint on US Route 101 north of Brookings. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.
There is a rock located off the viewpoint that resembles a house. House Rock is located just a few miles north of Brookings along route 101 and is part of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. The Pacific Coast Trail travels through this viewpoint.
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Lone Ranch Beach
Lone Ranch Beach is located 4 miles north of Brookings. Lone Ranch is one of the best places along the Pacific Coast to visit the tide pools at low tide. The rocky beach traps pools of salt water making it perfect for beginners to explore the mystery of marine life. Cape Ferrelo is immediately north of the parking area. At low tide, it is possible to walk around the base of the Cape, but be careful ... more
Harris Beach State Park
Walk the sandy beaches. Marvel at the eroded sea stacks. View the birds on Bird Island (Goat Island), the National Wildlife Sanctuary and the largest island off the Oregon coast. Enjoy the Harbor seals, the California sea lions and the rich marine gardens just waiting for your tide pooling activities. Watch the migrating gray whales during their winter and spring migrations ... more
Chetco River
The Chetco river travels through the heart of Brookings - Harbor ending in a beautiful harbor which is home to commercial and pleasure ocean fishing boats.
The Chetco runs from the Kalmiopsis Wilderness for 55 mi (88 km) and has been designated a Wild and Scenic River. Major activities include salmon and steelhead fishing, whitewater kayaking, four wheel driving, swimming, boating, camping, sightseeing, picnicking and hiking.
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Swimming Near Brookings
During the warm season, the residents can often be seen swimming or drifting down the Chetco river. It is important to note that there are no life guards at the many swimming spots. And in the spring into the early summer, the river currents can be strong and the river cold from the winter snow melts. However, if you know where to look and are careful, swimming can be fun.
Kayak and tube rentals are available for the Chetco River at:
Chetco Riverside Market
98877 N. Bank Chetco River Rd.
Brookings, OR 97415
(541) 469-4496
