One of the most frequently used roadside stopping points along Oregon's southern coast is about to undergo a significant change.
Beginning June 22, visitors heading to Secret Beach and portions of the Oregon Coast Trail will no longer be able to park at a well-known gravel pullout located along U.S. Highway 101 between Brookings and Gold Beach.
While many travelers have come to view the spot as a convenient access point to some of the coast's most stunning scenery, transportation and parks officials say the area was never intended to function as a parking lot in the first place.
The closure affects an undeveloped gravel turnout located near milepost 345.4 inside the breathtaking Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, one of the most photographed stretches of coastline in Oregon.
For years, visitors have shared directions online pointing travelers toward the pullout as a shortcut to Secret Beach, a secluded coastal gem famous for its sea stacks, hidden coves, and dramatic ocean views. As social media posts and travel websites increased the location's visibility, the number of visitors using the turnout steadily grew.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
According to officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, that popularity has created a growing list of problems.
The agencies cite traffic safety concerns, pavement damage, litter, erosion, and environmental impacts as key reasons behind the decision.
Safety concerns have become especially pressing along this section of Highway 101.
Drivers traveling northbound approach the area with limited visibility, making it difficult to react to pedestrians crossing the roadway, vehicles pulling in and out of the gravel area, or cars parked along the shoulder. With traffic moving at highway speeds, officials say the risks have continued to increase as visitation has grown.
The posted speed limit through the area is 55 miles per hour, and local residents, law enforcement, and community leaders have reportedly raised concerns about crashes and near misses occurring near the unofficial access point.
The location presents challenges for more than just motorists.
This stretch of Highway 101 is also part of Oregon's renowned Coast Bike Route, which attracts cyclists from around the world. When vehicles spill onto the shoulder, cyclists can be forced closer to traffic, creating additional safety concerns for everyone using the roadway.
To prevent vehicles from accessing the gravel turnout, transportation crews will extend an existing guardrail near the site. New "No Parking" signs will also be installed along both sides of the highway in the immediate area.
While some visitors may be disappointed by the change, officials emphasize that access to Secret Beach itself is not going away.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department maintains several nearby parking areas and trailheads specifically designed to accommodate visitors safely. These sites provide legal parking and established access to trails throughout the Samuel H. Boardman corridor.
Fortunately, travelers will not need to venture far to find alternative parking.
Nearby state-maintained parking areas include:
Arch Rock
Located at milepost 344.8, roughly six-tenths of a mile north of the closed pullout, Arch Rock offers one of the corridor's most spectacular viewpoints and serves as a convenient starting point for coastal hikes.
Spruce Island
Just four-tenths of a mile north at milepost 345.0, this parking area provides another nearby option for visitors exploring the region.
Thunder Rock Cove
Located four-tenths of a mile south at milepost 345.8, Thunder Rock Cove features dramatic ocean scenery and direct access to portions of the coastal trail system.
Natural Bridges
Situated approximately six-tenths of a mile south at milepost 346, Natural Bridges remains one of the most popular stops within the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor thanks to its iconic rock formations and stunning viewpoints.
Officials encourage visitors to remain flexible when visiting during busy periods. If one parking lot is full, travelers are advised to continue to another nearby designated trailhead rather than attempting to park along the highway shoulder.
As anyone who has explored Oregon's rugged coastline knows, conditions can change quickly. Park officials also remind hikers to check tide schedules before setting out, especially when visiting beaches and coastal trails where ocean conditions can affect accessibility. Carrying water, wearing appropriate footwear, and preparing for changing weather remain important parts of any coastal adventure.
For longtime Oregon coast explorers, the closure marks the end of a parking spot many have used for years. But officials hope the change will ultimately make the area safer while helping protect one of the state's most treasured coastal landscapes.
The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor remains one of Oregon's most remarkable destinations, stretching roughly 12 miles along the southern coast between Brookings and Gold Beach. Its hidden beaches, towering sea stacks, natural bridges, and forested trails continue to draw visitors from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
And while one unofficial parking area may soon disappear, the stunning beauty that makes Secret Beach such a beloved destination isn't going anywhere.
h/t Hivewire Daily
