Hobbit Beach – A Piece of the Middle-Earth on the Oregon Coast

Hobbit Beach is a mesmerizing spot bringing together a thick Pacific Northwest forest full of Sitka spruce that abruptly ends with a sandy beach, incoming waves of the mighty Pacific Ocean, and Heceta Head at its southern end.

Situated just 13 miles north of Florence along Highway 101, Hobbit Beach beckons adventurers with a moderately challenging and scenic trail, covering approximately 0.5 miles from the parking area to the shore. The trailhead diverges into two paths, with the right leading to Hobbit Beach and the left extending into a 1.5-mile trek towards the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Once you step on the Hobbit Trail, you enter the enchanting coastal forest adorned with towering moss-covered Sitka spruce and dense rhododendrons. The winding trail descends gracefully, guiding you to the secluded sandy Hobbit Beach.

At the end of the trail, a choice awaits—continue along the pathway or traverse a short tunnel formed by water cascading down the hill beneath thick vegetation. This natural arch gives this place a unique charm, almost as if it came out of the pages written by J.R.R. Tolkien, and a hobbit is about to walk out of the nature-made arc at any moment.

Hobbit Beach Trail is a fantastic place to enjoy a scenic walk between the vast Pacific and the dense exotic forest, offering opportunities for beachcombing, rockhounding, or simply enjoying a picnic on the sandy shores.

When the tide is low, you can walk farther toward the edge of the Heceta Head, where you can find tide pool creatures and oceanic vegetation nestled among rocks, accompanied by sea birds gracefully roaming the scene. When shrouded in fog, Heceta Head's summit transforms, resembling the Misty Mountains from Tolkien's mythical realms.

Cautions: Beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwood, sneaker waves and never turn your back to the ocean.

The Hobbit Beach Trailhead can be easily missed. The parking lot, accommodating only about six vehicles, is a modest pullout situated approximately a quarter of a mile south of Highway 101 milepost 177. Keep your eyes open for a gravel pullout on your left (if you come from the north), marked by a "No Overnight Parking" sign.

During the summer season, the presence of parked vehicles aids in its identification. Exercise caution when crossing the highway to access the Hobbit Trail.

If you choose to park or camp at Carl G. Washburne State Park, a scenic hike of 1.5 miles will take you to Hobbit Beach from there.

From Florence,

• Travel 12.5 miles north on Highway 101 past the milepost 178
• About 0.75 miles after milepost 177, pullout parking will be on your right
• The Hobbit Trailhead is located on the western side of the highway.

Get Google Map Directions

From Florence,

• Travel 12.5 miles north on Highway 101 past the milepost 178
• About 0.75 miles after milepost 177, pullout parking will be on your right
• The Hobbit Trailhead is located on the western side of the highway.

Get Google Map Directions