The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is one of the most spectacular stretches of the Oregon Coast. For 12 miles along Highway 101, rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, natural rock arches, hidden beaches and towering sea stacks create some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the state.

But with so many viewpoints, trailheads and roadside pullouts packed into such a short stretch of highway, figuring out where to stop can be a little overwhelming. Some of the best views require a hike, while others are just a few steps from your car — and not every pullout is worth your limited time.

In this guide, I’m sharing 10 must-see stops along Samuel H. Boardman, including iconic spots like Natural Bridges and Secret Beach, beautiful beaches, short hikes and some of the best viewpoints along the corridor.

I’ve listed the stops from north to south, starting on the Gold Beach side and working toward Brookings. Traveling in this direction also puts most of the coastal pullouts on your side of Highway 101, making it easier and safer to pull off the highway without crossing traffic.

For each stop, you’ll find how much time you need, whether a hike is required, trail difficulty and elevation gain, available amenities and my rating to help you decide which stops are worth adding to your trip.

Where Is Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor?

The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is located on the Southern Oregon Coast along Highway 101, between Gold Beach and Brookings. The 12-mile corridor stretches from just south of Pistol River to just north of Brookings, with a series of beaches, viewpoints, hiking trails and scenic pullouts scattered along the highway.

Unlike a traditional state park, there isn’t a single entrance where you arrive, pay a fee and follow a park road. Highway 101 runs directly through Samuel H. Boardman, and you’ll simply pull off the highway as you reach each viewpoint, beach or trailhead.

Brookings is the closest town and makes the most convenient base for exploring the corridor. Gold Beach is about 15–20 minutes north of the northern end, so it’s also easy to visit Samuel H. Boardman while traveling south from Gold Beach.

How Long Do You Need to Explore Samuel H. Boardman?

The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is only 12 miles long, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a quick drive. While you could technically drive the entire corridor in about 20 minutes without stopping, the beaches, hiking trails and viewpoints are the whole reason you’re here.

How much time you need really depends on how much you want to explore.

2–3 Hours: See the Highlights

If you only have a few hours, you can still see some of the best scenery along Samuel H. Boardman. Focus on stops that don’t require much hiking, like Arch Rock, Natural Bridges, Whaleshead Viewpoint and Lone Ranch Beach.

You could also swap one of the viewpoints for Secret Beach if you’d rather spend your limited time hiking and exploring one location more thoroughly.

Half Day: Viewpoints + A Couple of Hikes

With around four to five hours, you’ll have time to stop at most of the major viewpoints and add one or two hikes.

I’d prioritize Secret Beach or Indian Sands for your longer stops, then fill the rest of your time with quicker viewpoints and beaches as you work your way south.

This is probably the sweet spot if Samuel H. Boardman is just one part of a larger Southern Oregon Coast road trip.

Full Day: Explore All 10 Stops

If you want to experience everything in this guide, give yourself a full day.

You’ll have time to hike, walk the beaches, stop at all 10 viewpoints and actually enjoy the scenery rather than jumping out of the car for a photo and immediately moving on to the next stop.

A full day also gives you some flexibility for the inevitable unplanned stops. There are scenic pullouts all along Highway 101, and there’s a very good chance you’ll spot somewhere that makes you want to pull over even if it isn’t on your list.

10 Best Stops on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

I created a map you can save to help you find each spot I have listed. They’re not all well marked on the road, and cell service can be spotty so download this ahead of time for offline use.

1. Arch Rock

Why visit: Easy-access views of Arch Rock, sea stacks and offshore islands
Time needed: 15–30 minutes
Rating: ★★★★★
Hike required: Short 0.3-mile easy loop from the parking lot to the viewpoint, about 22 feet elevation gain
Fee: None
Amenities: Parking, picnic tables and non-flush restroom

Arch Rock is the first stop you’ll reach when exploring Samuel H. Boardman from north to south, and it’s a great introduction to the dramatic scenery that awaits you along the rest of the corridor.

From the paved parking lot, a short path leads to several overlooks above the Pacific. If you start to the left, the first view point looks towards Secret Beach with several dramatic sea stacks.

Continuing on counterclockwise the next stop is the main attraction, Arch Rock, a massive offshore sea stack that has been carved by waves and erosion to create a natural arch through its center. You’ll also get beautiful views of the surrounding islands, sea stacks and rugged coastline.

