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3.8
12 votes

Secret Beach & Thunder Rock Cove

Brookings, Oregon USA

  • Independent
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“spectacular coastal views & hiking”

Secret Beach is a very small beach located on a trail just south of Spruce Island Viewpoint and north of Thunder Rock Cove. There are two theories as to how this beach got its name. One is that there is not an official parking lot or designation. The other is that the furthest of the three beaches is only accessible during exceptionally low tides and was visited by only a few people each year. The first beach is accessible at any tide. Follow the path down to the parking area, then there is a steep and somewhat challenging climb down a rock, across a small stream to a beach. At low tide, it is possible to head south to a second beach. At a very low tide (-2 ft) there is a tunnel that is open to walk to the second beach. Also, at a low tide, there is a short cave to walk further south to a third beach, which is actually the beach below Thunder Rock Cove. Thunder Rock Cove is a little visited parking area north of Brookings because little is visible from the lot. However, be certain to take the hiking loop out to view the rocks out to Thunder Cove. This section offers some of the most spectacular views that visitors rarely see who do not venture far from their cars. Those who take the short hike are rewarded with views of crashing waves, tiny beaches and inlets as well as a collection of marine birds. The well maintained trail gets right up to the edge, so be certain to watch the children and pets. The trail is a portion of the Pacific Coast Trail. There are two parking lots used to access the beach. The shortest hike is from a small unmarked parking lot between the Spruce Island and Thunder Cove parking lots. Turn off just before a guardrail. Others park at the Thunder Cove parking lot and take the trail to the north. This is a bit longer hike, but the parking lot is easier to find and access.

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Reviewed by
BrandiCarballo

  • 1 Review
  • 13 Helpful
May 20, 2015
Rated 5.0

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.

13 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
jjsonne

  • 2 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
May 09, 2018
Rated

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.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
LoriVaccher

  • 1 Review
  • 1 Helpful
September 12, 2016
Rated 5.0

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

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Joel Schat

  • Photographer
  • 237 Reviews
  • 538 Helpful
May 10, 2014
Rated

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

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
jdmedrano

  • 2 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
June 28, 2022
Rated 5.0

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!

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Reviewed by
roadtripper66486

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
May 23, 2022
Rated 4.0

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.

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Reviewed by
WhitehorseDLD

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
November 20, 2018
Rated

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!

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Reviewed by
jjsonne

  • 2 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
May 22, 2018
Rated

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'!

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Reviewed by
KayleeJones

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
March 25, 2016
Rated 4.0

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

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Reviewed by
eli.chevalier

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
March 18, 2016
Rated 4.0

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.

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Secret Beach & Thunder Rock Cove

Brookings, Oregon
USA
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