Samuel H Boardman State Park


Four miles north of Brookings, US 101 winds over 11 miles of headlands through Boardman State Park, which contains some of Oregon's most beautiful coastline. Along the highway are a number of roadside turnouts and picnic areas with short trails leading to secluded beaches and dramatic viewpoints. Marching far out to sea are tiny island chains, home to shorebirds and braying sea lions.

Pretty Lone Ranch Beach, the southernmost turnoff, has picnic opportunities and tidepools in a sandy cove studded with triangular sea stacks. Half a mile north is the turnoff to Cape Ferrelo, with great ocean vistas. A further mile north is House Rock Viewpoint, a high windy promontory with more stunning views.

North of the Thomas Creek Bridge (Oregon's highest at 345ft) is the turnoff for Natural Bridge Viewpoint, where you can see rock arches – the remnants of collapsed sea caves – just off the coast. And at Arch Rock Point, about a mile north, are interesting, eroded volcanic headlands.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Natural Bridge Viewpoint

2.52 MILES

A viewing platform here – a minute's walk from the parking area – offers fantastic photo ops and views of rock arches, the remains of collapsed sea caves.

2. Harris Beach State Park

6.79 MILES

This pleasant state park is about a mile north of town. There are views of Goat Island, Oregon's largest offshore island and a bird sanctuary, from the…

3. Azalea Park

8.06 MILES

This is a glorious, hilly park showcasing hundreds of azaleas, along with other pretty flora. Blooms are best from April to June. On Memorial Day weekend …

4. Chetco Community Public Library

8.28 MILES

A samurai sword that belonged to the Japanese pilot who bombed Mt Emily (behind the city) during WWII is displayed in Brookings' library.

6. Cape Sebastian State Park

12.26 MILES

The coast around Gold Beach is spectacular. Take a break at Cape Sebastian State Park, a rocky headland 7 miles south, for a panorama stretching from…

7. Pelican State Beach

13.5 MILES

This secluded sandy beach with sweeping ocean views is California's northern-most state beach and right on the Oregon border. The beach can be windy so is…