If someone had asked me before my recent trip to name 3, 5 or 7 amazing hidden treasures along the Oregon Coast, I would not have been able to do it. Even though I had traveled on highway 101 along the Oregon Coast many times, I was essentially in transit. I had mostly stopped at the main viewpoints or had taken an occasional walk on the beach. This time, however, I decided to spend 5 days exploring the hidden treasures along the Oregon Coast. Here are my favorites spots.
7 amazing hidden treasures along the Oregon Coast
The Seal Rock
Essentially 10 miles south of Newport, Seal Rock is a small community with a beautiful beach view. This lovely cove is great for walking as well as picnicking. Even though we didn’t get to see any sea lions, apparently, you can spot them if you’re lucky. Nevertheless, we certainly enjoyed the beach.
Moolack Beach
Just north of Newport, Moolack Beach is absolutely picturesque. It’s a beautiful, wild beach with sandstone cliffs covered with coastal pine trees. If it’s not too foggy, you will have a view of the Yaquina lighthouse just to the north. Hike towards it and you will come upon a pretty arch in the rocks. You can certainly take some lovely pictures there.
Cape Arago Sunset Bay Beach
Cape Arago is certainly one of the hidden treasures along the Oregon Coast. Typically, tourists just stay on highway 101 when traveling along the coast. To see Cape Arago, however, you have to get off Hwy 101 in Coos Bay and take Hwy 540 that goes all the way to Bandon. Follow signs for Sunset Bay State Park and you will find this amazing beach.
Sunset Bay Beach is essentially a spectacular little cove with sea stacks, sea gulls, and soft sand. We spent several hours on the beach, relaxing, eating dinner, and watching the sun set. If you’re here in the summer time and want to see the sunset, make sure to arrive early as it’s a popular thing to do. A morning walk on the beach is also great fun. In fact, after checking out the different beaches along the coast, I must admit that Sunset Bay Beach is actually my favorite beach on the Oregon Coast. I would love to come back and spend several days here.
Cape Arago Simpson Reef Overlook
Another hidden treasure along Cape Arago and the Oregon Coast, Simpson Reef Overlook virtually gives you the most spectacular view along the Oregon Coast. You have views of a rocky reef with lots of seals and sea lions beached on the rocks. The water has an amazing teal color. In a word, it is lovely!
Meyers Beach
Located within Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor, Meyers Beach will amaze you. While the beach is great for kite surfing and kite boarding, you can walk on it for miles, enjoying every moment of it. The beach offers outstanding views of sea stacks. Watch out, though, as it may get really windy!!!
Harris Beach
Harris Beach lies basically in Brookings, within Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. It’s a really rocky beach with amazing tide pools. We saw lots of sea stars, anemones, barnacles, and muscles. This is a wonderful beach for walking or sunbathing. Some people were even playing in the water, which was unfortunately too cold for me. If you ever drive through Brookings, absolutely check out the beach. You won’t be disappointed.
A hint: Harris Beach is divided into South and North Beach with Rock Beach in between. I recommend visiting all three sections as they are unique and charming in different ways.
The Arch Rock
Located within Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Arch Rock will take your breath away. The small hike will charm you with gorgeous views of turquoise waters, picturesque scenery, and the amazing arch in a rock. Stop by this location and you will be definitely glad you did.
