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, located between the 345 and 344 US 101 mile markers. From there, head south to the entrance of the trail (located near US 101 - look for the wooden post) into a fine example of a temperate rain forest. There is a short distance (0.4 mi) to the Spruce Island parking lot, then to the spectacular scenery of the coast along a cliff edge near Deer Point. The trail then heads back to the road, then down to Secret Beach (0.9 mi), then back across a wooden footbridge across Miner Creek and up towards the Thunder Cove parking lot. Be certain to take the loop out to view Thunder Cove. This section offers some of the most spectacular views that visitors who do not venture far from their cars miss.

South from the Thunder Cove Parking lot, the trail continues towards the Natural Bridge parking area (0.2 mi) and then down to the Natural Bridge. Past the viewing area there is an unmaintained unofficial trail down to the arch. This is not recommended as there are parts that are quite steep with extremely dangerous drop offs.

Past the Natural Bridges, the trail continues with parts along the highway. Note the views south where China Beach becomes visible (0.8 mi). Because of its name, Secret Beach gets the publicity.  However, China Beach is actually more spectacular, larger and less visited. Note that it is nearly impossible to continue to travel south past a small out-cropping at high tide so plan your trip near low tide and you will not be disappointed. Also, the access trails can be difficult to spot even though they are marked by the Oregon Coast Trail wooden markers.

From the south side of China Beach, climb up towards Route 101 and the North Island Viewpoint (1.5 mi), then the Thomas Creek Bridge (0.9 mi). From Arch Rock to the Thomas Creek Bridge is about a four hour one-way hike.

The Oregon Coast Trail continues across the Thomas Creek Bridge, the highest bridge in the state of Oregon. This is the only significant section of the coast trail, from Arch Rock to House Rock, that travels on Route 101.

The section south of Thomas Creek Bridge to House Rock is another four hour one-way hike. From the Thomas Creek Bridge south parking lot, once again locate the Oregon Coast Trail wooden marker. Head south (the northern section offers a view of the bridge but is a dead end) and continue for views of hidden beaches and cliffs. The trail hugs the coast and is extremely well maintained while offering travel along the edge. Continue to Indian Sands (1.1 mi). Indian Sands is an archeological site that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon State University has found evidence of human activity there dating back more than 10,000 years (digging is forbidden by law). To the casual hiker, the most spectacular part of Indian Sands are the arch and rock outcroppings on the south side of the sandy area, so please don't rush through here and miss this sight.

From Indian Sands, hike south towards the Indian Sands parking lot (0.6 mi), then through the woods towards Whaleshead Beach (0.9 mi). Just prior to heading down towards Whaleshead, there is an unofficial trail that heads out to a point with views south towards the beach and north along the cliffs.

Whaleshead beach is a wonderful beach along the coast and is easily accessible to visitors as a road leads down to the beach. Restrooms and picnic tables are available. Follow the trail across the driveway and to the picnic area and then along the beach. The official trail shortly heads back uphill to the Whaleshead Beach viewpoint, then along Route 101. The more adventurous should continue along the beach south, towards its end. Again, it may be hard to find, but the trail picks up again with a very steep and challenging climb back up the hill towards Route 101. Keep and eye out for a different view of House Rock from the beach and during the climb.

After surviving the climb, the trail rejoins the Oregon Coast Trail and continues relatively uneventfully towards the House Rock parking lot and the view of House Rock.

The hiking from Thomas Creek Bridge to House Rock is about 4 hours one-way.

The Oregon Coast Trail continues south towards Cape Ferrelo, then onto Lone Ranch where there are restroom and picnic facilities. South of Lone Ranch, the trail continues until the Rainbow Rock Condominiums where the scenic portion of the trail ends. From there, the Oregon Coast Trail continues along Route 101, through Brookings and down to the California state line.

Download a PDF map of the hike.