The brilliant January sun shimmered across the Pacific Ocean, which gleamed in an uncharacteristically turquoise hue for the Oregon coast. The cheerful weather was a welcome departure from the usual moody gray that blankets the area most of the winter, and I felt lucky to have caught this rare break from the norm.
I stood alone, watching the gentle waves wash against the rock stacks from my cliffside perch at Arch Rock Viewpoint, the northernmost waypoint along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. It’s typically teeming with tourists when I visit in the summer, but now, the only sound was the rhythmic crash of the waves.
This 12-mile stretch of Highway 101 in Southern Oregon between Brookings and Gold Beach is actually a linear state park. Named in honor of Oregon’s first state park superintendent, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor winds along some of the most breathtaking and Instagram-famous coastal views in the world.
The craggy basalt coastline was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. Over time, the relentless waves of the Pacific Ocean sculpted the once-solid volcanic rock into rugged cliffs, towering sea stacks, and secluded coves, all contributing to the coast’s majestic and uniquely dramatic landscape.
Iconic locations like Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, and Lone Ranch Beach attract photographers, hikers, and casual visitors from across the globe, all eager to soak in the rugged natural beauty. Being both a hiker and a photographer myself, I’ve visited the area multiple times and still never tire of its surreal views.
A forecast of sunshine and mild temperatures enticed me to make the five-hour drive and escape the gray skies of the valley in favor of some sunny beaches and hiking.
After my stop at Arch Rock, where I meandered along the clifftop path beneath towering, shady trees and paused to take in sweeping coastal views to both the north and south, I continued south to Natural Bridges.
Just a few steps from the parking lot, the viewpoint offers a perfect view of this natural wonder. A narrow trail along the cliff’s edge and through the forest leads to a better vantage point and even allows you to climb onto the arch. However, signage warning of the trail’s dangers — several people have fallen to their deaths here — reminded me to proceed with caution, so I only ventured far enough to get a better view.
As the day waned, I made my way to Secret Beach for sunset. Though not exactly a secret, Secret Beach is one of the few unmarked stops along the corridor. Just a minute’s drive north of the well-signed Natural Bridges, a somewhat hidden parking area can easily be found with Google Maps. The half-mile trail, deeply rutted and steep in places, winds downhill through a tranquil forest. About three-quarters of the way down, a waterfall breaks through the trees, cascading into a stream that separates the beach from the trail before spilling into the ocean.
The path ends at an overlook, revealing a secluded sandy cove framed by sea stacks rising from both the beach and the water. A short but steep descent is required to reach the sand. However, at high tide, the waves consume the beach, making it a dangerous place to linger. With the tide rolling in, I found a seat on the cliff edge, facing west, and watched the sky transform with each passing moment, the sun sinking into the sea. Even after the sun had set, the twilight provided enough light for an easy hike out.
On my way to Harris Beach State Park, where I was camping, I was surprised to see the fiery hues still lingering as I passed Whaleshead Beach. I quickly turned around, making my way down the steep drive to catch the last brilliant moments of red and orange glowing behind the silhouetted rocks.
Harris Beach State Park is located just a few minutes north of Brookings, and it’s a perfect place to base yourself for exploring the area. The beachfront campground hosts RV and tent sites, as well as yurts (a cozy, round shelter with a sturdy frame and canvas walls, offering a unique, weather-resistant alternative to a tent).
I booked a tent spot and was eager to try out my winter car camping setup that consisted of an air mattress in the back of my SUV, insulated window coverings, heavy blankets, and a heated blanket run off my portable power station. I’m happy to report that I stayed warm and comfortable all through the night.
In the morning, I headed over to Harris Beach to explore it at low tide. This wide sandy beach stretches for miles in both directions from the day use area. Dotted by sea stacks, which become the perfect framework for dozens of tidepools brimming with sea life, there are endless opportunities for explorations. Just offshore is Bird Island, the largest island off the Oregon coast. This National Wildlife Sanctuary is a breeding site for rare birds like the tufted puffin, making Harris Beach an excellent place for wildlife viewing.
I spent about an hour exploring the beach’s coves and trekking hidden trails over the rocks before the tide started rolling in and I headed inland to explore somewhere a little less sunny: the Oregon Redwoods.
The northernmost redwoods in the United States are located about eight miles north of the Oregon-California border in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Known as the Oregon Redwoods, this range may not match the towering height of California’s old-growth redwoods, but standing beneath these magnificent giants — stretching hundreds of feet into the sky — will make you feel just as small.
Winter is the perfect time to explore the redwoods and coastal forests of Oregon and Northern California. The temperate climate makes snow a rarity and leaves the trails open and easily accessible year-round. You’ll also be able to explore without the crowds in the winter months.
The best trail for exploring the area is the Redwood Nature Trail, located just 20 minutes from Brookings. This one-mile loop trail gently ascends a steep hillside, meandering through a grove of towering redwoods and Douglas firs. Picturesque wooden bridges arch gracefully over a tranquil creek that flows alongside the path, lending an enchanted ambiance to the woods. Lush ferns and evergreen rhododendrons carpet the forest floor, enhancing the magical atmosphere. About halfway along the trail, keep an eye out for the Chetco Giant, a colossal tree with a diameter of 10 feet that stretches hundreds of feet into the sky.
On my way back north, I stopped at Lone Ranch Beach and House Rock Viewpoint to soak in the last rays of sun before heading home. Reflecting on my coastal adventure, I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience the Oregon coast’s beauty in a different light – a reminder that nature’s wonders are always waiting to be discovered, regardless of the season.
This article originally appeared in the March 2025 edition of The Commuter.
