08/10/2026
This beautiful corridor starts just 10 minutes south of Waters Edge! It is a wonderful drive but even better to get out of your car and hike the paths to see what cannot be seen from the highway!
3 DAYS OF ADVENTURE ALONG THE SAMUEL H. BOARDMAN STATE SCENIC CORRIDOR
Safely visit the picturesque rocky coastline on Oregon's South Coast.
Andrew Collins, Author
August 5, 2022 (Updated June 10, 2026)
One of coastal Oregon’s iconic drives, the 28-mile journey along U.S. 101 from Gold Beach to Brookings in the southwestern corner of the state climbs over breathtaking conifer-shaded headlands and alongside rugged, undeveloped beaches and rocky offshore islands and sea stacks.
The most famous stretch, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor(opens in a new tab), was named for the Oregon State Parks department’s first superintendent, who had proposed the idea of a national park along this stretch of coastline in the 1940s. And although you can get a sense of this 12-mile-long, 1,400-acre linear park’s grandeur through your car window, the best way to experience it is by taking it slow, sometimes driving just a mile or two before taking another hike to another glorious vista.
Just remember, if you go, always stay on designated trails, because unmarked trails — even if you see footprints or evidence that others have used them — are unsafe and damage sensitive cliffside ecosystems. To stay safe on this pristine stretch of coastline:
Don’t climb on natural bridges, sea stacks and other rock formations, as these are extremely dangerous.
Be aware of changing tides(opens in a new tab) while you’re on the beach, so you don’t get stranded.
Never turn your back to the ocean. Sneaker waves(opens in a new tab) are common on this part of the Coast. Avoid logs and small coves or caves that don’t provide quick escapes to higher ground.
Park only in designated spaces in the several parking lots situated throughout the corridor.
Pack out all garbage and pet waste.
Here is an itinerary that covers three days on the less-crowded part of Oregon’s South Coast. To fully appreciate its most memorable vistas, trails and beaches, start in Gold Beach to the north of Boardman, then double back from Brookings after spending the night there.