Finally, looking north, you’ll see a beautiful secluded unamed beach and cove.

You don’t really need to think of this as a hike. The small loop around the viewpoints is only about 0.3 mile and rated easy, making Arch Rock one of the best stops if you want a big scenic payoff without much effort.

There are also picnic tables tucked into the coastal forest, so this is a good place to stop for lunch or a snack. And perhaps just as importantly on a road trip, there’s a restroom here.

I’d definitely walk the entire little loop rather than stopping at the first viewpoint. It only takes a few extra minutes, and you’ll get several different perspectives of the coastline.

2. Secret Beach

Why visit: Secluded beach, dramatic sea stacks, waterfalls and some of the most photogenic scenery in Samuel H. Boardman
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Rating: ★★★★★
Hike required: Yes — about 1.5 miles round trip, moderate, approximately 400 feet elevation gain
Fee: None
Amenities: Small gravel parking area; no restroom

Secret Beach is one of my favorite stops along Samuel H. Boardman and one of the places that’s worth setting aside a little extra time to explore. Unlike Arch Rock, where the views are just steps from your car, you’ll need to hike down through the coastal forest to reach the beach.

The trail descends fairly steeply in places before opening up to views of the rugged coastline below. You’ll pass overlooks where you can see towering sea stacks rising from the turquoise water before eventually reaching the beach itself.

At low tide, you can explore farther along the shoreline, where you’ll find rocky coves, tide pools and small waterfalls spilling onto the beach. This is also when you’ll have the most room to wander and photograph the sea stacks from the sand.

Check the tide before you hike down! Portions of the beach are only accessible at low to mid tide, and incoming water can cut off access around some of the rocks. Don’t count on being able to explore the same areas you see in photos if you arrive at high tide, and don’t go too far if the tide is coming in because your path back may be cut off.

The parking area is small and easy to miss from Highway 101, so keep an eye out as you approach. There are no restrooms or other facilities here, so be sure to take advantage of the ones at Arch Rock before you leave.

3. Natural Bridges

Why visit: One of the most iconic and photographed views in Samuel H. Boardman
Time needed: 15–30 minutes
Rating: ★★★★★
Hike required: No — the main viewpoint is a short walk from the parking lot. Optional 0.6-mile out-and-back trail, moderate, about 62 feet elevation gain
Fee: None
Amenities: Parking; no restroom

Natural Bridges is probably the most recognizable stop along Samuel H. Boardman. Here, centuries of erosion have carved the rugged coastline into a series of natural arches and blowholes surrounded by forest and turquoise water. There are actually seven natural bridges in this area, although only a couple are clearly visible from the main viewpoint.

The good news is that you don’t have to hike far to see them. From the parking area, follow the short trail down to the official viewing platform overlooking the cove. If you’re only interested in seeing Natural Bridges and taking a few photos, you can easily make this a 10- to 15-minute stop.

You’ll probably recognize photos of people standing on top of one of the natural bridges from Instagram and other social media. Do not attempt to reach those viewpoints. The routes down to the bridges are unofficial, extremely steep and exposed, and people have died from falls in this area. Stay on the established trail and enjoy the bridges from the official viewpoints.

Natural Bridges can also look completely different depending on the weather and light. On a clear day, the water below can be an incredible turquoise blue, while fog and mist give the entire cove a much moodier Pacific Northwest feel.

The parking lot here is relatively small, and Natural Bridges is one of the most popular stops in the corridor. During busy summer weekends, arriving earlier in the day will give you a better chance of finding a parking spot, but even if it’s crowded spots open up pretty quickly.

4. Indian Sands

Why visit: Unique coastal sand dunes, dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
Rating: ★★★★★
Hike required: Yes — about 1.1-mile loop, moderate, approximately 300 feet elevation gain
Fee: None
Amenities: Gravel parking area; no restroom

Indian Sands is one of the most unique stops along Samuel H. Boardman. Instead of hiking down to a beach, the trail takes you through coastal forest to a surprisingly open landscape of rolling sand dunes perched high above the Pacific.

Interestingly, the sand here didn’t blow up from the beach below. It comes from the sandstone in the surrounding rock formations slowly eroding over time, creating an almost desert-like landscape right on top of the coastal cliffs. Oregon State Parks specifically calls out these unusual dunes as one of the highlights of this section of the Oregon Coast Trail.

