• Fogarty Creek is a scenic cove beach located 3 miles north of Depoe Bay
• The area offers beachcombing, hiking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities
Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area is located 3 miles north of Depoe Bay and 10 miles south of Lincoln City. Established in the 1950s, the park is named after local judge John Fogarty.
Fogarty Beach, part of the state recreation area, is a scenic cove bisected by Fogarty Creek and featuring interesting rock formations. The beach is sheltered by surrounding cliffs, which protect it from strong coastal winds.
This small, narrow beach is ideal for beachcombing, exploring tide pools, birdwatching, and fishing. Tide pools are best explored at low tide, which also helps visitors avoid sneaker waves.
There are two access points to the beach: from the south and north sides of the creek. The north parking area offers the shortest hike to the beach, passing beneath the highway bridge along Fogarty Creek.
A wooden bridge connects the north and south parking areas.
The area is a day-use site, with picnic tables and a covered picnic shelter shaded by coastal trees. The beach can be popular and crowded during summer weekends, so plan accordingly.
Rockhounding
Fogarty Beach is an excellent place to search for agates. Also, be on the lookout for jasper, petrified wood, and invertebrate fossils. The beach is composed of coarse sand. There is a mound of gravel at the creek and the northern cliff.
Before you go, check Rules and Rockhounding Regulation for Oregon Coast and Oregon State Parks.
The best time for rock hunting is between November and April when winter storms and king tides remove the top of sand layers.
Note: A permit is required to collect vertebrate fossils.
Cautions: Beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwoods, sneaker waves and never turn your back to the ocean.
Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area Camping and Lodging
There is no camping permitted on the beach. The nearest lodging is available in Lincoln City or Depoe Bay.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Lincoln City
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Depoe Bay
Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area | Facts
Open: Year-round for day-use
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: Picnic tables, picnic shelters, flash restrooms
Activities: Beachcombing, hiking, fishing, and picnicking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any vehicles
Day-use fees: None
Fogarty Creek Beach is located:
- 10 miles south of Lincoln City
- 68 miles west of Salem
- 100 miles southwest of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Fogarty Creek
From Lincoln City,
- Travel 10 miles south on Highway 101 to the destination on the left between mileposts 125 and 126.