• McPhillips Beach landscape is full of rock formations sitting right on the sand
McPhillips Beach, a two-mile stretch of sandy shoreline in the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, is a hidden gem of the Oregon Coast. Located just three miles north of Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City, the beach boasts a rugged and colorful landscape with sandstone formations, steep bluffs, and imposing cliffs. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it a serene alternative to the busier southern beach. While quieter, it can still see an uptick in visitors during peak seasons.
McPhillips is a great place for beachcombing, fat tire biking, driving on the beach, off-leash dog exercises, picnicking, and, of course, enjoying the serenity of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
To access McPhillips, take an unmarked road 1.3 miles north of the Cape Kiwanda parking lot. You can leave your vehicle at the gravel parking or keep driving downhill.
McPhillips Beach Rockhounding and Tidepool Exploring
McPhillips Beach can be a productive rockhounding spot. After winter storms, the powerful waves often shift the sand, revealing treasures like agates, jaspers, and marine fossils. The gravel bars around Miles Creek, where it meets the ocean, are particularly worth exploring.
At low tide, visitors can enjoy tidepooling near the rocks and sea stacks, discovering vibrant marine creatures like sea anemones and starfish.
Other Popular Activities
Fishing: Surf anglers can find a quiet spot for themselves to catch surfperch. If you intend to use the boat, you can use the ramp at Cape Kiwanda's southern beach.
Fat Tire Biking & Picnicking: The expansive sands make it ideal for fat tire biking and picnics.
Dog-Friendly Adventures: The natural barriers created by cliffs and bluffs make it a safe and spacious playground for off-leash dogs.
Driving on the Beach: McPhillips Beach allows vehicle access, enabling visitors to drive close to the water. However, caution is advised as soft sand can pose a risk of getting stuck.
McPhillips Beach Camping & Lodging
While camping is not allowed at McPhillips Beach, the nearby Pacific City offers a range of accommodations to suit all preferences and budgets.
Webb County Campground, Cape Kiwanda RV Park, and Hart's Camp Airstream Hotel & RV park offer various types of simple accommodations including basic camping facilities, RV options, and cabins.
Headlands Coastal Lodge and Spa offers upscale accommodations and a full-service spa.
Inn at Cape Kiwanda is known for its stunning views, every room here faces the beach, Cape Kiwanda, and the iconic Haystack Rock, making it a fantastic choice for a relaxing retreat.
Pacific City has a variety of affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Pacific City, catering to both short-term visitors and those planning longer stays. These rentals range from cozy beach cottages to spacious homes ideal for families or groups.
McPhillips Beach | Facts
Open: Year-round for day-use
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: Vault toilet
Activities: Rockhounding, tidepool exploring, surf fishing, fat tire biking, driving on the beach, picnicking, and nature viewing
Day-use fees: None
McPhillips Beach is located:
- 3 miles north of Pacific City
- 60 miles northwest of Salem
- 95 miles southwest of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to McPhillips Beach
From Pacific City,
- Take Cape Kiwanda Drive North
- Continue straight for 0.4 miles once it becomes McPhillips Drive
- Take a sharp left onto a no-name road.
Leave your vehicle at the gravel parking or drive downhill if you have a 4WD one.
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Attention, Fellow Beachgoers!
Unfortunately, our beautiful Pacific Northwest beaches are stained with trash, especially plastic. We at Oregon Discovery, as well as other unaffiliated groups of nature lovers, made a commitment to do our part in keeping our beaches clean, but we need your help too!
Whenever you go out to enjoy nature at your favorite spot, please bring a trash bag or two and help us pick up garbage. Even picking up a little bit here and there will make a huge long-term difference.
Please help us save our beautiful nature for generations to come!