Post Overview: List of the Best Things to Do at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor is snuggled between the coastal towns of Brookings and Gold Beach. To wander through this area is to be immersed in a feast for the senses.
Extravagant cliffs decorated with pines and wildflowers loom over the churning ocean, its rolling waves frequently interrupted by one outstanding natural feature after another.
This rapid succession of sea stacks, cove beaches, and 300 year old spruces intermingle to form a dazzling panoramic landscape that seems too pristine to be real.
From the steep cliffs, lush emerald pine forests, grassy headlands sprinkled with wildflowers, and colossal rock formations jutting up from the sea, visiting Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a sight for sore eyes. Let’s dive right in.
History of Samuel H. Boardman
Situated along Highway 101, this 12-mile segment of coastline was preserved by Samuel H Boardman, Oregon’s first state parks superintendent.
Recognizing the rare and unique beauty of the area, Boardman dreamed of preserving these rugged cliffs for future generations. He fought for more than 25 years to purchase plots of land from private owners in an effort to make it accessible to the public.
While Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor isn’t a “park” per se, it is a region specially designated because of the cluster of unique natural features to see.
Opportunities for recreational activities can be found in many other areas along the Oregon coast, but Boardman is reserved primarily for enjoying the beauty of nature itself.
Because of the distance from Portland (5-hour drive), many of the small towns along the southern coast tend to remain mysteries to those of us who live in Portland. I mean, anywhere you go along the coast will be time well spent, but the southern beaches feel more wild and remote than their northern neighbors.
Best Things to Do Samuel H. Boardman
Listed from north to south along Highway 101, below is a list of the best things to do at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor.
Most of these stops have small parking lots and require very short walks on paved paths to reach the viewpoints. I’ve included a few options for longer hikes and beach access as well.
(Click here for the table of contents)
For those asking, while visiting Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, I typically base myself out of this hotel.
Arch Rock
The first viewpoint you’ll reach when visiting Samuel H Boardman driving from the north is Arch Rock. There’s plenty of parking available in the lot and picnic tables to set up if you’re already feeling peckish.
A short 0.3 mile loop leads you to your first stunning vista of this adventure: Arch Rock viewpoint. Standing on a cliff overlooking the sea provides an excellent vantage point for spotting whales as they breach offshore, or simply soaking up the stunning ocean views.
Secret Beach
Not so much a secret anymore, this relatively low-traffic beach still feels like a gem. Take the 1.6 mile trek down to the shore through fragrant emerald spruce and pine forest.
There’s a few intersecting trails you can take here, all of which are unmarked, so arriving on the sand takes a bit more effort than most of the other viewpoints along this journey. Just follow the ocean and you’ll make it eventually!
I know it can be intimidating to navigate trails, but these paths either go straight to the coast or back to the parking lot, so rest assured. Be sure to begin the trail at the Thunder Cove parking area. I think that’s an easier start point because it’s more clearly marked and less steep of a hike.
No matter which way you take down you’ll get to peek at the ocean over gently sloping cliff sides bursting with colorful grasses (and wildflowers in late spring and early summer).
Enjoying Secret Beach is one of the most popular things to see at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, you won’t want to miss it!
Good to Know: Secret Beach makes an appearance on my roundup of the most beautiful beaches at the Oregon coast.
China Beach
I recommend reaching China Beach from the North Island viewpoint (signs for it are marked along highway 101). Park here to simply enjoy the view, or continue down a 0.6 mile footpath down to the beach, which is absolutely worth the trek!
China Beach is a long, flat expanse of sand that lies in sharp contrast to the smaller and more rugged coves you’ll typically find while visiting Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor.
This means plenty of space to roam and relax among the gentle waves while seeing few (if any) other visitors. This is also one of the least-frequented beaches in the area which makes it perfect for finding neat driftwood, rock, and shell treasures.
There are also numerous jagged sea stacks here that can be approached at low tide, as well as a few tide pools here and there. Hike back up the way you came to return to the parking lot.
Thomas Creek Bridge
If you can peel your eyes away from the magnificent too-good-to-be-true scenery surrounding you, check out the Thomas Creek Bridge on your journey south through Boardman. This bridge is the tallest in the entire state of Oregon! While not quite as natural (or ancient) as the rock arches and sculpted cliffs, the 375 foot tall bridge is a super neat feat of modern engineering.
Natural Bridges
Natural Bridges is, hands down, the most popular spot to see at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. Folks flock here to get a good look at the alluring rock formations that rise from below the cliffs, forming interesting arches and pillars.
A short walkway leads you to a wooden platform that affords visitors a staggering glimpse of what all the fuss has been about! Two monumental rock arches stand out from the jagged cove, their surface glowing yellow and red as they curve over the sea.
Natural Bridges is one of the features that inspired Sam Boardman to spend most of his career fiercely advocating for this area, and gosh with a view like this, who could blame him?
You might enjoy reading: 10+ Jaw-Dropping Hikes at the Oregon Coast
Indian Sands
Indian Sands is an incredible testaments to the power of wind and erosion. To the untrained eye, these might seem like boring piles of sand, but they add a drama to the coastline that is unmatched.