The Indian Sands Loop is short at around 1.1 miles, but don’t underestimate it. You’ll descend from the parking area before climbing through the dunes, and hiking through loose sand makes the trail feel a little more strenuous than the mileage suggests. Portions of the route can also be difficult to follow, so downloading an offline trail map before you start is a good idea.

Once you reach the open dunes, you’ll be rewarded with views of rugged headlands, sea stacks and a natural arch in the cove below. The combination of golden sand, turquoise water and forest-covered cliffs makes this one of the most unusual landscapes you’ll see anywhere along the corridor.

There are unfenced cliffs around Indian Sands, so stay well back from the edges and keep an especially close eye on children and pets. The sandy terrain can also become slippery when wet.

If you have time for only a couple of hikes at Samuel H. Boardman, I’d put Indian Sands near the top of the list. It’s short enough to easily fit into a day of exploring the corridor but different enough from the other stops that it doesn’t feel like you’re seeing another version of the same coastal view.

5. Diamond View

Why visit: Quick roadside overlook with a beautiful view of the rugged coastline through the trees
Time needed: 5–10 minutes
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Hike required: No
Fee: None
Amenities: Small parking area; no restroom

Diamond View is an easy-to-miss pullout along Highway 101, but it’s worth stopping for a few minutes as you make your way south through Samuel H. Boardman.

The viewpoint sits high above the Pacific, with a clearing through the trees that looks south over forested bluffs, rocky coves and sea stacks. From above, you can watch the waves crash against the rocks below and get another beautiful perspective of the rugged coastline.

Diamond View isn’t marked with a large sign along Highway 101, so it’s one of those stops that’s easy to drive right past if you don’t know it’s there. I recommend saving it in Google Maps before your trip so you know when to start looking for the small pullout.

6. Whaleshead Beach

Why visit: Easy beach access, a long sandy shoreline and the distinctive Whaleshead Island just offshore
Time needed: 30 minutes–1 hour
Rating: ★★★★☆
Hike required: No — a short, easy and relatively flat walk leads from the parking area to the beach
Fee: None
Amenities: Parking, picnic tables and restroom

After several stops high above the ocean, Whaleshead Beach gives you a chance to actually get down to the water and explore one of the longest sandy beaches within Samuel H. Boardman.

From Highway 101, turn onto Whaleshead Beach Road and follow the gravel road downhill to the parking and picnic area. The road is steep! From there, it’s just a short, easy walk across Whaleshead Creek to reach the beach.

The beach gets its name from Whaleshead Island, the large sea stack sitting just offshore. From the right angle, the formation resembles the head of a whale rising from the water. When waves hit the rock just right, spray can even shoot into the air like a whale’s blowhole.

Whaleshead Beach stretches for about a mile, giving you plenty of room for a beach walk, photography or simply a break from hiking. Several small creeks cross the sand, and the surrounding cliffs and offshore rocks give the beach the dramatic scenery you’d expect from Samuel H. Boardman.

This is also one of the more convenient places to stop for a picnic. There are picnic tables and a public restroom near the parking area, so it’s a good place to take a longer break before continuing south.

7. Whaleshead Viewpoint

Why visit: Quick elevated views over Whaleshead Beach and the surrounding coastline
Time needed: 10–15 minutes
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Hike required: No — views are available near the parking area
Fee: None
Amenities: Parking; no restroom

Just south of the turnoff for Whaleshead Beach, Whaleshead Viewpoint gives you a completely different perspective of the beach you just explored. Instead of heading down to the shoreline, you can pull directly off Highway 101 and look out over the beach, sea stacks and Whaleshead Island from above.

The viewpoint itself is a quick stop, and you don’t need to hike to enjoy it. There is a clearing near the parking area where you can look out over the coastline, although vegetation can partially obstruct the view depending on the time of year.

For me, this is more of a pull over, enjoy the view and take a few photos kind of stop. You don’t need much time here, but since it’s directly along Highway 101 and you’re driving right past it anyway, it’s worth a quick look before continuing south.

8. House Rock Viewpoint

Why visit: Coastal views, a short forest walk and the Samuel H. Boardman memorial
Time needed: 15–30 minutes
Rating: ★★★★☆
Hike required: No — a short walk leads from the parking area to the viewpoint
Fee: None
Amenities: Parking; no restroom

House Rock Viewpoint is an easy stop that combines beautiful coastal scenery with a little bit of history. A short trail leads through the forest from the parking area to an overlook above the Pacific.

