One Of The Prettiest Places In Oregon Is A Spot So Hidden It's Called 'Secret Beach'

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon offers some of the most gorgeous scenery in the entire United States. The expansive state offers travelers all kinds of thrills. Portland, Oregon's largest city, is famous for its delicious food trucks, expansive urban green spaces, and for having one of the highest concentration of craft breweries, which makes it a perfect addition to a foodie's bucket list. The funky city attracts tons of tourists, but the real magic of Oregon is found outside of the urban centers, in the quaint small towns and the wild natural landscapes. The state is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. With epic mountain ranges, breathtaking coastlines, and ecosystems ranging from wetlands to rainforests, you'll never run out of things to explore.

No trip would be complete without experiencing the dramatic scenery of the beautiful Pacific Northwest coastline. Rugged rock formations jut out into the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and pine forests emerge from the misty shores. If you're looking for some of the prettiest views, head to Secret Beach. Although word has spread about the secluded cove in recent years, it's still one of the loveliest places to spend a few hours appreciating Oregon's natural beauty — and the majesty of the Pacific Ocean.

Secret Beach is located along the scenic Highway 101 that runs from California all the way through Washington along the Pacific Ocean. If you're coming from Portland, the drive will take you just under six hours. Secret Beach also makes an amazing day trip from Redwood National Park, as it is located under an hour away. The beach is easy to miss, but you can find the trailhead on Google Maps. Along Highway 101, you'll eventually see the gravel parking area and a sign along the side of the road just south of the 345 mile marker.

To reach the beach itself, you'll embark on a short but steep out-and-back hike. The entire trail is about 1.8 miles, but it's less than a mile to the beach. The trail is quite steep in parts, so it's considered moderately difficult. The trail meanders through a lush forest before emerging at an overlook with views of the beach below. Then, you'll descend down a path with an elevation change of about 400 feet to reach the beach itself. According to reviews on AllTrails, there are parts of the hike that are somewhat "sketchy" along the cliffs, especially if you're afraid of heights. It's a good idea to come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes, because the path can become quite muddy and slick. The short but challenging scramble is well worth the effort, and you'll be rewarded with unforgettable views.

These days, "Hidden Beach" might be a more fitting name for Secret Beach. It's one of the best stops along the Pacific Coast, and you should expect to see other people. You can visit Secret Beach year round, although it might get chilly in the colder winter months. The best time to visit is between March and October when the weather is at its best. It often rains in Oregon, and the trail is slick when wet. The driest months are late in the summer. The most important thing to keep in mind when planning your visit is the tide schedule. Low tide is the ideal time to visit the beach, as only a small section is accessible during high tide. "EPIC!" Nick Glaze wrote in his AllTrails review. He added that it felt "like Jurassic Park."

If you plan your visit around low tide, there's a ton more to explore. You'll be able to see a small waterfall fed from Miller Creek spilling over the cliffs onto the sandy beach before making its way to the sea. Out at sea, there are multiple large rock formations called sea stacks. You may even be able to spot wildlife like seals and sea otters splashing in the waves and climbing on the rocks. Thunder Rock Cove, a large sea cave, is also visible at low tide. Pack a picnic and spend some time exploring the area while immersing yourself in the beauty of Oregon's wild coastline.