Secret Beach & Thunder Rock Cove

I live here and visit Secret Beach a lot. It is my favorite beach, but you can ONLY go at low tide. The hike down is very short, but steep. Most people can handle it, even younger kids. But there is a climb down a rock about 20 feet. All the locals bring our kids and its no problem. There is also a stream to cross. If you take off your shoes and go out by the ocean the water is very shallow and easy to walk through. The caves are pretty cool. We do not call the trail system the "Pacific Coast Trail", we call it the "Oregon Coast Trail". If you do take the hiking trail from the parking lot to the south, which this article describes as "Thunder Rock Cove", the hike is a couple of miles, it is pretty mild and comfortable, but there are some sections where there are steep and dangerous drop offs right at the edge of the trail. I was nervous with my then 7 and 8 year olds on the trail. The main parking for Secret Beach is a non descript, unlabeled pull out on Hwy 101, between mile posts 254 and 255, as you are travelling north on the west side there will be a guardrail. Pull off the road where the guardrail ends and you can park behind it. About 6 cars can fit there.

Upcoming trip! Excited to venture to this location; hoping the minus tide cooperates - have to check that soon. Not sure how the mile marker could be 345 - 346 -- check that closely. As I remember, I-5 mile marker counts end in the lower 300s.
Will report back after trekking to this location. We are 69 & 73, so will let ya know how it goes.

That was a great description except
Its between mile marker 345 & 346.

The viewpoint is gorgeous at sunset. Great time to check out the secret beach as well if you can manage the hike down!

Beautiful, slightly slippery rocks going down but totally worth it for the views! We were unable to go during negative tides sadly. Loved this spot though!

Awesome spot for amble folks. The two separate trails down are a bit slippery and root ridden. For our baby boomer generation walking sticks are advised. Parking can be problematic as it's right near the hwy with no marked parking locations. I'd say this hike isn't suitable for kids under 8. Because of the steepness of the trail itself and the final boulder crossing needed to navigate onto the beach. Our dog loved every part of the Secret Beach adventure. There are two trails that offer different experiences. The southern trail is Jurassic Park beautiful. Huge ferns and better views of small stream & waterfalls. The northern trail is more trodden and less scenic. Both trails end at the steep boulder where my 73 yr old hubby back tracked to our car.

We wanted to get married at Secret Beach in Brookings, but we are riding horses, anyone have any great private places easy to get to on Horseback near Brookings, Smith River would be okay, as long as it's on the Oregon Border, as ours is an Oregon Wedding, just us, and 2 witnesses/ photos and our Minister, Post any pics if available...Enjoy!

Ok - don't ya love it when you are wrong and admit it? My turn!! Went to Secret Beach, off of 101 in Oregon. Previously I was incorrect, otherwise known as wrong about the mile marker where you access the Secret Beach Trail - which is un-marked. The correct mile marker is slightly South of mile marker 345; if you go past Miller Creek, ya went too far. Be aware, it is important to know the mile marker because there is no sign designating the destination. As stated by someone else, you pull in at the guardrail and there is space for about 6 vehicles. Going into that parking area headed in from the N is probably ok. We missed it and had to come back to it -- be sure if you do that, to head in on an angle - we scrapped the bottom of the truck making it into the parking area.
The trail definitely heads DOWN to the coast. When you arrive at the 'rock wall', that is where your climbing expertise comes into play. My expertise is known as 'butt hiking'. There was no way I could hike/walk down those rocks (rock wall) - so on my butt I went - came back up the same way; however, had some mighty sore shoulders/arms the next 2.5 days. It was all more than worth it! Remember to go during a negative tide. I don't have my pictures yet for sharing yet (moved and have super slow internet), but will one day. Do enjoy this hike; I know you will.
I took a pic up at Flattery Point, WA and it was so great, it hung on canvas above the fireplace in my last home. This area gives that location a run for it's money - still don't know which I'm more impressed with -- maybe you view both and decide.
Happy 'butt hiking'!

This was awesome to do, but don't fool yourself into thinking you'll actually get to the beach... Unless you can fly lol

I accidentally did this hike and used a giant piece of sea weed as a whip. Sea weed whips hurt a lot more than regular whips. Beach was nice.