• Big Creek is an excellent spot to search for agates
Big Creek Beach is one of the spots near Yachats that is easily missed while driving along U.S. Route 101. Big Creek begins in the Central Oregon Coast Range at Saddle Mountain Spring and flows through the Siuslaw National Forest toward the ocean.
A bowstring arch bridge, Big Creek Bridge, carries the highway over the stream at milepost 175. The bridge is 180 feet (55 m) long and features a single 120-foot reinforced concrete tied arch. It was designed by Conde McCullough and opened to traffic in 1931.
Big Creek Beachcombing & Rockhounding
Big Creek Beach offers excellent opportunities to find high-quality specimens. The most common minerals you can find here are jasper, agate, and petrified wood. Less common finds may include zeolite-bearing basalt, and marine fossils.
Some minerals, like agates, can be picked up easily, while others require more effort. Marine fossils and zeolite-filled amygdules are often attached to or embedded within rock. A hammer and a geology pick can help safely extract these specimens. Always wear proper eye protection when using tools.
The area near the bridge features small parking lots on both sides of the road. Undeveloped beach access can be found on the west side of the road. Head down to the sand to see what this spot has to offer!
Cautions: Beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwoods, sneaker waves and never turn your back on the ocean.
Big Creek Beach Camping and Lodging
There is no camping allowed at the Big Creek Beach. The beach is located a few miles away from the coastal cities of Yachats and Florence. So, you can find numerous affordable lodging or vacation rentals near the beach.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Florence
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Yachats
Big Creek Beach | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: None
Activities: Beachcombing
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any vehicles
Day-use fees: None
Big Creek Beach is located:
- 10 miles south of Yachats
- 15 miles north of Florence
- 90 miles west of Eugene.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Big Creek Beach
From Florence,
- Drive north on Highway 101 for about 15 miles, and take the pullout on the right just after crossing the bridge.
The trail to the beach is found at a small pullout for two cars on the left side of the road.