In February of 2025, Cameron and I returned to the Oregon coast—a place that has become something of a second home for us over the years. This marked our fourth trip to this wild and rugged stretch of the Pacific, but this time we pushed farther south than ever before. While our past visits centered around Newport, this journey would take us nearly to the California border, basing ourselves in the town of Gold Beach.
Several hikes and beaches in this southern section of the coast had been on my list for years. We chose winter intentionally, hoping for dramatic skies, rough seas, and the kind of moody atmosphere that turns already epic landscapes into something unforgettable.
We flew into Portland late at night and had a long drive ahead of us. To break it up, we spent the first night in Eugene. The following morning, after grabbing some great coffee and food, we turned west and made our way out to the coast. As soon as we hit Highway 101, it was clear we were in for something special. Much of this route was new to us, and the further south we went, the more untouched and spectacular it felt.
Gold Beach and the Southern Coastline
Gold Beach turned out to be the perfect base. The town had everything we needed, including some surprisingly great food. We kicked things off with a visit to Woggy’s, a local food truck known for its fresh fish and chips—it didn’t disappoint. Later in the week, we tried Indian Creek Café, a charming riverside spot with hearty breakfast fare and views of the water. With a full kitchen in our hotel suite, we also prepared a number of meals ourselves, which was a nice change of pace.
Just south of Gold Beach lies the stunning Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch of dramatic coastline marked by sea stacks, natural bridges, deep coves, and rugged cliffside trails. It’s one of Oregon’s crown jewels and a dream for landscape photographers. Other notable locations in the area include Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, Thunder Rock Cove (sometimes referred to as Thunder Cove), the Miner Creek Culuch (a steep, lesser-known descent to the shore), and the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which protects critical offshore rock habitats. The trails here are often short but steep, leading either down to the shoreline or to panoramic overlooks above the Pacific. Every hike feels like an adventure, and each one pays off in a big way.
We hiked many of these trails during the day to scout for light and returned later for sunset or sunrise. Most require navigating narrow forested paths, slick with mud and roots, and then making the challenging climb back up in the fading light. But the effort is worth it—this area is one of the most visually arresting stretches of coastline in the country.
Exploring Thunder Rock Cove and Ariya’s Beach
Once we got settled in town, we made our way to Thunder Rock Cove. The hike down through coastal forest was magical—thick with moss, towering spruce, and the constant sound of waves in the distance. We explored every trail spur, checking out the various overlooks before settling on the perfect spot to return to for sunrise. Knowing we’d have to make the hike in the dark, we paid close attention to the path and its twists.
That evening, we headed north up the 101 to catch sunset at Ariya’s Beach, a lesser-known stretch of sand dotted with dramatic sea stacks. We parked at the southern lot, climbed the dunes, and walked up the beach, exploring tide pools and boulders as the light began to fade. It was a peaceful evening, though photographically a bit tame—clear skies and an incoming tide didn’t quite give the conditions we were hoping for.
Sunrise at Thunder Rock Cove
The next morning, we returned to Thunder Rock Cove well before dawn. Hiking down in the dark was an experience in itself, but we were rewarded with a stunning sunrise. Though the view faced mostly south and west, the sky came alive with color. I was able to make a beautiful image—one of my favorites from the trip. Afterward, we stopped back at Indian Creek Café for breakfast, which sits along a peaceful river beside a small campground. It’s the kind of spot you could easily spend a few days just relaxing.
Secret Beach at Sunset
Later that day, we explored more trails along the 101 and made our way as far south as Brookings, where we checked out Harris Beach State Park—another incredible location that we’d return to (unsuccessfully) for sunrise the next morning.
That evening, we hiked down to Secret Beach, one of the most iconic and mysterious locations on the coast. Despite its popularity, it still feels hidden, thanks to a steep and poorly marked trail through dense forest. Once you reach the bottom, you’re greeted with a secluded cove framed by towering sea stacks and cliffs, with waves that crash and churn endlessly. The ground was slick with recent rain, and the rocks were treacherous. I found one stable vantage point and set up my tripod, but getting to and from it felt like a real feat. Still, the setting was magical—this beach deserves its reputation.
A Trip into the Redwoods
The following morning, we tried to return to Harris Beach for sunrise, but the park gates were locked. We quickly adjusted our plan and drove north again, checking out a few other coastal overlooks. However, it became clear that heavy cloud cover was going to dominate the sky—beautiful in its own way, but not the light we’d hoped for.
With rain in the forecast all day, we decided to take a detour into Northern California’s Redwoods. We visited Jedediah Smith Redwoods State and National Park, which sits at the northernmost edge of the Redwood park system. Although we’d been to the Redwoods before, we had never made it this far north. The old-growth groves here are otherworldly—massive trees soaring hundreds of feet above, filtered light, ferns carpeting the forest floor. Several of the trailheads are accessed by long dirt roads that hug the curves of the Smith River, whose waters run a brilliant blue-green. We followed one of these routes for miles, stopping to hike multiple groves along the way. Even the drive itself felt like part of the experience.
Final Sunset in the Rain
We returned to Gold Beach just as a heavy rainstorm rolled in. Decked out in full rain gear, we headed out one last time for sunset. The skies were dark, the wind was whipping, and the beach was nearly empty. I didn’t make any portfolio-worthy images that night, but I wouldn’t have traded that moment for anything—it felt like a fitting end to the trip.
Unfortunately, with the first day lost to travel and the trip already short, our time had run out. The next morning, we made the long, rainy drive back to Portland, boarded our flight, and headed home.
