If you only have time for one scenic drive near Brookings, make it this one. The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor packs sea arches, hidden coves, forested bluffs and ocean viewpoints into a short stretch of Highway 101 just north of town. This guide explains how the corridor is laid out, which stops are worth your time, and what to check with official sources before you go, so you can enjoy the views without rushing.
What the Corridor Is and Where It Starts
According to Oregon State Parks, the corridor is a 12-mile-long park along Highway 101, made up of a series of scenic waysides, some with picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy the ocean views. Hikes within it form a portion of the Oregon Coast Trail. The south end of the park is only three miles north of Harris Beach, which makes it an easy half-day outing from Brookings. Day use is listed as open year round. For current conditions and any fee or parking notes, read the official corridor page before you leave.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor: Key Stops
The state park page names several highlights. Here they are, roughly from south to north as you drive, using the park service’s own descriptions.
Arch Rock
From the paved parking lot, a short path leads to an overlook featuring a series of offshore sea stacks and islands. This is one of the easiest stops in the corridor, which makes it a good first choice if you are traveling with children or want a short walk. Because it is close to the road and simple to reach, it works well as a first stop.
Natural Bridges
Follow a short trail to what the park page calls one of the best viewpoints in the park: the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges. A memorial here honors Dr. Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail.
Whaleshead Beach
This oceanfront picnic area has gorgeous views and an easy, flat path to the beach, according to Oregon State Parks. It is a natural lunch stop, so pack a picnic if you can.
House Rock Viewpoint
A memorial here commemorates Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks superintendent and the park’s namesake. The park page notes that the 4-mile trail between Cape Ferrelo and House Rock offers many side trails to secluded beaches.
Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint
A mile-long hike leads to views of the rugged coastline and, as the park page puts it, photo-worthy Oregon sunsets. The cape is also described as an excellent spot for whale watching in fall and spring. Our whale watching guide explains the migration seasons.
What About Secret Beach?
Secret Beach is a popular stop along the corridor. The Oregon Coast Visitors Association page notes that the state park system maintains several parking lots and trailheads nearby. Trails to hidden coves can be steep, muddy and slippery, and tide height matters, so check the NOAA tides and currents page and turn back if conditions look unsafe.
How the Corridor Works as a Day Trip
The Boardman State Scenic Corridor is not a single destination with one entrance. It is a string of stops along the highway, each with its own pullout, path or trailhead. That is why a flexible mindset helps. Some stops need only ten minutes, while others can fill an hour if you walk down a trail or linger over a picnic. Look at the park map or brochure on the official page, choose a starting point, and let the weather decide how much you do. If fog rolls in at one overlook, the next may be clear.
It also helps to think about light. Late afternoon light is a favorite for photographers at west-facing viewpoints. If you are not sure where to begin, ask the front desk at the hotel, and we are glad to suggest an order that fits your day.
A Simple Half-Day Plan
- Start at Harris Beach. Take a short morning walk and use the restrooms. See our Harris Beach guide.
- Drive north to Arch Rock. Enjoy the first overlook while the light is soft.
- Continue to Natural Bridges. Take the short trail and stay behind barriers.
- Picnic at Whaleshead Beach. Walk the flat path to the sand after lunch.
- Finish at Cape Ferrelo. Time this stop for late afternoon if you want sunset views.
Choose three or four of these rather than all of them. Trails and photos take longer than you expect, so leave room in the schedule.
Safety Along the Cliffs
The Pacific coast is beautiful and unforgiving. Stay on marked paths, keep a safe distance from cliff edges, and never climb fences or barriers for a photo. Supervise children closely at viewpoints. If you go down to a beach, watch the waves and read the Oregon coast beach safety tips. Before driving, check the National Weather Service forecast and road conditions on TripCheck.
Tips for Photographers and Early Risers
The corridor rewards patience. Arrive early at popular stops, since parking can be limited on busy days. Bring a lens cloth, because sea mist coats glass quickly. For sea stacks and arches, soft light before sunset usually looks better than harsh midday sun. Whatever the hour, keep tripods and gear away from cliff edges and out of the way of other visitors.
Best Seasons to Visit
The corridor is open for day use year round, so the season is mostly about what you want to see. Winter brings dramatic waves and fewer visitors, and our storm watching guide explains how to do that safely. Spring and fall offer whale watching opportunities, and summer is the busiest time, so start early and be flexible about parking.
What to Bring
- Waterproof jacket and warm layers
- Sturdy shoes with good grip for muddy trails
- Water, snacks and a picnic lunch
- Binoculars for whales and seabirds
- A camera or phone with a full battery
- A paper map or downloaded directions, in case you lose signal
Pair the Drive With Other Nearby Outings
Many guests combine the corridor with other Brookings activities. Our two-day Brookings itinerary shows how to fit it in, and our guide to redwoods near Brookings covers the forest side of the trip. If you want a budget-friendly day, browse our list of free things to do in Brookings. And if you want to see more beaches, read our guide to the best beaches near Brookings.
Where to Stay Near the Corridor
Blue Coast Inn & Suites is on Chetco Avenue in Brookings, a convenient base for the drive. Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is at 11 AM, and guests booking must be 21 or older. Our cancellation window is 24 hours, and the hotel policy page has the details. Browse all rooms, including the two-queen suite with kitchenette, which sleeps four and has a microwave, a fridge and a Keurig, so packing a picnic is easy. The two-bedroom suite sleeps up to six. Questions? Contact us or call 541-469-2161.
Traveling With a Dog
We welcome dogs up to three per room at $20 per night per dog. Dogs must stay off the furniture and cannot be left unattended in the room. Rules for dogs differ at each park and trail, so check before you go, and see our pet-friendly hotel guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the corridor?
Oregon State Parks describes it as a 12-mile-long park along Highway 101.
How far is it from Brookings?
The south end is about three miles north of Harris Beach, according to the park page.
What is the easiest stop to visit?
Arch Rock has a paved parking lot and a short path to an overlook, and Whaleshead Beach has a flat path to the sand.
When is the best time to go?
The corridor is open for day use year round. Pick your season based on whether you want storms, whales or long summer days.
Are dogs allowed at your hotel?
Yes, at $20 per night per dog, up to three per room, subject to our pet rules.
