The Oregon Beach With A Secret Sea Cave, Tide Pools, And A Chance To Spot Whales

Oregon is a state that seemingly has it all. From deep forests, high deserts, and volcanic peaks to the coziest college town in the country, this Pacific Northwestern state is a magnet for those who appreciate local culture and the great outdoors. Portland is also a dynamic city that should be on every foodie's bucket list, and the nearby Willamette Valley is a rich, underrated wine region worthy of exploration.

You could argue, however, that Oregon shines brightest on the coast. After all, the Beaver State boasts 362 miles of beaches, cliffs, and hidden coves, all facing out toward the surging mass of the Pacific Ocean. These offer endless opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, beachcombing, and other activities that embrace the ocean's goodness. One of the best places to experience this all is the appropriately-named Neptune Beach. 

This undeveloped beach on the central coast near the cool town of Yachats isn't going to win any awards for sun splashed splendor. Still, it delivers in other ways — such as wildlife spotting and rock hunting — and is representative of the kind of natural beaches found throughout the region, which often possess a windswept, forlorn, rugged beauty of their own.  

Neptune Beach is part of the Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint, which is made up of four pull-offs on Highway 101, Oregon's main coastal route. The beach is bisected into northern and southern sections by Cummings Creek, and the viewpoint above — which includes benches and picnic tables — offers arresting vistas of the shoreline and rolling waves. It's also a prime spot to watch for whales (especially in the summer and fall) and also catch a glimpse of other wildlife such as sea lions, deer, and a variety of bird species.

The beach is a wild stretch of rock, pebbles, and sand, which means that it's more of a place to unwind while soaking up the unspoiled surroundings than the kind of spot where you lay out in the sun all day (it's also windy and cloudy most of the time). It's especially known for its tidepools that become exposed when the water goes out, where you can spy all sorts of marine creatures, including starfish, crabs, and sea anemones. The low tide also reveals a sea cave that you can explore –– just take care descending the path and steep staircase to the beach, and also make sure to exercise caution when walking over the craggy volcanic stones that make up the beach's bedrock.

The array of semi-precious stones found at Neptune Beach makes it a magnet for rockhounds. The area around Cummings Creek is known for its colorful agates, as well as jasper, sea glass, and petrified wood — especially after storms. However, the beach lies within the boundaries of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, which means you need a permit to collect any kind of vertebrate fossils. Fishing, seaweed gathering, or the harvesting of any marine creatures is also prohibited.

Just a little over three miles up the road from Neptune Beach is the cool seaside town of Yachats (pronounced "YAH-hots"). Dubbed "The Gem of the Oregon Coast," this settlement of around 1,000 people is surrounded by the verdant, raw beauty of the Siuslaw National Forest and Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.

Nature is right at your doorstep in Yachats, so make sure to take a stroll along the 804 Trail — an easy 1.7-mile, out-and-back jaunt that takes you right along the gorgeous coastline — and don't miss Thor's Well. This massive sinkhole swallows all of the seawater around it in a dramatic fashion. Just be sure to keep your distance, as it's over 20 feet deep and is prone to ocean sprays and sneaker waves, which means it's as dangerous as it is gorgeous.

For such a small place, Yachats punches well above its weight when it comes to eating and drinking. Swing by the Green Salmon Coffee Company for a great cup of joe and vegan fare, dive into some fresh seafood at Luna Sea Fish House, or knock back a pint of local craft beer while gazing out onto the bay at the Yachats Underground Pub & Grub. For more of Oregon's deep natural splendor, check out this scenic road trip.