Southern Oregon Coast, oregon
Attractions Guide

The following attractions are listed in order along a recommend route along Highway 101 up the picturesque Southern Oregon Coast, along which you'll find many stunning natural formations. This portion of the coast is located just above the California border and up to Yachats or Newport, Oregon.

Just north of the California border is the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, an extremely scenic part of the coast. First you might like to briefly stop at the Whaleshead Viewpoint, which overlooks a massive whale-shaped rock just off the coast.

Natural Bridges Cove

Near Whaleshead you'll find two of the park's most highly recommended short hikes. First you'll encounter the Natural Bridges Cove, which features majestic tree-covered bridge formations along the coastline above the water. It's an easy 0.5 mile (0.8 km) round-trip walk to reach the viewpoint for the bridges, with the option of further hiking atop the bridges, although this small spur trail which leads over the bridges can be difficult to find.

Just before reaching the Natural Bridges Cove you might like to pull off the highway for views over the beautiful adjacent cove.

Secret Beach

Nearby be sure to hike the 0.6 mile (1 km) round-trip Secret Beach Trail, which leads to a gorgeous beach. Just north of Secret Beach you can briefly stop to enjoy more amazing views of the coast at the Arch Rock Picnic Area.

Afterwards you'll be driving up the coast for a long time before reaching the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, which overlooks a majestic rocky part of the coastline.

Continue to the Oregon Dunes Overlook, which offers views over a striking landscape of rolling sandy dunes which dominate this part of the coastline (between Coos Bay and Heceta Head). You might even consider further exploring the dunes via hiking trails.

Just before reaching Heceta Head you might visit the Sea Lion Caves, which offers an elevator ride down to a sea cave which is seasonally filled with seals and sea lions.

Heceta Head hosts the charming little Heceta Head Lighthouse, which sits on one end of a stunning cove. The trailhead for the lighthouse is next to the very photogenic Cape Creek Bridge. Along the scenic walk to the lighthouse you can enjoy amazing views over the coast and admire the bridge framed behind the beach. The trail to the lighthouse is about 0.9 miles (1.4 km) round-trip.

Afterwards head up to the incredible Cape Perpetua area, which features several amazing coastal formations within a small area. Just before reaching Cape Perpetua you might like to stop at the Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint, which overlooks the coastline leading up to Cape Perpetua.

The first feature you'll encounter is the Sprouting Horn, which frequently sprays water up like a spout through a small hole when the waves hit the cliffs just right. Adjacent is the mesmerizing Thor's Well, which quickly fills up with water before emptying, rising and falling with the waves. This powerful well is among the most iconic sights along the Oregon Coast and is quite stunning to behold.

Nearby is the Devil's Churn formation, which puts on a brilliant show during low tide. Drive up into the hills above the coast to the Cape Perpetua Overlook and walk along the 0.5 mile (0.8 km) round-trip Whispering Spruce Trail. The trail leads to a small stone structure from which you can enjoy fantastic views overlooking Cape Perpetua from high above.