The dunes are an important habitat for many wildlife species like elk, martens, owls, and eagles. While visiting Indian Sands is one of my favorite things to do at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, it’s clearly one of the area’s least-visited spots. If you’re looking for solitude, this place has my vote.
Whaleshead Beach
Whaleshead Rock, a giant basalt formation that resembles a whale breaching the waves, is the most notable feature at this viewpoint. The rock is surrounded by smaller sea stacks, upon which waves ceaselessly crash.
The area offers travelers picnic tables and vaulted toilets, which makes it the perfect place to stop and stay a while. The one mile long beach leaves plenty of room for everyone to spread out even during the busier summer season.
If you’re up for a hike, there’s a 3 mile loop that takes you through the misty, salty-aired woods and out to an overlook of Whaleshead Rock.
House Rock Viewpoint
This viewpoint (as well as the next on our list) is a bit of a “choose your own adventure.” Stop here to enjoy the vista at a small memorial in honor of Sam Boardman himself, or take one of many trails leading down to various secluded coves and beaches.
Whichever choice you make you’re bound to see giant pines, plenty more sea stacks, and hear the ever-present roar of the ocean as you meander these trails. One trail in particular stretches 4 miles south and leads hikers to the next stop: Cape Ferrelo.
Cape Ferrelo
Whether you arrive by car or hike the House Rock Viewpoint trail, you’ll quickly realize that Cape Ferrelo is one of the most beautiful areas at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor.
If you’re arriving by car, an easy one mile loop takes you through hedges of salal and Sitka spruce before spitting you out on a lovely and rugged beach. Along this trail you’ll travel through a “tunnel” formed by thickly-growing spruces which can feel extra mysterious on a foggy day.
Once out among the bluffs you can get amazing views of the wide open ocean as well as some sea stacks dotted at the feet of the cliffs you just hiked upon.
If you plan your visit in spring, a dazzling display of colorful wildflowers blanket the headland and surrounding hillsides and meadows–a sight not to be missed!
Lone Ranch Beach
No list of the best things to do at Samuel H. Boardman is complete without mentioning Lone Ranch Beach. The beach marks the southernmost point of the corridor, and boy does it deliver.
A small parking area offers a grassy expanse with picnic tables and fire rings, making this a great place to land for a picnic dinner at the end of a long and adventurous day.
Hopefully you have time to do a lot more than eat though, especially after making it this far down the Corridor! Lone Ranch has just as many beautiful ocean panoramas, dramatic sea stacks, and sensational views of rolling daffodil-covered hillsides as the rest of the area.
From the viewpoint here you’ll be able to look south and see some of the headlands of California! To reach the crescent-shaped beach, take a short paved footpath down to the sand.
Here you’ll discover some wonderful little tide pools exposed during low tide, and even get to walk right up to some of the closer sea stacks.
Brookings
Admittedly outside of the corridor, I’d consider visiting Brookings one best things to do at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
Brookings is a sleepy Oregon Coast town found a mere six miles from the California border. This is the southern-most coastal town in Oregon, much like the rest of the corridor, the area doesn’t see many visitors.
Brookings is known as the “Banana Belt” of the coast due to the area’s mild climate, which is warmer and sunnier than most most Oregon Coast towns. With long stretches of sandy beaches, this is a great place to enjoy breathtaking views and stretch your legs on various trails.
The town’s downtown area has a handful of local shops, galleries, and restaurants. One of my favorite spots is Chetco Brewing Company. Refusing to use additives, extracts or anything artificial, Chetco clarifies their beer using Irish moss.
You might enjoy reading: 15 Charming Oregon Coast Towns (You Can’t Help But Love)
Good to Know: Hiking the Oregon Coast Trial
One of my dreams is to hike the length of the Oregon Coast Trail, a footpath that spans over 360 miles down the length of the coast.
Taking on the entire length is still a pie in the sky dream, but seeing bits and pieces of it is possible in the meantime. 18 miles of the Oregon Coast Trail can be hiked in Boardman alone.
Many of the viewpoints listed above use sections of the OCT as the primary footpath for beach and viewpoint access, why not see how far your legs (and stamina) can take you while visiting Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor?
Final Thoughts on Visiting Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
I recommend setting aside at least one full day to explore the park, but two or three days is ideal. There are so many viewpoints, natural features, and interesting sights in the surrounding area that you’ll definitely keep busy longer than expected.
While the southern coast is said to be a little sunnier than the rest of the Oregon coast, come prepared with your rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots just in case. As long as you’re dressed appropriately, you’ll have access to all the fun things to do at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
There are no camping options within the scenic corridor, but there’s plenty of lodging options just minutes away. Camp at Harris Beach State Park in one of the developed campsites, which can be reserved ahead of time online (or first come first serve upon your arrival).
Best Things to Do Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
In sum, here’s a quick list of the best things to do at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, hope you enjoyed.
- Arch Rock
- Secret Beach
- China Beach
- Thomas Creek Bridge
- Natural Bridges
- Indian Sands
- Whaleshead Beach
- House Rock
- Cape Ferello
- Lone Ranch Beach
- Oregon Coast Trial
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