At the viewpoint, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to Samuel H. Boardman, Oregon’s first state parks superintendent and the man this stretch of coastline is named after. Boardman served as superintendent from 1929 to 1950 and worked to preserve this rugged section of the Southern Oregon Coast. The memorial at House Rock was dedicated in 1970.

From the bluff, you’ll get views of the rugged coastline and offshore rocks through breaks in the trees. The viewpoint also connects to the Oregon Coast Trail, so you may see hikers continuing north or south rather than returning to the parking area.

9. Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint

Why visit: Panoramic coastal views, wildflowers, whale watching and one of the best sunset spots in Samuel H. Boardman
Time needed: 30–60 minutes
Rating: ★★★★★
Hike required: Yes — 1-mile loop, moderate, approximately 150 feet elevation gain
Fee: None
Amenities: Parking; no restroom

Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint is one of my favorite stops along Samuel H. Boardman because instead of looking at the coastline through the trees, you get to walk out onto an open grassy headland with unobstructed views of the Pacific.

From the parking area, the 1-mile Cape Ferrelo Loop climbs through coastal grasslands to the top of the cape. Once you reach the bluff, you’ll have sweeping views up and down the rugged coastline, with forest-covered cliffs, rocky coves and offshore sea stacks stretching into the distance.

If you’re visiting in spring, the grassy slopes can be covered in wildflowers. Cape Ferrelo is also one of the best places in Samuel H. Boardman to look for migrating gray whales, particularly during the fall and spring migrations.

This is also one of the stops I’d consider saving for later in the day. The open headland faces the Pacific with very little obstructing the horizon, making Cape Ferrelo one of the best sunset spots along the corridor.

The trail is short, but there is some climbing involved and portions can be muddy or slippery after rain. There are also exposed cliff edges once you reach the headland, so stay back from the edge and stick to established trails.

If you have time for the full loop, it’s worth doing rather than simply stopping near the parking area. The views get better as you climb, and the open landscape makes Cape Ferrelo feel completely different from many of the other stops along Samuel H. Boardman.

10. Lone Ranch Beach

Why visit: Easy beach access, dramatic sea stacks, tide pools and a beautiful place to end your drive through Samuel H. Boardman
Time needed: 30–60 minutes
Rating: ★★★★★
Hike required: No — a short, easy path leads from the parking area to the beach
Fee: None
Amenities: Paved parking, picnic tables and restroom

Lone Ranch Beach is our final stop as we travel south along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and it’s one of the best places to slow down and spend a little time on the beach before continuing into Brookings.

Unlike many of the beaches along the corridor that require a steep hike to reach the sand, Lone Ranch is incredibly accessible. From the paved parking area, a short path leads past picnic tables and directly down to the beach.

The beach sits in a picturesque cove surrounded by forested headlands and dotted with sea stacks and offshore rocks. At low tide, the exposed rocks and pools make this a great place to look for marine life, while the wide stretch of sand is perfect for beachcombing or simply walking along the shoreline.

If you time your drive for later in the day, I’d consider making this your final stop before heading into Brookings. The beach faces west and the sea stacks make a beautiful backdrop as the light starts to fade — a pretty perfect way to wrap up a day exploring Samuel H. Boardman.

Tips for Visiting Samuel H. Boardman

A little planning will make exploring the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor much easier, especially if you plan to visit several stops in one day.

Drive the corridor from north to south. As I mentioned earlier, traveling toward Brookings keeps the ocean on your right, which makes it much easier to pull into the viewpoints and parking areas without crossing Highway 101.

Only park in designated parking areas. Parking can be limited at popular stops, especially Natural Bridges and Secret Beach. Don’t park along Highway 101 or squeeze into an unsafe spot if a parking area is full. If necessary, move on to another stop and come back later.

Download your maps before you go. Cell service can be unreliable along this stretch of the coast. Save the locations of the stops you want to visit and download an offline Google Map before starting your drive. I provided a Google Map with all the stops listed here near the top of the post!

Check the tides. If you’re planning to hike down to Secret Beach, explore tide pools or spend time along the shoreline, check the tide tables before you go. An incoming tide can quickly change how much beach is accessible and potentially cut off routes around rocks and coves. Oregon State Parks publishes South Coast tide tables specifically for this area.

