• Secret Beach is one of the most picture-perfect beaches of the South Coast
• It can be challenging for some people to get to and requires some climbing
One of the most picture-perfect beaches in southern Oregon, Secret Beach sits 12 miles north of Brookings and 16 miles south of Gold Beach. It is located at the northern edge of Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor and combines various aspects of the stunning Pacific Northwest scenery.
The cliffs sculpted by the ocean's waves surround this 200-yard-long sandy shore. Here, you will see a beautiful Pacific Ocean panorama with impressive tree-topped sea stacks just off the beach.
Minor Creek spills over, creating a picturesque little waterfall dropping right onto the sand. You can visit the beach at any tide level, but at the low tide, you can explore a small cove where Wridge Creek flows into the ocean. The gap between rock escarpments opens up on the beach's southern end, so you can pass through it ans explore a secluded beach with numerous pools. Please, beware of changing tides.
Rockhounding is not very productive here, especially in summertime. While you can find agates and other minerals, those are scarce. You might have better luck in winter because storms move the mass of sand around.
How To Get To Secret Beach
Despite its name, Secret Beach is relatively well-known but takes work to get to. Yet, it can still get crowded on the weekends during summer. The parking is a simple pullout. If the pullout is full, you can park your car along the road.
Also, the path leading to the beach is a challenging one. Two unmarked 3/4 mile trails will take you to the shore. The left trail is the easiest, especially in wet weather when the trail on the right becomes very slippery.
Both paths will lead you to the cliff with a rope you need to use to go down and up from the Secret Beach. While you don't need to be an athlete to make it to the sand, it might be challenging or straight-up inaccessible to some people.
Make sure to wear good shoes while heading here. Also, be mindful of children and pets to ensure they don't slip or fall.
Camping and Lodging
There is no camping allowed at the beach. The nearest lodging is available in Gold Beach or Brookings.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Gold Beach
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Brookings
Secret Beach | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Services: None
Activities: Hiking, nature viewing, and picnicking
Distance from the parking: 0.75 miles
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Free
Secret Beach is located:
- 12 miles north of Brookings
- 16 miles south of Gold Beach
- 150 miles southwest of Roseburg.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Secret Beach
From Gold Beach,
- Take US-101 South for approximately 16.2 miles to the trailhed on the left (west)
- The pullout is located at milepost 345.3 at the north of the guard rail.
Park in the pullout or along the road if it is full.