Stay on established trails. This is particularly important at Natural Bridges. Don’t follow unofficial trails just because you’ve seen photos taken from them online. The cliffs along Samuel H. Boardman can be unstable and extremely steep, and Oregon State Parks recommends enjoying cliffside views from behind established barriers and fences.

Never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves are a real danger on the Oregon Coast. Stay well above the surf when conditions are rough, avoid climbing on driftwood near the water and always keep an eye on incoming waves.

Wear good shoes. Even though several stops require little or no hiking, trails like Secret Beach and Indian Sands can be steep, muddy and slippery. You’ll be much happier in hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers than sandals.

Bring layers. Even on a sunny day, temperatures can feel dramatically cooler when the wind picks up or fog rolls in. Keep a jacket or warm layer in the car so you can easily grab it between stops.

Give yourself some flexibility. Parking, tides, weather and trail conditions can all affect your plans. Instead of treating the 10 stops in this guide like a checklist you have to complete, use them to build your day around the places that interest you most.

Where to Stay Near Samuel H. Boardman

There are no hotels or campgrounds directly inside the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, but you’ll find several great places to stay in nearby Brookings and Gold Beach.

Brookings is the most convenient base if Samuel H. Boardman is the main focus of your trip. You’ll be just a few minutes from the southern end of the corridor and can easily get an early start before the most popular parking areas begin to fill.

Camping Near Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Camping is one of my favorite ways to experience the Southern Oregon Coast, and there are some excellent state parks near this stretch of Hwy 101. If you’re traveling during the summer, make reservations well in advance because the most popular campgrounds can fill quickly.

Harris Beach State Park — Brookings

If you want to camp, Harris Beach State Park is my top pick. Located just north of Brookings and only about three miles from the southern end of Samuel H. Boardman, the campground puts you close to the corridor while giving you direct access to another beautiful stretch of the Oregon Coast.

Harris Beach has tent sites, full-hookup and electrical sites, hot showers and flush toilets. There are also six yurts, including three that are pet-friendly, which are a great option if you like the idea of camping but don’t necessarily want to sleep in a tent.

Alfred A. Loeb State Park — Brookings

For a completely different camping experience, head a few miles inland from Brookings to Alfred A. Loeb State Park along the Chetco River. Instead of camping beside the ocean, you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful forest of old-growth myrtlewood trees with easy access to the river.

The campground has more than 40 electrical campsites with water, hot showers and three rustic log cabins. It’s also conveniently located for exploring the nearby Oregon redwoods.

Hotels near the samuel h. boardman state scenic corridor

If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hotels, motels and vacation rentals scattered along the coast. These are the one’s I’d recommend checking out!

Beachfront Inn — Brookings

For a hotel in Brookings, I’d recommend Beachfront Inn. It’s located directly on the beach in Brookings Harbor, and every room has an ocean view and private balcony. You’ll also get complimentary breakfast, free parking, direct beach access and an outdoor heated pool.

It’s a particularly convenient choice if you’re spending a full day exploring Samuel H. Boardman and want somewhere comfortable to come back to without having to drive far afterward.

Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge — Gold Beach

If you want to splurge on one memorable stay, Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge is the standout. Located about seven miles inland from Gold Beach on the banks of the Rogue River, this peaceful riverside lodge feels more like a retreat than a traditional coastal hotel.

The location near the north end of the corridor makes it a great place to stay the night before your road trip, but it’s also an amazingly relaxing place to return to after a day of exploring. If you’re celebrating something special or simply want to build a little luxury into an otherwise outdoorsy road trip, this is the stay I’d choose.

Explore More of the Southern Oregon Coast

The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor may only stretch for 12 miles, but it’s just one small part of everything there is to explore along the Southern Oregon Coast.

Once you’ve finished your drive, stick around to hike beneath towering redwoods near Brookings, explore the beaches and tide pools, ride a jet boat up the Rogue River in Gold Beach or continue north toward Bandon and Coos Bay.

If you’re planning a longer trip, check out my complete guide to the Southern Oregon Coast for the best things to do, beaches, hikes, places to stay and everything else you need to plan your trip.

And don’t forget to save this guide so you have all 10 Samuel H. Boardman stops handy when you hit the road!